Jesus uses the Greek word ἐκκλησία (ekklēsia or ecclesia in Latin), usually translated “church” or “assembly,” in the New Testament, in the Gospel of Matthew:
1. Matthew 16:18
“And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church (ἐκκλησία), and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.”
What He was saying: Jesus is describing the future community of His followers. The word ekklēsia in Greek didn’t originally mean a building—it meant a called-out assembly or gathering of people. Here, He’s saying He will establish a lasting community centered on Himself, one that will endure even against death (“gates of Hades”).
