House Church Talk - "church in the house"

[David Anderson]

   Hi all,

It does not appear to me that the word "church" had the institutional 
connotations in the beginning which it does today. In fact, the angry mob 
described in the book of Acts is referred to as a "church" by the usual 
word, ekkleesia. Chapter 19, I believe.

Might the apostles have used the phrase "church in one's house" simply to 
describe a Christian home, referring to the saints therein who naturally 
would assemble in the Lord's name? Homes then included servants and 
possibly some relatives. Thus the word "majordomo" which was, btw, the 
name of the list software we just ditched. Can you say: nomodomo? If you 
can repeat it 10 times without stuttering, let us know - there may be a 
prize for you.

Anyhow, help me test this theory, please. Remember, the early records are 
silent about churches being started, planted, birthed, hatched, etc. 
Saints simply met AS the church, i.e. the Lord's assembly.

   David Anderson