So then, some were shouting one thing and some another, for the assembly was in confusion and the majority did not know for what reason they had come together. Acts 19:32 (NASB)
In Ephesus, those who made their living selling shrines of idol gods had provoked a riot against Apostle Paul and the Christians, because they were preaching against idol gods and causing these craftsmen to lose lots of money.
Led by a silversmith named Demetrius they caused outrage among the citizens by claiming that the temple of the great goddess Dianna, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient world, would become worthless. The city was filled with confusion as many rushed and assembled in the theater to express their frustration.
Oddly enough the Greek word used to describe this public assembly is ekklesia, which is translated “the church”. It does not necessarily refer to a religious gathering. It was used in a political sense for public meetings.
If we’re not careful we will become no more than a partisan assembly filled with varying opinions expressive of criticism towards any program that does not promote our personal agenda or that we did not personally endorse.
Let’s s not lose sight of why we assemble together.
Church marks a time of reflection and acknowledgment of Jesus Christ as Lord. It’s also a time to enjoy the fellowship and camaraderie of other believers.
The Bible commands we go to church, so we do it. Hebrews 10:25 admonishes us to “not [forsake] the assembling of ourselves together,” meaning that we should often afford ourselves the opportunity to join with other Christian men and women.
Thank God the church is the House of God, which He loves and will present her to Himself blameless in all her glory (Ephesians 5:25-27).
“For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” Matthew 18:20, KJV