The Gospel of Matthew is the only one among the four canonical Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—to specifically use the word "church." This term appears exclusively within its pages, highlighting a unique emphasis on the burgeoning Christian community.
Matthew's Unique Usage
Within the entire collection of the four gospels, the word "church" (from the Greek ekklesia, meaning "assembly" or "gathering") appears exclusively in the Gospel of Matthew. This is a significant detail, as it points to Matthew's particular theological focus on the establishment and nature of the early Christian community.
The word "church" appears in two distinct passages in Matthew:
- Matthew 16:18: In this pivotal verse, Jesus makes a declaration to Peter, stating, "And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." This statement is foundational for understanding the origin and divine commissioning of the Christian assembly.
- Matthew 18:17: Here, Jesus provides instructions on how to handle disputes within the community, advising, "If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector." This passage demonstrates the practical role and authority of the "church" in maintaining order and fellowship among believers.
These two instances underscore Matthew's concern with the structure, authority, and communal life of Jesus' followers. While the other Gospels depict the formation of a community around Jesus, Matthew is the only one to explicitly name this emerging group as the "church."
The Gospels and the Term "Church"
The absence of the term "church" in Mark, Luke, and John does not mean these Gospels ignore the concept of a gathered community of believers. Instead, it reflects their different literary purposes, theological emphases, and intended audiences. Matthew, often seen as a Gospel for a Jewish-Christian audience, emphasizes the continuity of God's plan through Jesus and the establishment of a new covenant community, hence the explicit use of ekklesia.
Here's a quick overview of how the Gospels treat the term:
| Gospel | Mentions "Church" (ἐκκλησία)? |
|---|---|
| Matthew | Yes (twice) |
| Mark | No |
| Luke | No |
| John | No |
Understanding Ekklesia
The Greek word ekklesia pre-dates Christianity and was commonly used in the Greco-Roman world to refer to a formal assembly of citizens called out for a specific purpose, such as a legislative body. In the context of the New Testament, particularly in Matthew, Jesus repurposes this term to describe the community of his followers—a divinely established assembly called out by God for His purposes. This community is foundational to the New Testament's understanding of believers gathered together. For further study on the term ekklesia, you can refer to reputable biblical lexicons and study tools such as Blue Letter Bible.
