What does ekklesia mean in Galatians 1:13?
In Galatians 1:13, the Greek word ekklesia is translated 'church' and means 'assembly.' Paul describes his past persecution of the assembly of God, indicating ekklesia refers to the gathered congregation of believers, the church, whom he opposed before his conversion.
Les explains that in Galatians 1:13 Paul recounts his past manner of living in the Jews' religion, how beyond measure he persecuted the church, or the assembly. Les points out the Greek word is ekklesia, which he prefers to render 'assembly,' and Paul calls it the assembly of God. Paul, as a religious Jew and persecutor, tore them up, killed and imprisoned them, doing anything to stop anything concerning Jesus of Nazareth. This persecution occurred before Paul received the Gospel by the revelation of Jesus Christ, not from man.
For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews’ religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it: