The True Legacy of Apostle Paul’s Churches - Are Any Still Functioning?
The True Legacy of Apostle Paul’s Churches - Are Any Still Functioning?
The history of Christian churches established by Apostle Paul is complex and often misunderstood. Many wonder if any of these early congregations still survive today. The short answer is that they likely do not, but understanding why requires delving into the historical context and biblical teachings that shape our views.
Beyond Biblical Foundations
It's important to note that biblical references do not mention specific physical structures or formal denominations as we understand them today. The New Testament typically describes the early Christian communities as house churches, small groups meeting in homes rather than dedicated buildings. This model reflects the restrictive Roman laws and the diverse nature of the early converts.
The term 'church' in the Bible is not used to refer to a specific organization, but rather a community of believers. The word 'church' (ekklesia in Greek) refers more broadly to those called out and gathered together, emphasizing the relational aspect of faith rather than a physical building or hierarchy.
Man-made Pagan Denominations
The so-called Sunday churches, associated with denominational structures and practices, are much more recent inventions. These man-made denominations often have roots in historical and cultural developments, including the influence of paganism and other non-biblical beliefs. These are not apostolic continuations but rather new formations that deviate from the original teachings of Christ and His apostles.
Christians today are encouraged to seek Trinitarian truth from the original writings, rather than rely on man-made traditions. The Bible clearly warns about the potential for apostasy—departing from true Christian teachings—and the introduction of doctrinal errors over time. Key scriptures like Matthew 7:15, Matthew 24:11, 1 Timothy 4:1, and 2 Peter 2:1 highlight the danger of false teachings and false prophets.
The Rapture and True Faith
The Rapture is described in the book of Revelation and is a subject of debate among Christians. Some interpret it as a pre-tribulation event, specifically for those who are spiritually prepared and living according to God's will. The apostle John himself paraphrases Jesus' words in John 3:29 as: “He who has the bride is the bridegroom.” This emphasizes that true faith, or the 'bride' of Christ, is a result of the bridegroom's will and not the result of man-made denominations.
The rapture is a matter of those who are the true believers, those who are walking in the will of the Bridegroom, regardless of their location or church affiliation. The key is not the building or the denomination but the spiritual condition of the individual and their obedience to Christ's commands.
Continuity of True Faith
Despite the lack of direct continuity from Paul's time to today, there are spiritual continuities of true faith. For example, the Refugee Church of Strasbourg, started by John Calvin in the 16th century, is still meeting faithfully to the gospel today. This church, though not a direct continuation of the early house churches, demonstrates the continuity of true faith through generations.
It's also worth noting that the practice of observing Sunday as a day of worship originated much later, likely in the early centuries of Christianity, influenced by Roman cultural factors. This does not align with the Sunday worship practiced in the New Testament, which was observed on the first day of the week (Sunday) by early Christians as a day of celebration and gathering, but not as a replacement for the Sabbath.
Conclusion
While it is unlikely that any of the first Christian churches established by Apostle Paul are still in their original form or form functioning today, the seeds of true faith and the pursuit of spiritual obedience continue to thrive in various congregations and individuals. The key to spiritual vitality lies not in the physical structures or denominational labels but in the eternal truths of the gospel and living by the will of Christ.