Matthew 18:17

📜 CHURCH
ekklēsia (ek-klay-see'-ah)
From a compound of G1537 and a derivative of G2564; a calling out, that is, (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (Jewish synagogue, or Christian community of members on earth or saints in heaven or both): - assembly, church.

In Greek, ekklēsía refers to an assembly of citizens gathered for civic purposes. In the New Testament, it became a term for the Christian community. While leaders like elders or overseers were part of the church, the word itself refers to the entire congregation, the collective body of believers, including all members of the Christian community, not just the leaders.

Matthew 18:15-17 – Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.

This passage addresses conflict resolution within the church, focusing on how to handle a brother who sins against you and the process for resolving it, escalating from a private conversation to a church-wide matter if necessary. It emphasizes community discipline and accountability rather than authority transfer or succession, indicating that issues should be brought before the entire body of believers, not just the leadership.

There is no indication here of authority being passed from apostles to successors or a directive for an unbroken chain of leadership succession.

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Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.

- The Christian King