Convocation & the Church

Convocation & the Church

 

Introduction

This study sheds light on the relationship between a convocation and a church and provides an understanding to the origin of assemblies, partakers, pursuits, and purpose of each.

Convocation

The word, "convocation" in Leviticus 23:21 is defined as:

• Strong's Hebrew 4744 - מִקְרָא miqrâʼ; from 7121; something called out, i.e. a public meeting (the act, the persons, or the place); also a rehearsal:

The word, "calling" in Numbers 10:2 is the same Hebrew word, "miqra."

Leviticus 23:21 KJV - "And ye shall proclaim on the selfsame day, that it may be an holy convocation unto you: ye shall do no servile work therein: it shall be a statute for ever in all your dwellings throughout your generations."

Numbers 10:2-3 KJV - "2 Make thee two trumpets of silver; of a whole piece shalt thou make them: that thou mayest use them for the calling of the assembly, and for the journeying of the camps. 3 And when they shall blow with them, all the assembly shall assemble themselves to thee at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation."

(convocation & calling H4744)

When the assembly was called, an emphasis was made regarding the covenant God created with his people:

Exodus 24:7-8 KJV - "7 And he took the book of the covenant, and read in the audience of the people: and they said, All that the LORD hath said will we do, and be obedient. 8 And Moses took the blood, and sprinkled it on the people, and said, Behold the blood of the covenant, which the LORD hath made with you concerning all these words."

Joshua 8:33-35 KJV - "33 And all Israel, and their elders, and officers, and their judges, stood on this side the ark and on that side before the priests the Levites, which bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD, as well the stranger, as he that was born among them; half of them over against mount Gerizim, and half of them over against mount Ebal; as Moses the servant of the LORD had commanded before, that they should bless the people of Israel. 34 And afterward he read all the words of the law, the blessings and cursings, according to all that is written in the book of the law. 35 There was not a word of all that Moses commanded, which Joshua read not before all the congregation of Israel, with the women, and the little ones, and the strangers that were conversant among them."

Church

The word "church" in the New Testament has the same meaning as "convocation" in the Old Testament.  

Strong’s Greek 1577 - ἐκκλησία ĕkklēsia; from a compound of 1537 and a derivative of 2564; a calling out, i.e. (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (Jewish synagogue, or Christian community of members on earth or saints in heaven or both):

Ephesians 3:21 KJV - "Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen."

Ephesians 5:32 KJV - "This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church."

(church G1577)

Recall how God's people were to assemble where God chose to place his name and how God referred to the assemblies as "your" instead of "my" when they were held contrary to God's ways: 

Deuteronomy 14:23 KJV - "And thou shalt eat before the LORD thy God, in the place which he shall choose to place his name there, the tithe of thy corn, of thy wine, and of thine oil, and the firstlings of thy herds and of thy flocks; that thou mayest learn to fear the LORD thy God always."

Leviticus 26:35 KJV - "As long as it lieth desolate it shall rest; because it did not rest in your sabbaths, when ye dwelt upon it."

Isaiah 1:14 KJV - "Your new moons and your appointed feasts my soul hateth: they are a trouble unto me; I am weary to bear them."

The church was first established in the wilderness of Sina (Sinai) with Moses.

Acts 7:38 KJV - "This is he, that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him in the mount Sina, and with our fathers: who received the lively oracles to give unto us:"

When God's people carried services out according to their own desire, logic, and laws, God chose a new place for his name and began building upon a new foundation rock.

Matthew 16:18 KJV - "And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it."

God chose to continue his church with all who would worship God in spirit and in truth.

John 4:23 KJV - "But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him."

Acts 14:27 KJV - "And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles."

Acts 2:47 KJV - "Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved."

​

Location

The first church service, according to Acts 7:38, was held in the mount Sina (Sinai). The details recorded in Exodus 24, show the organized assembling of God's people at the mount to worship, and to hear the words and judgments of the Lord.

Exodus 24:1-3 KJV - "1 And he said unto Moses, Come up unto the LORD, thou, and Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel; and worship ye afar off. 2 And Moses alone shall come near the LORD: but they shall not come nigh; neither shall the people go up with him. 3 And Moses came and told the people all the words of the LORD, and all the judgments: and all the people answered with one voice, and said, All the words which the LORD hath said will we do."

