Where Did the Church Meet in the Bible? — Part 1
How Did We Arrive at this Conclusion?
Many people wonder where the building-based church system came from. Let me tell you what happened. For the first 300 years, the church was persecuted and in hiding. They primarily met in small groups in homes flying under the radar. Meeting in large buildings would have been dangerous. Then in 324 A.D. something happened to change that.
Jesus said, “I will build my church.” but He never built a religious building. So, what did he build?
During those first 300 years, as the body of Christ developed, many significant spiritual events took place in homes. Let’s take a look at these New Testament examples of foundational events taking place in ordinary houses throughout the New Testament.
During those first 300 years, as the body of Christ developed, many significant spiritual events took place in homes. Let’s take a look at these New Testament examples of foundational events taking place in ordinary houses throughout the New Testament.
The Church Was Born in Homes
Look at Matthew 2:11 — "On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh."
The first ever worship of Jesus took place IN A HOUSE! The wise men worshiped Jesus in the house where Mary and Joseph were staying. If it was ok for them to worship Him in a house, then it must be acceptable for us to worship Jesus in our homes as well. Go ahead and give it a try (if you haven’t already).
Matthew 8:14-16 — "When Jesus came into Peter's house, he saw Peter's mother-in-law lying in bed with a fever. He touched her hand and the fever left her, and she got up and began to wait on him. When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to him, and he drove out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick."
The ministries of healing and deliverance were happening in Peter's house. And these things still take place in homes today. Several years ago, I was part of casting a demon out of a young man in Uganda. That deliverance took place in, you guessed it, a house.
Mark 2:1 & 11 — "A few days later, when Jesus again entered Capernaum, the people heard that he had come home… 'I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.'"
Jesus' house in Capernaum (see Matthew 4:13) was a location where at least one healing took place. Jesus healed the lame man inside his own house! If it was ok for Jesus to heal a man in His house, and we are to imitate Jesus, why would we think it’s not ok to heal people in our homes?
Jesus even raised the dead in a house.
Luke 8:51 & 54 -- “When he arrived at the house of Jairus, he did not let anyone go in with him except Peter, John and James, and the child’s father and mother…. 54 But he took her by the hand and said, “My child, get up!””
Healing, casting out demons, and even raising the dead took place in houses in the New Testament. Why would we think that it’s not acceptable for those things to take place in homes today?
Now let’s see what else took place in homes.
Matthew 26:18 — "He replied, 'Go into the city to a certain man and tell him, The Teacher says: My appointed time is near. I am going to celebrate the Passover with my disciples at your house.'"
Jesus chose to institute and preside over the first ever communion service... in the upper room of, (would you believe it?) a house. Is there any reason communion can't be celebrated in our homes today? Of course not. In fact, the New Testament only records the Lord's supper being celebrated in homes. There is no record of it taking place in the temple, a synagogue, or in any religious building. Why not celebrate communion with your spiritual family in someone's house today? (Biblical guide for communion is found in 1 Corinthians 11:23-34)
The first ever worship of Jesus took place IN A HOUSE! The wise men worshiped Jesus in the house where Mary and Joseph were staying. If it was ok for them to worship Him in a house, then it must be acceptable for us to worship Jesus in our homes as well. Go ahead and give it a try (if you haven’t already).
Matthew 8:14-16 — "When Jesus came into Peter's house, he saw Peter's mother-in-law lying in bed with a fever. He touched her hand and the fever left her, and she got up and began to wait on him. When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to him, and he drove out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick."
The ministries of healing and deliverance were happening in Peter's house. And these things still take place in homes today. Several years ago, I was part of casting a demon out of a young man in Uganda. That deliverance took place in, you guessed it, a house.
Mark 2:1 & 11 — "A few days later, when Jesus again entered Capernaum, the people heard that he had come home… 'I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.'"
Jesus' house in Capernaum (see Matthew 4:13) was a location where at least one healing took place. Jesus healed the lame man inside his own house! If it was ok for Jesus to heal a man in His house, and we are to imitate Jesus, why would we think it’s not ok to heal people in our homes?
Jesus even raised the dead in a house.
Luke 8:51 & 54 -- “When he arrived at the house of Jairus, he did not let anyone go in with him except Peter, John and James, and the child’s father and mother…. 54 But he took her by the hand and said, “My child, get up!””
Healing, casting out demons, and even raising the dead took place in houses in the New Testament. Why would we think that it’s not acceptable for those things to take place in homes today?
Now let’s see what else took place in homes.
