Assemble Together?
This very often quoted verse in Hebrews got me pondering..
Heb 10:25 - "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching."
I try not to build a fast doctrine off one statement. Usually because my thinking already has me biased before I start. Especially in the USA where we go Hollywood with everything. What we see is what we imitate. Or we gage something as successful then imitate it with the influence of our culture guiding our thinking.
Example : A new hairstyle appears in movie, TV, or media and it is quickly imitated and goes trendy.
Churches have done this since Constantine made it hip. Don't build a shed.. make it fancy.
We'll come back to that.
Next :
Matthew 22:36 "Master, which is the great commandment in the law?
37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
38 This is the first and great commandment.
39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets." Matthew 22:36-40
With that, let's look at Hebrews 10 with that template.
First a tidbit : "Hebrews 10:21 - And having an high priest over the house of God;"
.. the true house of God, is God Invisible. The high priest is the human Jesus Christ which is how God makes Himself visible to human eyeballs.
Hebrews 10:23 - "Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; .." Which basically is the Good News quickened in us.
Hebrews 10:24 - "And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:".
Now..
Hebrews 10:25 - "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another:"
What does this mean?
There is a lot being talked about in chapter 10 of Hebrews where verse 25 is also placed.
Hebrews 1 did not tell us who this is written to. Most likely it is written to Jewish 'Jesus' Believers. Gentiles were very uneducated on the Jewish Temple and all the doings that must be done within. So it appears that the basic concepts of how the Jewish Priests and Holiest of Holies compares to Jesus and the Believers who come together.
So backtrack : What is the synagogue that existed at this time?
First, the Torah does not set up synagogues.
Also, there were no synagogues during the Temple years.
I'll get supportive data on this and return to this topic...
First, the Torah does not set up synagogues.
Also, there were no synagogues during the Temple years.
I'll get supportive data on this and return to this topic...
1. "A synagogue, also called a shul or a temple, is a place of worship for Jews and Samaritans." wiki
It has a place for prayer, religious services or special ceremonies such as weddings, bar and bat mitzvahs, choir performances, and children's plays. They have rooms for study, social halls, administrative and charitable offices, classrooms for religious and Hebrew studies, and many places to sit and congregate." wiki
Sounds familiar
It has a place for prayer, religious services or special ceremonies such as weddings, bar and bat mitzvahs, choir performances, and children's plays. They have rooms for study, social halls, administrative and charitable offices, classrooms for religious and Hebrew studies, and many places to sit and congregate." wiki
Sounds familiar
2. "In the earliest period, Jewish communal worship primarily revolved around the Temple in Jerusalem, serving as a central focal point and significant symbol for the entire Jewish nation. As such, it was the destination for Jews making pilgrimages during the three major annual festivals commanded by the Torah: Passover, Shavuot and Sukkot." wiki
3. "The first synagogues emerged in the Jewish diaspora, several centuries before their introduction to the Land of Israel." ie 8th to 6th Century BCE (Before Common Era) The Second Temple was destroyed in 70 CE (Common Era) It is estimated that the Book of Hebrews was likely written between 60 and 70 C.E.
4. "Historically, synagogues were built in the prevailing architectural style of their time and place." In our terms that would be 'culture'.
5. "No, God did not make synagogues, but they were a natural result of Jewish worship and study practices." "Synagogues were built by Jewish leaders, wealthy patrons, and the Jewish community." "Synagogues were also used for political purposes, similar to town halls." "The word "synagogue" comes from Greek and means "place of assembly"." "The origins of synagogues are a bit mysterious, but it's commonly believed that they developed after the destruction of Solomon's Temple in 586 BC." GoogleAI
3. "The first synagogues emerged in the Jewish diaspora, several centuries before their introduction to the Land of Israel." ie 8th to 6th Century BCE (Before Common Era) The Second Temple was destroyed in 70 CE (Common Era) It is estimated that the Book of Hebrews was likely written between 60 and 70 C.E.
4. "Historically, synagogues were built in the prevailing architectural style of their time and place." In our terms that would be 'culture'.
5. "No, God did not make synagogues, but they were a natural result of Jewish worship and study practices." "Synagogues were built by Jewish leaders, wealthy patrons, and the Jewish community." "Synagogues were also used for political purposes, similar to town halls." "The word "synagogue" comes from Greek and means "place of assembly"." "The origins of synagogues are a bit mysterious, but it's commonly believed that they developed after the destruction of Solomon's Temple in 586 BC." GoogleAI
Now, take these five points and just change the name synagogue to 'churches'. The similarities are very apparent.
"Hebrews 10:25 mentions "the assembling of ourselves together" and the word "episynagogue". "Episynagogue" is a Greek word that refers to an official meeting, such as a church meeting. The verse encourages people to not give up meeting together, and instead to encourage each other." GoogleAI
BUT, I can't jump to a preconceived conclusion of this statement from Google.