According to Numbers 10:3, after assembling at mount Sinai, assemblies took place at the tabernacle of the congregation.

Numbers 10:3 KJV - "And when they shall blow with them, all the assembly shall assemble themselves to thee at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation."

While some convocations took place at the tabernacle, according to Leviticus 23:3, weekly convocations took place within private homes. (The synagogue was not established at this time; for more on the Sabbath, see "Shabbat/Sabbath - Cease & Restore")

Leviticus 23:3 KJV - "Six days shall work be done: but the seventh day is the sabbath of rest, an holy convocation; ye shall do no work therein: it is the sabbath of the LORD in all your dwellings." (See also Exodus 16:29)

When Solomon finished building a house for the Lord, the congregation of Israel assembled near the altar and held a holy convocation; which included prayer, proclamation, instruction, sacrifice, and blessings.

1 Kings 8:2 KJV - "And all the men of Israel assembled themselves unto king Solomon at the feast in the month Ethanim, which is the seventh month."

1 Kings 8:12-14, 22, 54 KJV - "12 Then spake Solomon, The LORD said that he would dwell in the thick darkness. 13 I have surely built thee an house to dwell in, a settled place for thee to abide in for ever. 14 And the king turned his face about, and blessed all the congregation of Israel: (and all the congregation of Israel stood;) ... 22 And Solomon stood before the altar of the LORD in the presence of all the congregation of Israel, and spread forth his hands toward heaven:... 54 And it was so, that when Solomon had made an end of praying all this prayer and supplication unto the LORD, he arose from before the altar of the LORD, from kneeling on his knees with his hands spread up to heaven."

1 Kings 8:55-61 KJV - "55 And he stood, and blessed all the congregation of Israel with a loud voice, saying, 56 Blessed be the LORD, that hath given rest unto his people Israel, according to all that he promised: there hath not failed one word of all his good promise, which he promised by the hand of Moses his servant. 57 The LORD our God be with us, as he was with our fathers: let him not leave us, nor forsake us: 58 That he may incline our hearts unto him, to walk in all his ways, and to keep his commandments, and his statutes, and his judgments, which he commanded our fathers. 59 And let these my words, wherewith I have made supplication before the LORD, be nigh unto the LORD our God day and night, that he maintain the cause of his servant, and the cause of his people Israel at all times, as the matter shall require: 60 That all the people of the earth may know that the LORD is God, and that there is none else. 61 Let your heart therefore be perfect with the LORD our God, to walk in his statutes, and to keep his commandments, as at this day."

1 Kings 8:62 KJV - "And the king, and all Israel with him, offered sacrifice before the LORD." (See 1 Kings 7:51-8:66)

Church

Assembling was first seen in houses and at the temple. (Recall from "the Lord's Supper" how food was not permitted in the temple, thus fellowship meals also took place from house to house.)

1 Corinthians 16:19 KJV - "The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house."

(See also Romans 16:5, Colossians 4:15; and Philemon 1:2)

Thayer's Greek Lexicon (ĕkklēsia) - "a company of Christians, or of those who, hoping for eternal Salvation through Jesus Christ, observe their own religious rites, hold their own religious meetings, and manage their own affairs according to regulations prescribed for the body for order's sake; aa. those who anywhere, in city or village, constitute such a company and are united into one body:... [1 Corinthians 16:19]"

Acts 2:46 KJV - "And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,"

Acts 20:20 KJV - "And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house,"

When the temple was destroyed in 70A.D., assembling at the temple ceased; and as the church became more public, buildings were obtained to assemble in.

Revelation 2:8 KJV - "And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive;" 

(See also Revelation 2:1, 12, 18, 3:1, 7, 14)

Partakers

Convocation

General Assembly:

The general assembly consisted of all God's people who were specifically Israelites; whether natural born or a sojourning converted stranger. (Recall from the study "Times & Seasons" how a stranger could be circumcised and then participate)

Joshua 8:33 KJV - "And all Israel, and their elders, and officers, and their judges, stood on this side the ark and on that side before the priests the Levites, which bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD, as well the stranger, as he that was born among them; half of them over against mount Gerizim, and half of them over against mount Ebal; as Moses the servant of the LORD had commanded before, that they should bless the people of Israel.”

