Assembly

 •  1 min. read  •  grade level: 9
 
This word is generally translated “church,” and may include any concourse of people, as in Acts 19:4141And when he had thus spoken, he dismissed the assembly. (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. 16:1818And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. (Matthew 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. 12:1313For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. (1 Corinthians 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 10:4444While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. (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.