Looking deeper : I think this is a good summary of what things were like when Hebrews was written :
"1st Century Hebrew Christians were often not welcome at Jewish synagogues (e.g., Acts 18:4-6). They didn’t have synagogues like the Jews had; they couldn’t legally own buildings until centuries after Christianity began.
Yet, the Hebrews author described an episunagoge that was eauton (“your” or “of yourselves”). The prefix epi not only made the word different than the one typically used by the Jews but arguably intensified it.
Christians might not have initially had places of assembly, but they were literally assembled one upon another when, “as living stones,” they found themselves “being built up a spiritual house” by Jesus Christ (1 Peter 2:5).
Their lives were intertwined more deeply and more intimately than the lives of Jews who met at synagogues. They weren’t merely an assembly; they were a body, in fact, the body of Christ (cf. Ephesians 1:22-23)."
[practicallyexegetical.com/2021/11/13/assembling-together-a-closer-look-at-what-hebrews-1025-tells-us-not-to-forsake/]
Looking deeper : I think this is a good summary of what things were like when Hebrews was written :
"1st Century Hebrew Christians were often not welcome at Jewish synagogues (e.g., Acts 18:4-6). They didn’t have synagogues like the Jews had; they couldn’t legally own buildings until centuries after Christianity began.
Yet, the Hebrews author described an episunagoge that was eauton (“your” or “of yourselves”). The prefix epi not only made the word different than the one typically used by the Jews but arguably intensified it.
Christians might not have initially had places of assembly, but they were literally assembled one upon another when, “as living stones,” they found themselves “being built up a spiritual house” by Jesus Christ (1 Peter 2:5).
Their lives were intertwined more deeply and more intimately than the lives of Jews who met at synagogues. They weren’t merely an assembly; they were a body, in fact, the body of Christ (cf. Ephesians 1:22-23)."
[practicallyexegetical.com/2021/11/13/assembling-together-a-closer-look-at-what-hebrews-1025-tells-us-not-to-forsake/]
That is clear. I don't think I have to ponder that point or research it anymore.
Now.. here goes.. to APPLY this to our modern churches to mean that a person has to come inside a building called a 'church' is to misrepresent the meaning. NOTE : I believe in going to church. I believe in the benefits of having a Pastor. BUT, as I look at the context of the verses within their culture and other Scriptures, it is important to me to FIRST have a true understanding (the best I can) of the true INTENT of the verses.
I started off with the Scriptures about the two main commandments from Jesus that sum up the INTENT of Christianity :
So, going to church,
or a gathering,
or a "where two or more gather in my name, there I am in the midst Matthew 18:20",
must be based on ...
L O V E .
Matthew 22:36 "Master, which is the great commandment in the law?
37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
38 This is the first and great commandment.
39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets." Matthew 22:36-40
So, going to church,
or a gathering,
or a "where two or more gather in my name, there I am in the midst Matthew 18:20",
must be based on ...
L O V E .
The other place this thought of assembling is mentioned is 2 Thessalonians 2.
2Thes 2:1 "Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him,
2Th 2:2 That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.
2Thes 2:1 "Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him,
2Th 2:2 That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.
So we gather, in some form, together to encourage one another.
There is no special mention of synagogues or gathering buildings or church buildings. The Template still holds : "Two or more gather in my name..". God works very effectually with just two. More than that is a bonus blessing, we might say.
No where that I have seen so far it this Scripture verse or others demand any form of threat or negative repercussion if a person does not "gather" in a group setting other than two.
It is important to grasp this template of "two or more gathered.." in order to keep from twisting the reality of how God communicates with His Sons and Daughters.
.. more soon .. remember, I love church and gathering in groups. I am not against church going at all..
There is no special mention of synagogues or gathering buildings or church buildings. The Template still holds : "Two or more gather in my name..". God works very effectually with just two. More than that is a bonus blessing, we might say.
No where that I have seen so far it this Scripture verse or others demand any form of threat or negative repercussion if a person does not "gather" in a group setting other than two.
It is important to grasp this template of "two or more gathered.." in order to keep from twisting the reality of how God communicates with His Sons and Daughters.
.. more soon .. remember, I love church and gathering in groups. I am not against church going at all..
It is actually based on 'Love' and the desire to encourage others. It's not law.. it is Love.
If a person avoids all other Believers, that person cheats others from getting encouragement and cheats themselves from receiving encouragement.
The great bonus also given : Pastors. But also the other four of the five that are mentioned in Ephesians.
If a person avoids all other Believers, that person cheats others from getting encouragement and cheats themselves from receiving encouragement.
The great bonus also given : Pastors. But also the other four of the five that are mentioned in Ephesians.
There is no Scripture saying a person must have a Pastor, per se. But the Bible does say that we are not made to go it alone. So the balance must be found. Ministers are a very great asset to the Gentiles who juggle what seems like religious chaos. The Jews actually had it easier with very obvious words written by Moses, called The Torah.
But Gentiles are an untidy bunch and always will be. Our cultures want to force things on us, and unfortunately the church systems, organized or independent, tend to follow the same force to influence, and, to try to unite. Thus phrases insinuated like "You better come to church or else.." pop up everywhere. Many times it is based on money needed by the church. Some are just pastors who think they are the boss some how. On and on.