Matthew 26:18 — "He replied, 'Go into the city to a certain man and tell him, The Teacher says: My appointed time is near. I am going to celebrate the Passover with my disciples at your house.'"
Jesus chose to institute and preside over the first ever communion service... in the upper room of, (would you believe it?) a house. Is there any reason communion can't be celebrated in our homes today? Of course not. In fact, the New Testament only records the Lord's supper being celebrated in homes. There is no record of it taking place in the temple, a synagogue, or in any religious building. Why not celebrate communion with your spiritual family in someone's house today? (Biblical guide for communion is found in 1 Corinthians 11:23-34)
The Holy Spirit Fell (and the church was born) — In a House…Twice!
Acts 2:1-2 — "When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting."
The power of the Holy Spirit was first poured out on Jesus’ followers, not in the temple, not in a synagogue, not in a religious building, but in a house! 120 disciples of Jesus were gathered to pray and wait for the promise of the Holy Spirit in someone's home!
Many people see Pentecost as God's official launch of the church. If that's true, it means God chose to launch His church in and from a house. And, if God poured out His Spirit in a house 2000 years ago, and God doesn't change, is there any reason that He would not pour out His Spirit in your home today? Of course not! As you gather in your home, or someone else's, expect the Holy Spirit to be poured out on everyone in the house. Also expect to receive His power just like the first disciples did!
Acts 2:46 — "Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts."
Then, after Pentecost, notice how the early church naturally organized themselves. Immediately it became common practice for them to gather in their homes for meals, fellowship, teaching, and communion. Where do people gather where you live? In Acts 20:20, Paul says that he shared the message both, "publicly and from house to house." THAT is how the early church operated! They met in public spaces and in their homes. They did not meet in religious buildings presided over by religious professionals…ever!
You might be saying, “They also met in the Temple courts.” Yes they did but it was nothing like we think of “going to church” today.
Think about it. The early church didn't own the temple. They were not even allowed to enter the temple itself. They were not in charge of the Temple. It was not a sanctuary (safe place) for the early church — it was a public place where most of the people there were not followers of Christ.
The apostles of Jesus and the rest of the early church were actually inside the temple courts, declaring that the priests, Levites, Pharisees, and Sadducees (those in charge of the temple) had executed their own long awaited Messiah. This was NOT a popular message. It is the reason the early church was in danger of being persecuted, arrested, or even killed there.
What they were doing would be similar to you or I going to the biggest mosque in Mogadishu, Somalia and declaring that Mohamed wasn’t a prophet. If you tried that, how long would your life expectancy be? Not long I’m sure.
Acts 5:42 — "Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah."
Again in this passage, we see the followers of Jesus both teaching (obedience to the commands of Christ, because that’s what Jesus commanded them to teach) and proclaiming the good news of salvation through Jesus the Messiah. In the New Testament, teaching is done to saved people, and proclaiming the gospel (preaching) is done mainly to unsaved people who have not yet surrendered their lives to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Both teaching and preaching were taking place in homes.
The power of the Holy Spirit was first poured out on Jesus’ followers, not in the temple, not in a synagogue, not in a religious building, but in a house! 120 disciples of Jesus were gathered to pray and wait for the promise of the Holy Spirit in someone's home!
Many people see Pentecost as God's official launch of the church. If that's true, it means God chose to launch His church in and from a house. And, if God poured out His Spirit in a house 2000 years ago, and God doesn't change, is there any reason that He would not pour out His Spirit in your home today? Of course not! As you gather in your home, or someone else's, expect the Holy Spirit to be poured out on everyone in the house. Also expect to receive His power just like the first disciples did!
Acts 2:46 — "Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts."
Then, after Pentecost, notice how the early church naturally organized themselves. Immediately it became common practice for them to gather in their homes for meals, fellowship, teaching, and communion. Where do people gather where you live? In Acts 20:20, Paul says that he shared the message both, "publicly and from house to house." THAT is how the early church operated! They met in public spaces and in their homes. They did not meet in religious buildings presided over by religious professionals…ever!
You might be saying, “They also met in the Temple courts.” Yes they did but it was nothing like we think of “going to church” today.
Think about it. The early church didn't own the temple. They were not even allowed to enter the temple itself. They were not in charge of the Temple. It was not a sanctuary (safe place) for the early church — it was a public place where most of the people there were not followers of Christ.
The apostles of Jesus and the rest of the early church were actually inside the temple courts, declaring that the priests, Levites, Pharisees, and Sadducees (those in charge of the temple) had executed their own long awaited Messiah. This was NOT a popular message. It is the reason the early church was in danger of being persecuted, arrested, or even killed there.
