The Greek word for “church” is ecclesia meaning “the called out ones.” It always refers to people—never buildings. In the entire Bible, ecclesia is not used
even on time to refer to a building. In fact, there is no historical evidence that a church “building’ even existed until 235 A.D. The Scripture says, “Howbeit the
most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands” (Acts 7:48); “Know you not that ye are the temple of God” (I Corinthians 3:16). Today God dwells in
human temples, not those made of concrete and steel. Throughout the Bible, the Church, ecclesia, is always people.
In the New Testament, ecclesia is used three different ways. It refers to the Church universal (Ephesians 1:22), to the church in a particular city
(I Thessalonians 1:1), and to the church in a HOME (Romans 16:5). The idea of a church meeting in a private home is a new concept to the 20th century
apostolic movement; yet is was the method the apostles used to disciple the thousands of converts they made during the first decades of the New
Testament period.
For example, immediately after Pentecost, we find the apostles out “braking bread from HOUSE TO HOUSE . . . and the Lord added to the church daily
such as should be saved” (Acts 2:46-47). From the very beginning there was a Church, but there was not a “church building.” God could have allowed the
apostles to take over the temple completely if His plan had been for the Church to meet exclusively in a large centralized hall; but that was not His plan. He
wanted His ministers out on the streets and in the communities, touching the lives of people where they lived.
Further evidence of this plan can be derived from the phrase “from house to house.” It is translated from the Greek term kat’ oikon, which can also be r
endered “various private homes.” The same phrase is used in Acts 5:42: “Daily in the temple, and IN EVERY HOUSE (various private homes), they
ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.” The apostles met with the people both in the temple and in various private homes; both dimensions of
ministry were necessary to achieve true fellowship. Today’s Church needs to become a community of believers who are intimately involved in sharing
each other’s burdens, but this will require fellowship both as a unified body in centralized buildings and as small groups in private homes.
The Bible contains many other references to meetings taking place in private homes. For example, because of Peter’s boldness he was thrown into jail.
When an angel delivered him in response to the prayers of the saints, “he came to the HOUSE of Mary . . . where many were gathered together praying”
(Acts 12:12). Later, when God extended salvation to the Gentiles, it all began in the HOUSE of Cornelius (Acts 10:22).
Following these events, the Church prospered and grew through the ministry of the apostles in various private houses throughout the gentile world. Paul,
for example, taught the saints at Troas “in the UPPER CHAMBER [part of a home], where they were gathered together” (Acts 20:8). He also told the
elders of the church at Ephesus that he had taught them both publicly “and from HOUSE TO HOUSE [various private homes]” (Acts 20:20). When Paul
arrived in Rome, “there came many to him into his LODGING; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning
Jesus . . . from morning till evening” (Acts 28:23).
Naturally a man’s home is a very private and personal place; the most intimate moments of family life take place there. Knowing that the most
meaningful fellowship could not be achieved in a public meeting place, the Lord ordained that His people also enjoy fellowship within each others’
homes. The home environment is unthreatening and comfortable—the ideal situation for the intimate personal ministry of Jesus Christ.
The concept of home ministry is found throughout Paul’s epistles. For example, Romans 16:3-5 indicates the Aquila and Priscilla, his fellow laborers
form Corinth, ended up back in Rome with a CARE Fellowship Meeting in their home. Paul later wrote from Rome to the Corinthians saying, “Aquila
and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with THE CHURCH THAT IS IN THEIR HOUSE” (I Corinthians 16:19). Also, in his greeting to Philemon, Paul
wrote, “To the church in thy HOUSE” (Philemon 1:2). And in his final greetings to the Colossians, Paul wrote, “Salute . . . Nymphas, and THE CHURCH
WHICH IS IN HIS HOUSE” (Colossians 4:15).
Finally, the Book of Acts itself, which is our record of the original Apostolic Church, begins with such dramatic events as the ascension of Christ and
the outpouring of the Spirit, and concludes with the Apostle Paul holding a CARE meeting in his home. These words conclude the Book of Acts”
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. Acts 28:30-31
Paul understood the apostolic blueprint, and he used it throughout his ministry.