The Prayer Quorum:

Called, "minyan", meaning "count or "number", refers to a Jewish law originating from Numbers, chapters 13-14, wherein it is held that twelve men went to spy the land of Canaan and ten brought back an evil report. Numbers 14:27 refers to a murmuring congregation; in the which, followers of Judaism believe that a congregation, or assembly, then must consist of at least ten people (traditionally men). Thus also, it is required for ten men to be present for communal prayer to be considered correct and effective.

Numbers 14:27, 36-38 KJV - "27 How long shall I bear with this evil congregation, which murmur against me? I have heard the murmurings of the children of Israel, which they murmur against me. ... 36 And the men, which Moses sent to search the land, who returned, and made all the congregation to murmur against him, by bringing up a slander upon the land, 37 Even those men that did bring up the evil report upon the land, died by the plague before the LORD. 38 But Joshua the son of Nun, and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, which were of the men that went to search the land, lived still."

Church

When the Lord revealed salvation to the Hebrew people, the faith of Judaism was fulfilled to become the Spirit filled Judeo Christian church. In Acts 14:27, Jewish disciples proclaimed that Gentiles (strangers) were not only allowed to become a sojourner, but that they were now specifically called by the Lord.

Acts 14:27 KJV - "And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles."

Ephesians 4:4 KJV - "There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;"

General Assembly:

The general assembly mainly consisted of spiritually born again baptized believers of any origin, social status, and nationality. (Recall from the study "The Lord's Supper" how partakers were no longer required to be circumcised in the flesh but circumcised in the heart.)

Acts 2:47 KJV - "Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved."

1 Corinthians 1:2 KJV - "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 3:28 KJV - "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus."

One of the duties of an ostiarius, also known as a porter, was to keep watch at the door. This included ensuring no unbaptized person entered during the Lord's Supper.

Though assemblies were structured for believers, unbelievers could come in during select times; especially during prophesying in order that they might be saved.

1 Corinthians 14:24-25 KJV - "24 But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all: 25 And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth."

The Prayer Quorum:

Jesus taught that only a minimum of two people were needed for him to be present and for communal prayers to be acceptable and effective. 

Matthew 18:19-20 KJV - "19 Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. 20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them."

Frequency

Convocation

From the time of Moses and while there was a standing temple, in a 360 day lunar year, there were 58-59 appointed convocations; of those were 7 feasts and 51-52 weekly convocations:

WEEKLY ASSEMBLIES

The Seventh Day

​Leviticus 23:3 KJV - "Six days shall work be done: but the seventh day is the sabbath of rest, an holy convocation; ye shall do no work therein: it is the sabbath of the LORD in all your dwellings."

ANNUAL ASSEMBLIES

Feasts (Collectively)

​Leviticus 23:2 KJV - "Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, Concerning the feasts of the LORD, which ye shall proclaim to be holy convocations, even these are my feasts.” (See also Leviticus 23:37)

​Feast of Passover

​Leviticus 23:5-8 KJV - "5 In the fourteenth day of the first month at even is the LORD'S passover. 6 And on the fifteenth day of the same month is the feast of unleavened bread unto the LORD: seven days ye must eat unleavened bread. 7 In the first day ye shall have an holy convocation: ye shall do no servile work therein. 8 But ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD seven days: in the seventh day is an holy convocation: ye shall do no servile work therein." (See also Numbers 27:16-18, 25)

Feast of Firstfruits

​Leviticus 23:16, 21 KJV - "16 Even unto the morrow after the seventh sabbath shall ye number fifty days; and ye shall offer a new meat offering unto the LORD. ... 21 And ye shall proclaim on the selfsame day, that it may be an holy convocation unto you: ye shall do no servile work therein: it shall be a statute for ever in all your dwellings throughout your generations."

