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Terms for the Church
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In the Bible, the church is either referred to as simply "the church", as belonging to Deity (church of Christ or church of God), or as being in a particular geographical location (church of Ephesus). Denominational names and practices were never used in naming the church. It is a common practice for followers to be named after the person they follow or what they practice. In the first century, the followers of Christ were called Christians, saints, brethren, disciples, the church, the body of Christ, etc. They were never given exalted names like "reverend" or "father". They were never named after denominations or their practices because there were no denominations in the first century church.
| Romans 16:16 |
...The churches of Christ salute you. |
| 1 Corinthians 1:2 |
Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours: |
| Galatians 1:2 |
And all the brethren which are with me, unto the churches of Galatia: |
| Acts 11:26 |
And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch. |
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