But Gentiles are an untidy bunch and always will be. Our cultures want to force things on us, and unfortunately the church systems, organized or independent, tend to follow the same force to influence, and, to try to unite. Thus phrases insinuated like "You better come to church or else.." pop up everywhere. Many times it is based on money needed by the church. Some are just pastors who think they are the boss some how. On and on.
Which brings us back to : Heb 10:25
"Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together,
as the manner of some is;
but exhorting one another:
and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching."
Exhorting : παρακαλέω : to call in, summon, send for, to appeal, to urge to exhort, beseech
"Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together,
as the manner of some is;
but exhorting one another:
and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching."
Exhorting : παρακαλέω : to call in, summon, send for, to appeal, to urge to exhort, beseech
Did you know we can do this on the phone with one another? Two or more..
With our neighbors? Two or more..
With people at church buildings? Two or more..
There are no restrictions. If we say something wrong as we talk about Scriptures, God will fix it.
If the Believers have truly had a New Birth which is SpiritGod INSIDE them, then He is the Teacher and will keep things in order.
In the U.S.A. we get all nervous about this because we do everything big, and structured, and systematic, and denominational'matic, .. we can't help it. This is our culture. But what happens if we are on a trail in the jungle, or in a desert location of Africa, and we meet a person or more. Will it not work? If we use Hebrews in the wrong way it won't. If we realize "where two or more are gathered.." it will work beautifully.
There are no restrictions. If we say something wrong as we talk about Scriptures, God will fix it.
If the Believers have truly had a New Birth which is SpiritGod INSIDE them, then He is the Teacher and will keep things in order.
In the U.S.A. we get all nervous about this because we do everything big, and structured, and systematic, and denominational'matic, .. we can't help it. This is our culture. But what happens if we are on a trail in the jungle, or in a desert location of Africa, and we meet a person or more. Will it not work? If we use Hebrews in the wrong way it won't. If we realize "where two or more are gathered.." it will work beautifully.
God tends to deal in pockets of people, not so much in large big groups. Revelation is to each individual personally. God gives Ministers of all kinds to help keep things on track if they detour.
But if we start making a doctrine about church going, and about being backslid, or that without a Pastor we are all messed up.. well, what do we need the GodSpirit of Pentectost in us for? or do we really need It? .. Of Course we do.
A Pastor that panics, threatens, or thinks the people are exclusively his, and/or spends time trying to unify all the people into a tight unity.. is wrong. The unity of God's people is a spiritual Body that cannot be packed in a building. They are here and there. Sometimes there are multitudes that are together. It is an invisible union. It can't be organized or packaged. As Jesus said, the GodSpirit is like the wind which no one knows where it comes from or where it goes. Jesus said the Sons of God are led by the Spirit of God. They are like Israel, but more individual : a peculiar people.
A Pastor that panics, threatens, or thinks the people are exclusively his, and/or spends time trying to unify all the people into a tight unity.. is wrong. The unity of God's people is a spiritual Body that cannot be packed in a building. They are here and there. Sometimes there are multitudes that are together. It is an invisible union. It can't be organized or packaged. As Jesus said, the GodSpirit is like the wind which no one knows where it comes from or where it goes. Jesus said the Sons of God are led by the Spirit of God. They are like Israel, but more individual : a peculiar people.
Heb 10:25
"Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together,
as the manner of some is;
but exhorting one another:
and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching."
"Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together,
as the manner of some is;
but exhorting one another:
and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching."
as ye see the day approaching."
Little did they know that AD70 was right at the door and everything they knew was about to be destroyed.
They were being encouraged to Love and encourage one another.
They were being encouraged to Love and encourage one another.
Don't stay away from everyone, the Believers would say. If you have been hurt somehow, don't throw in the towel. Keep communicating, keep gathering, keep having one on one conversations.
Keep encouraging one another with Love.
Don't hide your Love. You can receive it from others. And you can give it to others. Stay encourgaged.
If you can't give it out yet, then receive it. Love heals. Love works. God is Love. Love God. Love others will always be the goal. The Gospel, the Good News, the Love, is the all of it.
.. love the Lord thy God with all thy heart
.. love thy neighbour as thyself
If you hate yourself, then ask God to show you what true Love is. Then it will fall in place. There are many that need you as much as you need them.
Keep encouraging one another with Love.
Don't hide your Love. You can receive it from others. And you can give it to others. Stay encourgaged.
If you can't give it out yet, then receive it. Love heals. Love works. God is Love. Love God. Love others will always be the goal. The Gospel, the Good News, the Love, is the all of it.
.. love the Lord thy God with all thy heart
.. love thy neighbour as thyself
If you hate yourself, then ask God to show you what true Love is. Then it will fall in place. There are many that need you as much as you need them.
Matthew 18:20 "For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." said Jesus Christ.
This is what I believe.. comma,
T.H.Tatman
GodComma.com
T.H.Tatman
GodComma.com
...
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