(See also Numbers 28:26)

Feast of Trumpets

​Leviticus 23:24 KJV - "Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, In the seventh month, in the first day of the month, shall ye have a sabbath, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, an holy convocation." (See also Numbers 29:1)

 Day of Atonement (Fast then feast)

​Leviticus 23:27 KJV - "Also on the tenth day of this seventh month there shall be a day of atonement: it shall be an holy convocation unto you; and ye shall afflict your souls, and offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD."

(See also Numbers 29:7)

Feast of Tabernacles

​Leviticus 23:34-36 KJV - "34 Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, The fifteenth day of this seventh month shall be the feast of tabernacles for seven days unto the LORD. 35 On the first day shall be an holy convocation: ye shall do no servile work therein. 36 Seven days ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD: on the eighth day shall be an holy convocation unto you; and ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD: it is a solemn assembly; and ye shall do no servile work therein." (See also Numbers 29:12)

Read in context, scripture shows there was a sabbath of rest requirement for both the weekly and annual holy convocations. (For more on the Sabbath, see "Shabbat/Sabbath Day of Rest")

Church

When the Lord made new his appointed assemblies, from something called out (convocation), to a calling out (church), holy convocations occurred more often. 

DAILY ASSEMBLIES

​Acts 2:46-47 KJV - "46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, 47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved."

​WEEKLY ASSEMBLIES

​Acts 20:7 KJV - "And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight."

1 Corinthians 16:2 KJV - "Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come."

​ANNUAL ASSEMBLIES

​Acts 18:21 KJV - "But bade them farewell, saying, I must by all means keep this feast that cometh in Jerusalem: but I will return again unto you, if God will. And he sailed from Ephesus." (See also 1 Corinthians 5:8)

OFTEN ASSEMBLIES

1 Corinthians 11:25-26 KJV - "25 After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.  26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come."

By Jesus Christ's sacrificial atoning blood, born again and baptized believers were permitted to fellowship in the presence of the Lord as often as they willed. 

Focus & Pursuits

When God's people assembled, there were specific areas of focus that the congregation pursued. The same attributes are seen between the former convocations and newer. Fifteen are listed here:

MEET WITH GOD/HEAR AND LEARN FROM GOD

Convocation

Exodus 29:42 KJV - "This shall be a continual burnt offering throughout your generations at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation before the LORD: where I will meet you, to speak there unto thee." (See also Exodus 30:36, and Numbers 17:4) 

Deuteronomy 4:10 KJV - "Specially the day that thou stoodest before the LORD thy God in Horeb, when the LORD said unto me, Gather me the people together, and I will make them hear my words, that they may learn to fear me all the days that they shall live upon the earth, and that they may teach their children."

Numbers 16:19 KJV - "And Korah gathered all the congregation against them unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation: and the glory of the LORD appeared unto all the congregation."

Church

Matthew 18:20 KJV - "For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them."

1 Corinthians 14:31 KJV - "For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted."

Revelation 2:29 KJV - "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches." (see also Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 3:6, 13, 22)

REST

Convocation

Leviticus 23:3-4 KJV - "3 Six days shall work be done: but the seventh day is the sabbath of rest, an holy convocation; ye shall do no work therein: it is the sabbath of the LORD in all your dwellings.” (see also Leviticus 23:21, 25, 35, 36; Numbers 28:18, 25, 26, 29:1, 7, 12)

Church

Hebrews 4:10 KJV - "For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his."

GIVE DAILY SACRIFICE AND OFFERING

Convocation

Leviticus 23:7-8 KJV - "7 In the first day ye shall have an holy convocation: ye shall do no servile work therein. 8 But ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD seven days: in the seventh day is an holy convocation: ye shall do no servile work therein.” (see also Leviticus 23:25, 27, 36; 1 Kings 8:62)

Church

Romans 12:1 KJV - "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service."

Romans 15:16 KJV - "That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost."

1 Peter 2:5 KJV - "Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ."

TITHE

Convocation

​2 Chronicles 31:6 KJV - "And concerning the children of Israel and Judah, that dwelt in the cities of Judah, they also brought in the tithe of oxen and sheep, and the tithe of holy things which were consecrated unto the LORD their God, and laid them by heaps."

