CHURCH AS A HOUSEHOLD

 

The Greek word ekklesia can be defined as: call out, call out from, gather, gathering, assemble, assembly, congregation

In the Greek culture, in a city-state, the citizenship was called out to gather together in order to transact the business of the city.  In like manner the believers are “called out” to gather in order to transact the business of the Kingdom of God. 

Thus the ekklesia “gathered” (assembled) is to equip the saints and be “dispersed” (sent out) to accomplish the work of the Kingdom.

The Old Testament lays the groundwork and foundation upon which the New Testament builds as seen in the Scriptures below.

 

OLD TESTAMENT

Hebrew

bayith  house, household

Genesis 7:1 “And the Lord said unto Noah, Come thou and all thy house into the ark; for thee have I seen righteous before me in this generation.”

Genesis 12:1 “Now the Lord had said unto Abraham, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee.”

Exodus 1:1 “Now these are the names of the children of Israel, which came into Egypt: every man and his household came with Jacob.”

Exodus 12:4, 7-8, 13 “And if the household be too little for the lamb, let him and his neighbor next to his house take it according to the number of the souls; every man according to his eating shall make your count for the lamb.  And they shall take of the blood, and strike it on the two side posts and on the upper door post of the houses, wherein they shall eat it.  And they shall eat the flesh in that night, roast with fire, and unleavened bread; and with bitter herbs they shall eat it.  And the blood shall be to you upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt.”

Leviticus 16:17 “And there shall be no man in the tabernacle of the congregation when he goeth in to make an atonement in the holy place, until he come out, and have made an atonement for himself, and for his household, and for all the congregation of Israel.”

Numbers 18:31 “And ye shall eat it in every place, ye and your households: for it is your reward for your service in the tabernacle of the congregation.”

Deuteronomy 15:20 “Thou shalt eat it before the Lord thy God year by year in the place the Lord shall choose, thou and thy household.”

Joshua 24:15 “And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

II Samuel 2:3 “And his men that were with him did David bring up, every man with his household: and they dwelt in the cities of Hebron.”

II Samuel 6:11 “And the ark of the Lord continued in the house Obededom the Gitite three months: and the Lord blessed Obededom, and all his household.”

II Samuel 6:20 “Then David returned to bless his household.” 

Job 1:3 “His (Job) substance also was seven thousand sheep, and three thousand camels, and five hundred yoke of oxen, and five hundred she asses, and a very great household; so that this man was the greatest of all the men of the east.”

Job 42:11-12a “Then came there unto him all his brethren, and all his sisters, and all they that had been of his acquaintance before, and did eat bread with him in his house: and they bemoaned him, and comforted him over all the evil that the Lord had brought upon him: every man also gave a piece of money, and everyone an earring of gold.  So the Lord blessed the latter end of Job more than this beginning:”

Psalm 127:1 “Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.”

Proverbs 12:7 “The wicked are overthrown, and are not: but the house of the righteous shall stand.”

Proverbs 31:27 “She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.”

 

NEW TESTAMENT

Greek

oikos  house, household, belonging to the house

Mark 2:11 “Jesus: I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house.”

Mark 9:28 “And when he (Jesus) was come into the house, his disciples asked him privately, Why could not we cast him out?”

Luke 1:39-41 “And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, in the city of Judah; and entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth.  And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit:”

Luke 14:1 “And it came to pass, as he (Jesus) went into the house of one of the chief Pharisees to eat bread on the Sabbath day, that they watch him.”

Luke 19:5, 9 “And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste and come down; for today I must abide at thy house.  And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, for so much as he also is a son of Abraham.”

John 11:20 “Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him: but Mary sat still in the house.”

Acts 2:2 “And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.”

Acts 16:14-15 “And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul.  And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there.  And she constrained us.”

Acts 16:31 “And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.”

Acts 18:8 “And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized.”

Acts 21:8 “And the next day we that were of Paul’s company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him.”

Romans 16:5 “Likewise greet the church that is in their house.  Salute my well beloved Epaenetus, who is the first-fruits of Achaia unto Christ.”

Romans 16:10 “Salute Apelles approved in Christ.  Salute them which are of Aristobulus household.”

Romans 16:11 “Salute Herodion my kinsman.  Greet them that be of the household of Narcisus, which are in the Lord.”

Romans 16:14 “Salute Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes, and the brethren which are with them.”

Romans 16:15 “Salute Philolgus, and Julia, Nereus, and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints which are with them.”

Romans 16:23 “Gaius mine host, and of the whole church, saluteth you.  Erastus the chamberlain of the city saluteth you, and Quartus a brother.”

I Corinthians 1:16 “And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other.”

I Corinthians 16:19 “The churches of Asia salute you.  Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.”

Colossians 4:15 “Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house.”

I Timothy 3:4-5 “One (overseer) that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection withal gravity; For if a man know not how to rule his own house, shall he take care of the church of God?”

I Timothy 3:12 “Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.”

II Timothy 1:16 “The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain:”

II Timothy 4:19 “Salute Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus.”

Titus 1:11 “Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre’s sake.”

Philemon 2 “And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church in thy house;”

Hebrews 3:6 “But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.”

Hebrews 11:7 “By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.”

I Peter 2:5 “Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.”

oikia  house, household, family, retainers

Matthew 2:11 “And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.”

Matthew 8:14 “And when Jesus was come into Peter’s house, he saw his wife’s mother laid, and sick of a fever.”

Matthew 9:10 “And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples.”

Matthew 9:23-24 “And when Jesus came into the ruler’s house, and saw the minstrels and the people making a noise, he said unto them, Give place: for the maid is not dead, but sleepeth.  And they laugh him to scorn.”

