When you study the Book of Romans carefully, especially the sixteenth chapter, you’d notice something striking about the early Church. It wasn’t one central congregation; there were several fellowships, different groups of God’s people meeting in different places, yet all part of the same Church.
This becomes even clearer when you read the opening of Paul’s epistle to the Romans: “To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints…” (Romans 1:7).
The Churches were spread across many locations with household fellowships and groups of Christians meeting in different homes. That’s why in Romans 16:3-5, he said greet Pricilla and Aquila and the church that is in their house.
Also, in the 10th verse, he said, “…salute them which are of Aristobulus’ household,” and continued in the 11th verse to say, “…Greet them that be of the household of Narcissus, which are in the Lord.” These were not merely families; these were churches, living expressions and extensions of Paul’s ministry. It reveals something profound: the Church is not a building; it’s the people of God.
The early Church was organised as many churches, yet one body. It might have been several gatherings, but each was alive, active, and connected. The Bible says, “And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house…” (Acts 2:46). There was a larger gathering, but there were also smaller fellowships where they shared the Word, prayed together, and grew together.
This kind of structure made the Church strong and indestructible. Even in times of persecution, it continued to thrive. You may destroy a building, but you cannot destroy the Church. As long as the people are there, the Church is there. This is why fellowship is so important.
Wherever Christians gather in the Name of the Lord, He’s present, and that’s the Church. The Lord Jesus emphasised the power of the smallest assembly when He said, “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them” (Matthew 18:20).
So, don’t reduce the Church to a location or a structure. Understand its true nature: it’s the living Body of Christ, expressed through His people, in fellowship, in unity, and in purpose. Be part of that expression. Strengthen it. Build it. That’s how the Church grows, and the Kingdom advances from glory to glory. Hallelujah!
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