Dictionary of Biblical Words:
This word is generally translated “church,” and may include any concourse of people, as in Acts 19:41, and vil. 38; but usually refers to a particular assembly, called the ASSEMBLY OF GOD. This assembly Christ spoke of building (Matt. 16:18), showing it was then still future. It is called His body (Eph. 1:22-3), and all Christians are said to be baptized into it by the Spirit (1 Cor. 12:13). This first took place in Acts 1, at the close of which chapter we first find the ASSEMBLY spoken of as existing in the earth. It then consisted of Jews only, but very soon included Gentiles (Acts 10:44). The truth about the ASSEMBLY was in grace specially revealed to Paul (who was its chief persecutor). It is largely spoken of in 1 Cor. and Eph.
Boyd’s Bible Dictionary:
(collected together). Biblically, the Hebrew nationality (Num. 15:15). Generally, collected Jewry (Ex. 12:19). A popular assembly (Acts 19:32,39,41). A religious assembly, or church (Acts 7:38).
Concise Bible Dictionary:
The term is constantly applied in the Old Testament to the community of Israel, and also to the actual assembling together of the people according to the unity of the congregation. Every descendant of the twelve tribes formed a part of that community. Those of other nations were received into the congregation on becoming PROSELYTES. The Ammonite and the Moabite were forbidden ever to come into the congregation of Jehovah, and there were a few other restrictions (Deut. 23:1-4). For various offenses an Israelite was cut off from the congregation (Exod. 12:19; Num. 9:13). See EXCOMMUNICATION.
Strong’s Dictionary of Hebrew Words:
KJV Usage:
assembly, congregation