tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1937029335588381712.post8880901850854766945..comments2024-01-07T06:04:58.892-08:00Comments on Roots & Wings: Our picket fence dreamAlan Frowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13397225158817567917noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1937029335588381712.post-33754174162425370532010-09-20T08:20:59.662-07:002010-09-20T08:20:59.662-07:00One of the words that needs revisiting is "ek...One of the words that needs revisiting is "ekklesia" - the church has taken the "called out" aspect of it too literally! The concept of the word in ANE culture was of a quasi-town council that was called out of the population (usually on an ad hoc basis) to organise/arrange for the protection and provision of the "polis", the city/settlement, whenever the need arose or there was a dire threat to the culture of the city (actually, much like the Jewish "elders in the gates").<br /><br />If we recognize that usage of the term, we begin to see a much broader and city-inclusive aspect to ekklesia, an aspect of the church being "called out" for the protection & provision of the city/town/settlement in which she finds herself.<br /><br />Of course, by necessity and example, this has to work in the church first and foremost (cf. Gal.6:10) - if we can't do it for the saints, how do we ever expect to do it for the polis?!<br /><br />As you rightly raise the point from Act.17, it must also be borne in mind that we should understand Paul's appearance before the Athenian Council as being for the purpose of explaining his message before those in control of affairs in the city so that he might either receive the freedom of the city to preach or be censored and silenced. The church must be able to present itself to the city, either to be rejected, or to be allowed a voice.<br /><br />Keep lifting the eyes of the heart! See you in October!<br />ColinExtending Boundarieshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08157907233363080249noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1937029335588381712.post-37434399125137582902010-09-19T01:19:38.212-07:002010-09-19T01:19:38.212-07:00hey Al - enjoy your succinct thoughts reminding us...hey Al - enjoy your succinct thoughts reminding us that there is a larger Story that we are all invited to participate in ...<br /><br />Sean Dalydaly musingshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12017088689765649581noreply@blogger.com