This word is generally translated “church,” and may include any concourse of people, as in Acts 19:41, and vil. 38; but usually refers to a particular assembly, called the ASSEMBLY OF GOD. This assembly Christ spoke of building (Matt. 16:18), showing it was then still future. It is called His body (Eph. 1:22-3), and all Christians are said to be baptized into it by the Spirit (1 Cor. 12:13). This first took place in Acts 1, at the close of which chapter we first find the ASSEMBLY spoken of as existing in the earth. It then consisted of Jews only, but very soon included Gentiles (Acts 10:44). The truth about the ASSEMBLY was in grace specially revealed to Paul (who was its chief persecutor). It is largely spoken of in 1 Cor. and Eph.