​Church

1 Corinthians 16:2 KJV - "Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come."

HUMBLE MEMORIAL

Convocation

​Leviticus 23:24 KJV - "Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, In the seventh month, in the first day of the month, shall ye have a sabbath, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, an holy convocation.” (see also Leviticus 23:2; Numbers 29:1)

​Church

2 Peter 1:13 KJV - "Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance;"

Luke 22:19 KJV - "And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me." (see also 1 Corinthians 11:24-25)

FEAST/FELLOWSHIP

Convocation

​Deuteronomy 14:23 KJV - "And thou shalt eat before the LORD thy God, in the place which he shall choose to place his name there, the tithe of thy corn, of thy wine, and of thine oil, and the firstlings of thy herds and of thy flocks; that thou mayest learn to fear the LORD thy God always." (see also Leviticus 23:4; Numbers 28:12)

Church

Acts 2:42 KJV - "And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers."

1 Corinthians 11:33 KJV - "Wherefore, my brethren, when ye come together to eat, tarry one for another."

1 Corinthians 1:10 KJV - "Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment."

GIVE REVERENCE

Convocation

​Deuteronomy 14:23 KJV -  "And thou shalt eat before the LORD thy God, in the place which he shall choose to place his name there, the tithe of thy corn, of thy wine, and of thine oil, and the firstlings of thy herds and of thy flocks; that thou mayest learn to fear the LORD thy God always."

Psalm 89:7 KJV - "God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be had in reverence of all them that are about him."

Church

Acts 13:16 KJV - "Then Paul stood up, and beckoning with his hand said, Men of Israel, and ye that fear God, give audience."

Acts 2:42-43 KJV - "42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles." (see also 2 Corinthians 7:1 and Hebrews 12:28)

PRAYER & INCENSE

​Convocation

​1 Kings 8:22, 54 KJV - "22 And Solomon stood before the altar of the LORD in the presence of all the congregation of Israel, and spread forth his hands toward heaven: … 54 And it was so, that when Solomon had made an end of praying all this prayer and supplication unto the LORD, he arose from before the altar of the LORD, from kneeling on his knees with his hands spread up to heaven."

Psalm 141:2 KJV - "Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice."

Church

Acts 4:31 KJV - "And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness."

Acts 12:12 KJV - "And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying." (see also Acts 2:42, 14:23)

Revelation 8:4 KJV - "And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel's hand." (also Revelation 8:3)

​FAST

​Convocation

Nehemiah 9:1 KJV - “Now in the twenty and fourth day of this month the children of Israel were assembled with fasting, and with sackclothes, and earth upon them."

​Church

Acts 14:23 KJV - "And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed."

​PROCLAIM, PROPHESY, TEACH, EXHORT, EDIFY

​Convocation

​Exodus 35:1 KJV - "And Moses gathered all the congregation of the children of Israel together, and said unto them, These are the words which the LORD hath commanded, that ye should do them."

Jeremiah 36:6 KJV - "Therefore go thou, and read in the roll, which thou hast written from my mouth, the words of the LORD in the ears of the people in the LORD'S house upon the fasting day: and also thou shalt read them in the ears of all Judah that come out of their cities."

Church

Acts 4:31 KJV - "And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness."

Acts 11:26 KJV - "And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch."

1 Corinthians 14:31 KJV - "For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted."

1 Thessalonians 5:11 KJV - "Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do." 

(see also Romans 15:14, 1 Corinthians 14: 14:4-5, 12, 19; Hebrews 10:25, 1 Timothy 3:15)

SEPARATE FROM UNCLEANNESS

​Convocation

Leviticus 15:31 KJV - "Thus shall ye separate the children of Israel from their uncleanness; that they die not in their uncleanness, when they defile my tabernacle that is among them."

1 Kings 8:64 KJV - "The same day did the king hallow the middle of the court that was before the house of the LORD: for there he offered burnt offerings, and meat offerings, and the fat of the peace offerings: because the brasen altar that was before the LORD was too little to receive the burnt offerings, and meat offerings, and the fat of the peace offerings."