What they were doing would be similar to you or I going to the biggest mosque in Mogadishu, Somalia and declaring that Mohamed wasn’t a prophet. If you tried that, how long would your life expectancy be? Not long I’m sure.
Acts 5:42 — "Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah."
Again in this passage, we see the followers of Jesus both teaching (obedience to the commands of Christ, because that’s what Jesus commanded them to teach) and proclaiming the good news of salvation through Jesus the Messiah. In the New Testament, teaching is done to saved people, and proclaiming the gospel (preaching) is done mainly to unsaved people who have not yet surrendered their lives to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Both teaching and preaching were taking place in homes.
When Persecution Came, They Fled from the Temple to Homes
Acts 8:3 — "But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off both men and women and put them in prison."
When persecution broke out against the church, where did the persecutors go to find and destroy the church? Notice that Saul did NOT go to synagogues, the temple, or any other religious buildings. He went to houses. After the stoning of Stephen the people fled from the public space like the temple and had gone underground into the most natural place — their homes. In fact, after the stoning of Stephen, there is no record of the believers ever meeting in the temple again.
Acts 10:24-25 & 44 — "The following day he (Peter) arrived in Caesarea. Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends. As Peter entered the house, Cornelius met him and fell at his feet in reverence… While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message."
Remember Acts 2:1-2? At Pentecost, we saw God birth the church by pouring out His Holy Spirit on Jewish disciples in a house in Jerusalem. Now, here again we see Him launch the church by pouring out His Spirit on the gentiles in the same way. The Holy Spirit fell on everyone in the house. Not in a church building, not in a synagogue…in a house. Are you beginning to notice a pattern?
Remember Acts 2:1-2? At Pentecost, we saw God birth the church by pouring out His Holy Spirit on Jewish disciples in a house in Jerusalem. Now, here again we see Him launch the church by pouring out His Spirit on the gentiles in the same way. The Holy Spirit fell on everyone in the house. Not in a church building, not in a synagogue…in a house. Are you beginning to notice a pattern?
Household After Household — The Pattern Continues
Acts 16:15 — "When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home. 'If you consider me a believer in the Lord,' she said, 'come and stay at my house.' And she persuaded us."
This is the conversion of Lydia and the birth of the church at Philippi. Notice the emphasis on the house and household. So, if you want to establish the church of Jesus and launch a movement of followers of Christ in a particular town or city, ask God to reveal to you a household through which you can win the whole place. These are sometimes referred to as households and persons of peace. Ask Him and expect Him to show you.
Acts 16:31-34 — "They replied, 'Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved — you and your household.' Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his household were baptized. The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God — he and his whole household."
In this passage, Paul and Silas are being used by God to continue launching the church in Philippi. And notice how God is doing it: He is using another household. They preached to everyone IN THE HOUSE. They baptized ALL the members of the HOUSEHOLD. They ate a meal together IN THE HOUSE. And everyone IN THE HOUSE was filled with joy because they had come to believe in God. Don’t miss the strong emphasis on the house and household in this passage. This is how the early church expanded…through households.
Look what happens next.
Acts 16:40 — "After Paul and Silas came out of the prison, they went to Lydia's house, where they met with the brothers and sisters and encouraged them. Then they left."
What was the first thing Paul and Silas did when they got out of prison? They went straight to the house of Lydia. Why did they go there? Because that is where they knew the "church" would be gathered.
The two households of Lydia and the Jailer coming to faith in Christ constituted the birth of the church in Philippi. No building, no professional clergy, not even any official elders yet, just followers of Jesus meeting in 2 homes was how the “church” of the city began.
When they left Philippi they went to the synagogue in Thessalonica and received a mixed response.
Acts 17:5-7 — "But other Jews (from the synagogue) were jealous; so they rounded up some bad characters from the marketplace, formed a mob and started a riot in the city. They rushed to Jason's house in search of Paul and Silas in order to bring them out to the crowd. But when they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some other believers before the city officials, shouting: 'These men who have caused trouble all over the world have now come here, and Jason has welcomed them into his house. They are all defying Caesar's decrees, saying that there is another king, one called Jesus.'"
Here we see persecution from the Jews of the synagogue toward the budding church in Thessalonica. Notice where they go in search of Paul and Silas: to Jason's house. They didn’t find Paul and Silas, but pay attention to what they did find. They found "Jason and some other believers" gathered together in his home. So, the first place the church of Thessalonica met was in the home of Jason.
This is the conversion of Lydia and the birth of the church at Philippi. Notice the emphasis on the house and household. So, if you want to establish the church of Jesus and launch a movement of followers of Christ in a particular town or city, ask God to reveal to you a household through which you can win the whole place. These are sometimes referred to as households and persons of peace. Ask Him and expect Him to show you.
