One interesting fact is that every time an ekklesia is restricted to a particular location, it is always in the singular. In other words, there is never a reference to more than one ekklesia in any given city. This is consistent with our view that the local ekklesia is a reference to saints in that city rather to a local organization meeting at a particular place. Again, this does not necessarily mean that they never gathered unless it was a city-wide gathering of all Christians. Instead, it merely represents the called out individuals in one city (singular). The words “one city” correlates to “an ekklesia” when comparing Acts 14:23 to Titus 1:5. Paul’s example and teaching in these two scriptures show the recognition of spiritual shepherds in every city or ekklesia. In other words, the shepherds lived among the saints of that city. We read too much into the reading of “church of God at Corinth” when we envision a duly formed organization into which saints can join by placing membership. The particular church at Corinth was merely the saints who lived in the city. We have not changed the primary meaning of “church” from its first use. They are still the people of God. The only exception is that they are (the church of God) at Corinth, the “sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord” (1 Cor. 1:2).
Even though some cities may have had more Christians than one home could accommodate, there is no principle requiring the need to meet in one place. Meeting in different homes did not equate to membership in different congregations nor does it equate to the modern “church-hopping” practice. Take Jerusalem as an example. Each home gathering in Jerusalem did not see itself as a separate church and certainly not a separate denomination but as part of the one body in that city. There would have been many different gatherings from house to house. Yet, they were “one ekklesia” even while meeting in different locations throughout the city. Luke never refers to the “ekklesias or churches at Jerusalem.” When the entire group needed to meet together, they met in an already existing facility to accommodate everyone such as the porch of Solomon outside the temple (cf. Acts 5:12). The upper room meetings were special meetings that were probably chosen to accommodate more Christians, but none would accommodate three-thousand plus people.
Another example to add is Paul’s statement, “No church (ekklesia) had fellowship with me …(Phil. 4:15), but ye only.” The church (singular) is made up of individuals (“ye” in the plural) in a city (singular). Just as there are many members, but one body, Paul is speaking of the individual units that make up the ekklesia in Philippi as a plurality of individuals. We have defined the church as the people of God, brought into a relationship with Him by the blood of His Son. The church of God at Philippi was the church living in Philippi, i.e., saved individuals. They were living in the same city. Following the verses carefully, one will see that Paul describes Corinth as “the sanctified”, called “saints” at Corinth (1 Cor. 1:1-2). They are the light, and the salt in that city. They are all fellow-workers in Corinth, whether tent makers, chariot makers, or merchants. Once again, to speak of a “local ekklesia” does not necessitate the formation of an organization held together by religious programs, hired public speakers and corporate body leaders giving assignments to be performed in the service-oriented gatherings. The individuals of this class share the same town, are guided by spiritual gifts and, and, like their Lord, “went about doing good” (Acts 10:38). For example, Dorcas was “a woman full of good works and almsdeeds which she did” (Acts 9:36, cf. 2 Cor. 9:8, Col 1:10, 2 Thess. 2:17). They also find a source of great strength and comfort in each other’s presence.
There’s a saying very familiar to us that describes the life of these fellow-workers. It says that “birds of a feather flock together.” We tend to gravítate to those whom we wish to be like. It is a natural choice and an inevitable end of all saints who will one day be gathered unto Him in glory.