​Church

2 Corinthians 6:17 KJV - "Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,"

Ephesians 4:31 KJV - "Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:"

1 Corinthians 5:6-7 KJV - "6 Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump? 7 Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:"

​PRAISE

​Convocation

​Psalm 107:32 KJV - "Let them exalt him also in the congregation of the people, and praise him in the assembly of the elders."

Psalm 111:1 KJV - "Praise ye the LORD. I will praise the LORD with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation."

Church

Luke 19:37 KJV - "And when he was come nigh, even now at the descent of the mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen;"

Hebrews 2:12 KJV - "Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee."

​​SERVICE

​Convocation

Numbers 4:23 KJV - "From thirty years old and upward until fifty years old shalt thou number them; all that enter in to perform the service, to do the work in the tabernacle of the congregation."

Numbers 8:24-26 KJV - "24 This is it that belongeth unto the Levites: from twenty and five years old and upward they shall go in to wait upon the service of the tabernacle of the congregation: 25 And from the age of fifty years they shall cease waiting upon the service thereof, and shall serve no more: 26 But shall minister with their brethren in the tabernacle of the congregation, to keep the charge, and shall do no service. Thus shalt thou do unto the Levites touching their charge."

​Church

2 Corinthians 8:4 KJV - "Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints."

Acts 20:28 KJV - "Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood."

Romans 16:1 KJV - "I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea:”

John 12:26 KJV - "If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour."

BLESSINGS

​Convocation

Joshua 8:33 KJV - "And all Israel, and their elders, and officers, and their judges, stood on this side the ark and on that side before the priests the Levites, which bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD, as well the stranger, as he that was born among them; half of them over against mount Gerizim, and half of them over against mount Ebal; as Moses the servant of the LORD had commanded before, that they should bless the people of Israel.”

1 Kings 8:14 KJV - "And the king turned his face about, and blessed all the congregation of Israel: (and all the congregation of Israel stood;)" (see also 1 Kings 8:55)

Church

Luke 24:49-52 KJV - "49 And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high. 50 And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them. 51 And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven. 52 And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy:"

Romans 4:7 KJV - "Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered." (see also Galatians 3:9)

Ephesians 1:3 KJV - "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:"

REJOICING

​Convocation

1 Kings 8:65-66 KJV - "65 And at that time Solomon held a feast, and all Israel with him, a great congregation, from the entering in of Hamath unto the river of Egypt, before the LORD our God, seven days and seven days, even fourteen days. 66 On the eighth day he sent the people away: and they blessed the king, and went unto their tents joyful and glad of heart for all the goodness that the LORD had done for David his servant, and for Israel his people."

​Church

Luke 24:51-53 KJV - "51 And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven. 52 And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy: 53 And were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen."

Acts 15:30-31 KJV - "So when they were dismissed, they came to Antioch: and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the epistle: 31 Which when they had read, they rejoiced for the consolation."  (see also Acts 16:34; Romans 15:10)

Holy, Sanctified, & Spiritual

The highest importance of the assemblies is that they were to be holy, sanctified, and spiritual. 

Holy

The words, "Holy" in Exodus 12:16 are defined as:

• Strong's Hebrew 6944 - קֹדֶשׁ qôdesh; from 6942; a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

  
  

The word, "Holy" in 1 Peter 2:5 is defined as:

• Strong’s Greek 40 - ἅγιος hagiŏs; from ἅγος hagŏs (an awful thing) [compare 53, 2282]; sacred (physically pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially consecrated)

Exodus 12:16 KJV - "And in the first day there shall be an holy convocation, and in the seventh day there shall be an holy convocation to you; no manner of work shall be done in them, save that which every man must eat, that only may be done of you."

(holy H6944)

1 Peter 2:5 KJV - "Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.” (See also 1 Peter 2:9)

The same Greek word for Holy is also rendered, "saints".

1 Corinthians 1:2 KJV - "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:" (See also Romans 1:7)

Both collectively as a called out assembly and individually, God's people and the assembly are called to be holy.

