\ifdefiningfootnotes \DeclareFixedFootnote{\fnEkklhsia}{EKKLESIA from ``called out''. Appears 114 times in the N.T., but only three times in the Gospels (\myxref{Matt}{16}{18} (twice) and \myxref{Matt}{18}{17}). Note that when Jesus uses the word EKKLESIA, the Christian community as we know it didn't yet exist --- there were only the disciples. \fnPar EKKLESIA is apparently different from 'synagogue' (SYNAGOGE) which occurs 56 times in the N.T. EKKLESIA is used in secular Greek literature of a popular assembly `called to assemble', and also of those 'called' to a cult. EKKLESIA is used frequently in the N.T. outside of the Gospels to refer to Christian communities, but in \myxref{Acts}{7}{38} it is used of the people of Israel led through the desert by Moses, and in \myxref{Acts}{19}{32} ff. of a secular assembly. All told, the common translation of EKKLESIA as 'church' doesn't reflect 1st century usage --- more like 'a group of people assembled for some specific purpose'. } \fi