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THE FIRST CENTURY ECCLESIA

ECCLESIAL UNITY. THE FIRST CENTURY ECCLESIA. Unity despite diversity. Differing language and racial groups in the same ecclesia Different cultures Differing social classes and occupations – Everyone from Cesar's household to soldiers to slaves to slave owners

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THE FIRST CENTURY ECCLESIA

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  1. ECCLESIAL UNITY THE FIRST CENTURY ECCLESIA

  2. Unity despite diversity • Differing language and racial groups in the same ecclesia • Different cultures • Differing social classes and occupations – Everyone from Cesar's household to soldiers to slaves to slave owners • Differing religious beliefs and values prior to accepting Christ

  3. Outward focus • The focus of the ecclesia was outward (on others) – Prayers, preaching, meeting together in public etc. • These activities united individuals from many different backgrounds • An ecclesia that is too inward focussed is more likely to suffer from disunity

  4. Unity despite diversity • Awareness of the needs of different groups within the ecclesia was required (Acts 6) • No record of ecclesias splitting along language or racial lines • “There is neither Jew nor Greek, male nor female; we are all one in Christ Jesus (Gal 3:27-29)

  5. First Century problems Like all ecclesias the first century ecclesia did have problems. • Widows in the Jerusalem ecclesia felt neglected (Acts 6) • The “Jerusalem Conference” (Acts 15) • Doctrinal problems (1 Timothy 1:19) • Personal problems between individuals (Philippians 4:2) • Individuals seeking prominent positions (3 John 9)

  6. Dealing with problems – The first century example • Paul withstood Peter to his face (don't talk about people behind their back) – See Matthew 16 • The ecclesia were called together (Acts 6) • The ecclesia chose men... (Acts 6) • A conference called (Acts 15) i.e. decision wasn't made by just a few individuals • Listened to all points of view then made a collective decision (Acts 15)

  7. The first century example ACTS 1 • Problem – A new apostle was needed to replace Judas • Solution – ALL who were present prayed, asking God to guide their decision (v23) ACTS 6 • Problem – Murmuring amongst the Grecians • Solution – The apostles called THE ECCLESIA together immediately (v2) problems have to be addressed before they grow. THE ECCLESIA (all who were present) made a decision after praying to God (v3,5) ACTS 15 • Problem – Between ecclesias over a doctrinal matter • Solution – ALL those present made the decision (v2) The discussion was kept positive (v3, 11)

  8. Discussion One of the key words in book of Acts is the phrase “one accord” - look up the places this occurs in the book and what it meant in the Greek language. What does it tell us about unity in the ecclesia? You will find this phrase 12 times in the book, the first is in chapter 1:14

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