What does the term ‘Ekklesia’ refer to in the New Testament?

The term ‘Ekklesia’ in the New Testament refers to the Greek word for assembly. This word is derived from the roots "ek" meaning "out of" and "kaleo" meaning "to call," and it embodies the idea of a gathering or assembly called out for a specific purpose. In the context of the New Testament, it refers primarily to the Christian community, indicating a collective group of believers who have come together to worship, share in teachings, and engage in fellowship. Understanding ‘Ekklesia’ as assembly is significant because it emphasizes the communal aspects of early Christian gatherings, reflecting the importance of community in faith practices.

Other options, while relevant to aspects of church life or worship, do not directly define 'Ekklesia.' The act of communion focuses on a specific ritual rather than the gathering as a whole, the prayer of the faithful pertains to specific prayer practices within the assembly, and the collection for the needy addresses charitable actions taken by the community but does not capture the essence of what ‘Ekklesia’ signifies in a broader sense. The focus on assembly highlights the foundational aspect of community in the early Church.