The Background of ἐκκλησία Revisited. (December 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Beale, G.K.
• Is Part Of: Journal for the study of the New Testament. Volume 38:Number 2(2015:Dec.)
• Page Start: 151
• Page End: 168
• Publication Date: 2015-12
• Subjects: Septuagint -- assembly/church (ἐκκλησία) -- Greco-Roman background -- Jewish background/Philo; 225.605
• DOI: 10.1177/0142064X15609206
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0142-064X

Abstract

There has been recent debate about the background and origins for Paul's use of the word ἐκκλησία: is it to be understood primarily against an LXX or Greco-Roman background? This article is an attempt to present further evidence that there is, indeed, a clear Septuagint background for Paul's use, especially his multiple uses of 'church [assembly] of God' (ἐκκλησία τοῦ θεοῦ). Significant parallels occur in Philo's writings, which provide a precedent for Paul's use. This does not mean that there is no Greco-Roman influence on Paul's use of the phrase, although the limits of the study allow only a relatively brief exploration of this possible background.