Matthew 9:28-29 “And when he was come into the house, the blind men came to him: and Jesus saith unto them, Believe ye that I am able to do this?  They said unto him, Yea, Lord.  Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you.”

Matthew 10:12-14 “And when ye come into an house, salute it.  And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you.  And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.”

Matthew 13:1 “The same day went Jesus out of the house, and sat by the sea side.”

Matthew 13:36 “Then Jesus sent the multitude away, and went into the house: and his disciples came unto him, saying, Declare unto us the parable of the tares of the field.”

Matthew 17:25 “He saith, Yes.  And when he was come into the house, Jesus prevented him, saying, What thinkest thou, Simon (Peter)?  Of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute?  Of their own children, or of strangers?”

Matthew 26:6 “Now when Jesus was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper, there came unto him a woman having an alabaster box of very precious ointment, and poured it on his head, as he sat at meat.”

Mark 2:15 “And it came to pass, that, as Jesus sat at meat in his (Levi) house, many publicans and sinners sat also together with Jesus and his disciples: for there were many, and they followed him.”

Mark 7:24 “And from thence he arose, and went into the borders of Tyre and Sidon, and entered into an house, and would have no man know it: but he could not be hid.”

Mark 9:33 “And he came to Capernaum: and being in the house he asked them, What was it that ye disputed among yourselves by the way?”

Mark 10:10 “And in the house his disciples asked him again of the same matter.”

Luke 4:38 “And Jesus arose out of the synagogue, and entered into Simon’s (Peter) house.  And Simons’ wife’s mother was taken with a great fever; and they besought him for her.”

Luke 5:29 “And Levi made him a great feast in his own house: and there was a great company of publicans and of others that sat down with them.”

Luke 7:36-37, 44 “And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him.  And he went into the Pharisee’s house, and sat down to meat.  And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster box of ointment.  And Jesus turned to the woman and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman?  I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head.”

Luke 8:51 “And when he came into the house, he suffered no man to go in, save Peter, and James, and John, and the father and the mother of the maiden.”

Luke 9:4 “And whatsoever house ye enter into, there abide, and thence depart.”

Luke 10:5, 7 “And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house.  And the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the laborer is worthy of his hire.  Go not from house to house.”

Luke 15:25 “Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard music and dancing.”

Luke 22:10-14f “And he said unto them, Behold, when ye are entered into the city, there shall a man meet you, bearing a pitcher of water; follow him into the house where he entereth in.  And ye shall say unto the good man of the house, The Master saith unto thee, Where is the guest chamber where I shall eat the Passover with my disciples?  And he shall shew you a large upper room furnished: there make ready.  And they went, and found as he had said unto them: and they made ready the Passover.  And when the hour was come, Jesus sat down, and the twelve apostles with him.  And he said unto them, With desire I have desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer:”

John 11:31 “The Jews then which were with her in the house, and comforted her, when they saw Mary, that she rose up hastily and went out, followed her, saying, She goeth unto the grave to weep there.”

John 12:3 “Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odor of the ointment.”

Acts 4:34 “Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold.”

Acts 9:11 “And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth.”

Acts 9:17 “And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house: and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath set me, that thou mightiest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”

Acts 10:6, 17, 32 “He (Peter) lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do.  Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made inquiry for Simon’s house, and stood before the gate.  Send thou to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee.”

Acts 11:11 “And, behold, immediately there were three men already come unto the house where I was, sent from Caesarea unto me.”

Acts 12:12 “And when he (Peter) considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where may were gathered together praying.”

Acts 16:32 “And they (Paul & Silas) spake unto him (jailer) the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house.” 

Acts 17:5 “And the Jews which believed not, moved with envy, took unto them certain lewd fellows of the baser sort, and gathered a company, and set all the city on an uproar, and assaulted the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people.”

Acts 18:7 “And he (Paul) departed thence, and entered into a certain man’s house, name Justus, one that worshipped God, whose house joined hard to the synagogue.”

I Corinthians 16:15 “I beseech you, brethren, ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the first fruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints.”

Philippines 4:22 “All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of Caesar’s household.”

II Timothy 3:6 “For this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts.”

II John 10 “If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him god speed:”

oikon  from house to house, every house

Acts 2:46-47 “And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, praising God, and having favor with all the people.  And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.”

Acts 5:42 “And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.”

Acts 8:3-4 “As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison.  Therefore they that were scattered abroad went everywhere preaching the word.”

Acts 20:20 “And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publicly, and from house to house.”

oikod to be a house ruler

I Timothy 5:14 “I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully.”

oikeios  belonging to the house

Galatians 6:10 “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.”

Ephesians 2:19 “Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God;”

I Timothy 5:8 “But if any (elder) provide not for his own, and especially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.”

oikiakos  belonging to the house, household

Matthew 10:25 “It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord.  If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household?”

Matthew 10:36 “A man’s foes shall be thy of his own household.”

therapeia  service, household

Matthew 24:45 “Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season?”

Luke 12:42 “And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season?”

panoika with all his household

Acts 16:34 “And when he (Jailer) had brought them (Paul and Silas) into his house (oikos), he set meat before them and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house (panoika).”

oikias  the houses

I Timothy 5:13 “And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not.”

oiketes  household servant, domestic

Acts 10:7 “And when the angel which spake unto Cornelius was departed, he called two of his household servants, and a devout soldier of them that waited on him continually;”

misthoma  what is hired, hired house, rented house

Acts 28:30-31 “And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him, preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern  the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.”

autos all of them

Acts 16:33 “And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.”

panoiki with all his household

Acts 16:34 “And when he had brought them into his house (oikos), he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house.”

se with thee

Matthew 26:18 “And Jesus said, go into the city to such a man, and say unto him, The Master saith, My time is at hand; I will keep the Passover at thy house with my disciples.”

 

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