A Semantic Study of Ecclesia before 100 A.D.

Author

Harold Edwin Cline

Date of Award

1-1-1959

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Religion

Abstract

In studying the background and origin of meaning for this word [ecclesia], this paper will seek to investigate the pagan, the Jewish, and the Christian literature in this order. Of couse, as the preliminary discussion has so far indicated, the primary weight and burden of study will be upond the Septugintal influence. The three stages to be developed are reminiscent of the comment of R.C. Trench in his opening comments concerning ecclesia. He named them as heathen, Jewish, and Christian. The development of these stages will be united and brought together to make some pertinent conclusions in the final chapter of this thesis. At all points, this study will seek to limit itself to this one Greek word, [ecclesia], and words which have a direct relationship with it, rather than dealing with the many images used by the New Testament and theology to understand and to explain the church.

Recommended Citation

Cline, Harold Edwin, "A Semantic Study of Ecclesia before 100 A.D." (1959). Graduate Thesis Collection. 445.
https://digitalcommons.butler.edu/grtheses/445