Acts 16:31-34 — "They replied, 'Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved — you and your household.' Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his household were baptized. The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God — he and his whole household."
In this passage, Paul and Silas are being used by God to continue launching the church in Philippi. And notice how God is doing it: He is using another household. They preached to everyone IN THE HOUSE. They baptized ALL the members of the HOUSEHOLD. They ate a meal together IN THE HOUSE. And everyone IN THE HOUSE was filled with joy because they had come to believe in God. Don’t miss the strong emphasis on the house and household in this passage. This is how the early church expanded…through households.
Look what happens next.
Acts 16:40 — "After Paul and Silas came out of the prison, they went to Lydia's house, where they met with the brothers and sisters and encouraged them. Then they left."
What was the first thing Paul and Silas did when they got out of prison? They went straight to the house of Lydia. Why did they go there? Because that is where they knew the "church" would be gathered.
The two households of Lydia and the Jailer coming to faith in Christ constituted the birth of the church in Philippi. No building, no professional clergy, not even any official elders yet, just followers of Jesus meeting in 2 homes was how the “church” of the city began.
When they left Philippi they went to the synagogue in Thessalonica and received a mixed response.
Acts 17:5-7 — "But other Jews (from the synagogue) were jealous; so they rounded up some bad characters from the marketplace, formed a mob and started a riot in the city. They rushed to Jason's house in search of Paul and Silas in order to bring them out to the crowd. But when they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some other believers before the city officials, shouting: 'These men who have caused trouble all over the world have now come here, and Jason has welcomed them into his house. They are all defying Caesar's decrees, saying that there is another king, one called Jesus.'"
Here we see persecution from the Jews of the synagogue toward the budding church in Thessalonica. Notice where they go in search of Paul and Silas: to Jason's house. They didn’t find Paul and Silas, but pay attention to what they did find. They found "Jason and some other believers" gathered together in his home. So, the first place the church of Thessalonica met was in the home of Jason.
Paul's Mode of Operation
Acts 20:20 — "You know that I have not hesitated to preach anything that would be helpful to you but have taught you publicly and from house to house."
This is how Paul describes his mode of operation. Paul taught about Jesus in public and in homes. There is no mention of Paul ever working in church buildings. He often went to the synagogues to proclaim the message about Jesus the Messiah. But it never ended well. He’d end up making the leaders angry or worse. He’d also inevitably take some people with him (sheep stealing) when he left.
This is how Paul describes his mode of operation. Paul taught about Jesus in public and in homes. There is no mention of Paul ever working in church buildings. He often went to the synagogues to proclaim the message about Jesus the Messiah. But it never ended well. He’d end up making the leaders angry or worse. He’d also inevitably take some people with him (sheep stealing) when he left.
Acts 28:30-31 — "For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ — with all boldness and without hindrance!"
In this passage, Paul is on house arrest in Rome awaiting trial. So how does he choose to spend his time? He turns his rented house into a teaching and equipping center. May God do the same thing with your home and with mine. May our homes be a launching pad to multiply disciples and advance the Kingdom of God.
In this passage, Paul is on house arrest in Rome awaiting trial. So how does he choose to spend his time? He turns his rented house into a teaching and equipping center. May God do the same thing with your home and with mine. May our homes be a launching pad to multiply disciples and advance the Kingdom of God.
The Letters Confirm It
Romans 16:5 — "Greet also the church (ekklesia) that meets at their house."
Paul is saying to greet the followers of Christ that regularly meet in someone's home — in this case, the home of a couple named Priscilla and Aquila. And don't miss that Paul calls that gathering in their house "church."
Romans 16:10-11 — "Greet Apelles, whose fidelity to Christ has stood the test. Greet those who belong to the household of Aristobulus. Greet Herodion, my fellow Jew. Greet those in the household of Narcissus who are in the Lord."
In this passage we see two separate gatherings of believers that meet in homes. The understanding seems to be that the believers gathering in a house constitute the "church" in that house.
1 Corinthians 1:11 — "My brothers and sisters, some from Chloe's household, have informed me that there are quarrels among you."
The group of believers mentioned here is part of a household. Chloe’s household was a part of the larger church in Corinth. It seems that the church of the city was comprised of all the followers of Christ that met in many different homes of the city.
1 Corinthians 16:15 — "You know that the household of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia."
Once again, we see the Lord birthing the church in a new place, Achaia, by winning a household not just an individual.
