In previous studies we have seen the importance of the ecclesia in the Old Testament, established on the day of the assembly before mount Sinai. It was this ecclesia that had instituted principles upon which Christ's ecclesia would be built. As we have also considered, at times the whole ecclesia would be involved and be pleased with an important decision concerning matters of faith and worship.
If you are a Christadelphian, I am sure you have had one of those times where you have told an interested friend you attend a Christadelphian church. It is that word "church" that can make us pause as we say it. As Christadelphians we have been conditioned to use the Greek word "ecclesia" in place of the world "church". But it is hard to explain, so the word "church" is used as to not create confusion. That is understandable. In fact, some Christadelphians have taken that a step further and identify themselves as a "church" on their signage and online. I am not comfortable with that.
There are four times in scripture that it says the whole ecclesia was pleased with a decision or action. Two in the New Testament and two in the Old Testament. It is a phrase which ties the New Testament ecclesia with the Old Testament ecclesia in principle and practice.
The main purpose of the gospel records furnishes us with how Jesus overcame temptation and sin to ultimately “save his people from their sins” (Matt. 1:21). Besides that, Jesus gives us vignettes of a time afterwards where many people would come to believe and be saved through the words of the Apostles (John 17:20-21). Yet, even in this it would be the Lord Jesus who would work through his believers (John 10:16). The principle verse in this regards is Matthew 16:18,
