THE PAULINE PATTERN of the GATHERING OF THE CHURCH


While reading Paul's epistles we see a very clear pattern develop. The primary meeting place of the church is the home. This is the Pauline pattern.

". . . the church that is in their house" (Romans 16:5).

". . . the church that is in their house" (I Corinthians 16:19).

". . . the church which is in his house" (Colossians 4:15).

". . . the church in thy house" (Philemon 2).

Are these repeated phrases of any special significance or meaning? Or, are they just interesting historical "filler"?

Are we not to follow Paul?

"Wherefore I beseech you that you, be ye followers of me" (I Corinthians 4:16).

"Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ" (I Corinthians 11:1).

Were not Paul and his epistles given to us for a pattern?

"Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting" (I Timothy 1:16).

Shall we follow Paul as he follows Christ, or shall we follow some other man?

Think on these things.

Clyde Pilkington

Gladstone, VA

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