The answer will be based on the Bible (Sola Scriptura) and, specifically, on the context of early Christianity as described in the Acts of the Apostles and the diferent letters written by Christ’s apostles and disciples found in the New Testament—or the Christian Greek Scriptures. The word « congregation » is used on this Bible-teaching site; however, there are other synonyms, such as church, assembly, community, or religious group.
Chapters 2 and 3 of the Book of Revelation contain seven messages from Jesus Christ to seven congregations or churches. The words « church » and « congregation » derive from the Greek word « ekklesia » (G1577, Strong’s Concordance), which simply means an assembly or church. The point—a simple one, as this definition from the Greek text illustrates—is that, according to the Bible, a church refers exclusively to a group of people, not to the architectural structure where that group might meet. For instance, within major Christian denominations—Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant—the word « church » is generally associated with a physical building, such as a cathedral, a small church, a chapel, or a temple. In the context of chapters 2 and 3, Jesus Christ addresses an « angel » responsible for the congregation in question. The messages discuss the qualities and shortcomings of these congregations, clearly demonstrating that the reference is to a community of Christ’s disciples (rather than a building).
When does a group of Christ’s disciples biblically become a congregation? Here is what Jesus Christ said: « For where there are two or three gathered together in my name, there I am in their midst » (Matthew 18:20). Thus, from Jesus Christ’s perspective, a group of two or three people gathered in his name constitutes a congregation. For example, in countries where Christ’s disciples face violent persecution, they cannot gather in large numbers for the sake of safety. In such cases, congregations may consist of just a single family or an extended family meeting in a private home. They apply Christ’s counsel: « Look! I am sending you out as sheep among wolves; so prove yourselves cautious as serpents and yet innocent as doves » (Matthew 10:16). Of course, Christian congregations can also be a larger number of disciples.
Still drawing upon the messages to the seven congregations (Revelation chapters 2 and 3), Jesus Christ distinguishes congregations based on their geographical location. This aligns with the account in Acts: « It was first in Antioch that the disciples were by divine providence called Christians » (Acts 11:26). Thus, among the different designations currently used for Christian congregations, the only one that matters in Christ’s eyes—according to the book of Acts—is « Christian ». We must not forget that one of the last requests he made to his heavenly Father was for unity: « I make request, not concerning these only, but also concerning those putting faith in me through their word, 21 so that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in union with me and I am in union with you, that they also may be in union with us, so that the world may believe that you sent me » (John 17:20, 21). The tens, hundreds, and thousands of denominations that divide the Church of Christ hold no value in His eyes; the only identification consistent with divine providence is that of « Christian » (Acts 11:26).
Where did Christian congregations meet? They met in private homes: « After he realized this, he went to the house of Mary the mother of John who was called Mark, where quite a few were gathered together and were praying » (Acts 12:12).
In Acts chapter 20, Paul gave a long speech—lasting late into the night—in a private setting. Eutychus dozed off and fell, and Paul raised him back to life: « On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to have a meal, Paul began addressing them, as he was going to depart the next day; and he prolonged his speech until midnight. 8 So there were quite a few lamps in the upper room where we were gathered together. 9 Seated at the window, a young man named Eutychus sank into a deep sleep while Paul kept talking, and overcome by sleep, he fell down from the third story and was picked up dead. 10 But Paul went downstairs, threw himself on him and embraced him, and said: “Stop making a commotion, for he is alive.” 11 He then went upstairs and began the meal and ate. He continued conversing for quite a while, until daybreak, and then he departed. 12 So they took the boy away alive and were comforted beyond measure » (Acts 20:7-12).
« Give my greetings to Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, 4 who have risked their own necks for me and to whom not only I but also all the congregations of the nations give thanks. 5 Also greet the congregation that is in their house. Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who is a firstfruits of Asia for Christ. 6 Greet Mary, who has worked hard for you. 7 Greet Andronicus and Junias, my relatives and fellow prisoners, who are men well-known to the apostles and who have been in union with Christ longer than I have » (Romans 16:3-5). In this instance, it was the home of Prisca and Aquila that housed one of the Christian congregations in Rome (if not the entire congregation in Rome).
« Give my greetings to the brothers in Laodicea and to Nympha and to the congregation at her house » (Colossians 4:15). The congregation in Laodicea met in Nympha’s house.
« Paul, a prisoner for the sake of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, to Philemon our beloved fellow worker, 2 and to Apphia our sister, and to Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the congregation that is in your house » (Paul’s letter to Philemon, verses 1,2). Philemon made a part of his home available to the Christian congregation for the purpose of holding meetings.
These different biblical quotes show that early Christians did not meet in buildings or temples used exclusively for Christian gatherings. They met in family homes.
How often did Christians meet each week? There is no indication specifying exactly how often Christians gathered weekly. Reading the Book of Acts, it appears that for a time, Christians maintained the custom of meeting every Sabbath, just as the Jews did. It is worth noting that the Christian congregation is the fulfillment of the prophetic dimension of the Mosaic Law: « Those things are a shadow of the things to come, but the reality belongs to the Christ » (Colossians 2:17). This implies that Christians met officially once a week.
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The Administration of the Christian Congregation, According to the Bible (Colossians 2:17)
Christ and the apostles give specific instructions for administering the Christian Congregation…
Jesus Christ first commends this congregation for its endurance and vigilance, but then warns it against its lack of love…
Jesus Christ does not reproach this courageous congregation, but encourages them by showing them the extraordinary reward that awaits them…
Jesus Christ commends this congregation for its courage in the face of trials, but he reproaches it for its spiritual deviation regarding teaching and sexual morality…
Jesus Christ commends this congregation for its good deeds, but reproaches it for tolerating the presence of a woman who behaves like Jezebel…
Regarding the congregation of Sardis, Jesus Christ says something terrible: it is spiritually dead…
Jesus Christ expresses his « brotherly affection » toward the members of this congregation…
The message addressed to the congregation of Laodicea is particularly harsh: « you are miserable and pitiful and poor and blind and naked »…
The messages of Jesus Christ to the seven congregations are indications on the administration of the Christian Congregation…
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Table of contents of the http://yomelyah.fr/ website
Reading the Bible daily, this table of contents contains informative Bible articles
Table of languages of more than seventy languages, with six important biblical articles, written in each of these languages…
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