1 Corinthians 16:19 — "The churches in the province of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Priscilla greet you warmly in the Lord, and so does the church that meets at their house."
Here we see multiple churches in a province plus the church that gathered in one home, greeting the believers in Corinth. Where is the church meeting? In the house of Aquila and Priscilla.
Philippians 4:22 — "All God's people here send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar's household."
What?! There was even a gathering of Jesus’ followers — a church — in the household of Caesar! I doubt very much that Caesar knew about it!
Colossians 4:15 — "Give my greetings to the brothers and sisters at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house."
Once again, and in a new city, we see a church meeting in a home. This isn't just a coincidence. This is the primary pattern of the early church. Win a community by winning the households within it! It’s God’s strategy.
Philemon 1:2 — "also to Apphia our sister and Archippus our fellow soldier — and to the church that meets in your home."
And again, we see a couple hosting a gathering of believers — church — in their home.
Paul is saying to greet the followers of Christ that regularly meet in someone's home — in this case, the home of a couple named Priscilla and Aquila. And don't miss that Paul calls that gathering in their house "church."
Romans 16:10-11 — "Greet Apelles, whose fidelity to Christ has stood the test. Greet those who belong to the household of Aristobulus. Greet Herodion, my fellow Jew. Greet those in the household of Narcissus who are in the Lord."
In this passage we see two separate gatherings of believers that meet in homes. The understanding seems to be that the believers gathering in a house constitute the "church" in that house.
1 Corinthians 1:11 — "My brothers and sisters, some from Chloe's household, have informed me that there are quarrels among you."
The group of believers mentioned here is part of a household. Chloe’s household was a part of the larger church in Corinth. It seems that the church of the city was comprised of all the followers of Christ that met in many different homes of the city.
1 Corinthians 16:15 — "You know that the household of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia."
Once again, we see the Lord birthing the church in a new place, Achaia, by winning a household not just an individual.
1 Corinthians 16:19 — "The churches in the province of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Priscilla greet you warmly in the Lord, and so does the church that meets at their house."
Here we see multiple churches in a province plus the church that gathered in one home, greeting the believers in Corinth. Where is the church meeting? In the house of Aquila and Priscilla.
Philippians 4:22 — "All God's people here send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar's household."
What?! There was even a gathering of Jesus’ followers — a church — in the household of Caesar! I doubt very much that Caesar knew about it!
Colossians 4:15 — "Give my greetings to the brothers and sisters at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house."
Once again, and in a new city, we see a church meeting in a home. This isn't just a coincidence. This is the primary pattern of the early church. Win a community by winning the households within it! It’s God’s strategy.
Philemon 1:2 — "also to Apphia our sister and Archippus our fellow soldier — and to the church that meets in your home."
And again, we see a couple hosting a gathering of believers — church — in their home.
This IS the New Testament Model
Remember, Jesus is the one who said, "I will build my church." Now that you've seen these passages let me ask: how and where does Jesus build His church? He builds it in houses! It seems like He primarily utilized households to launch His church. In fact, homes are the only place that the New Testament specifically says the church met. Never once do we see a building program for a “church” building. The New Testament church is a gathering of followers of Jesus. They almost exclusively gathered in homes.
Now, take a minute and consider all the examples you have just seen. There are zero examples of the church meeting in religious buildings presided over by religious professionals anywhere in the New Testament. Yes, we see the disciples of Jesus going to synagogues occasionally, but that was almost always a hostile environment. More often than not, they were rejected and thrown out of the synagogue. The reason they were there in the first place was to try and win Jews to Jesus. The first century church never built or owned a building or a synagogue. So where do we get the idea that we must build and meet in religious church buildings today?
Now, take a minute and consider all the examples you have just seen. There are zero examples of the church meeting in religious buildings presided over by religious professionals anywhere in the New Testament. Yes, we see the disciples of Jesus going to synagogues occasionally, but that was almost always a hostile environment. More often than not, they were rejected and thrown out of the synagogue. The reason they were there in the first place was to try and win Jews to Jesus. The first century church never built or owned a building or a synagogue. So where do we get the idea that we must build and meet in religious church buildings today?
Part 2 coming next week — where we trace how the building-based church system actually began and the challenge that history leaves for you and me.
Ready to explore what a New Testament church looks like in practice — in your home, among your people, right where you live? Find resources and get started at GoMultiply.org. To learn more about what God is doing through simple gatherings across America, visit TimetoDiscipleAmerica.com.
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Posted in church history, House Church, New Testament Church, discipleship, ekklesia, DMM
Posted in church history, House Church, New Testament Church, discipleship, ekklesia, DMM
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