Romans 12:1 KJV - "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service."

Ephesians 1:4 KJV - "According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:" 

1 Peter 1:15-16 KJV - "15 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; 16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy."

Sanctified

The word, "sanctified" in 1 Corinthians 1:2 is defined as:

• Strong's Greek 37- ἁγιάζω hagiazō; from 40; to make holy, i.e. (ceremonially) purify or consecrate; (mentally) to venerate

1 Corinthians 1:2 KJV - "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:"

While faithful believers are sanctified in Christ Jesus, both individually and collectively, sanctification is an ongoing process to remove blemishes (sin) from the body of Christ (assembly).

Ephesians 5:23-27 KJV - "23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. 24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. 25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; 26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.” (see also Ephesians 1:20, 22-23; Colossians 1:18, 24; 1 Corinthians 6:15-17)

Faithful believers are to assemble in fellowship with other faithful believers. Additionally, believers who feast together must presently have the mind to glorify God. 

2 Corinthians 6:14-15, 17-18 KJV - "14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? 15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? ... 17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, 18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty."

1 Corinthians 5:11 KJV - "But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat."

1 Corinthians 10:21, 31 KJV - "Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils. ... 31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God."

Ephesians 5:11 KJV – “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them."

The assembly is called to judge the works of those within and to bring works to the light; making them known.

1 Corinthians 5:11-13 KJV - "11 But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat. 12 For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within? 13 But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person."

1 Corinthians 6:4-5 KJV - "4 If then ye have judgments of things pertaining to this life, set them to judge who are least esteemed in the church. 5 I speak to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you? no, not one that shall be able to judge between his brethren?"

1 Corinthians 14:24-25 KJV - "24 But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all: 25 And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth."

Romans 15:14 KJV - "And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another."

2 Timothy 4:2 KJV - "Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine."

Ephesians 5:8, 11, 13 KJV – “8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: … 11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. …13 But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light." 

Matthew 5:14 KJV - "Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid."

John 3:19-21 KJV – “19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. 21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.”

With each individual faithful believer being a light, spread out in a dark world the light doesn't shine as bright as when the individual lights are joined together in one place. A called out assembly filled with lights should make manifest all darkness and overcome the darkness within that place. Likewise, the assembly is to judge by means of righteous discernment and remove anyone who is resistant to the sanctifying works of the Holy Spirit.

Matthew 18:15-17 KJV - "15 Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. 16 But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. 17 And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.”

1 Corinthians 5:1-5 KJV - "1 It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father's wife. 2 And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you. 3 For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed, 4 In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, 5 To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus."

1 Corinthians 5:6-7 KJV - "6 Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump? 7 Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:" (See also Galatians 5:9)​

(see also Acts 7:51, 2 Timothy 3:8, Romans 13:2 and 1 John 3:10)

Spiritual

Just as God physically made Adam and then breathed life into him, so God also made a collective body from the gathering of his people and then breathed his Spirit into it.

God's people once gathered at the natural house of God until the fulfillment of a Spiritual house and law.

The word, "spiritual" is defined as:

• Strong's G4152- πνευματικός pnĕumatikŏs; from 4151; non-carnal, i.e. (humanly) ethereal (as opposed to gross), or (dæmoniacally) a spirit (concretely), or (divinely) supernatural, regenerate, religious

• Thayer's Greek Lexicon (pnĕumatikŏs) - "tropically, the acts of a life dedicated to God and approved by him, due to the influence of the Holy Spirit (tacitly opposed to the sacrifices of an external worship), [1 Peter 2:5]"

1 Corinthians 15:46 KJV - "Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual."

1 Peter 2:5 KJV - "Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ."

Romans 7:14 KJV - "For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin."

God created all observances with spiritual meaning and purpose, without the fulfillment of the Holy Spirit, spiritual understanding of the convocations could not be received.

1 Corinthians 2:13-14 KJV - "13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned."

This blindness was for God' purpose that he might complete his plan of redemption to include the Gentiles. 

Romans 11:25-26 KJV - "25 For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. 26 And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:"

Isaiah 29:1, 10-13, 22-24 KJV - "1 Woe to Ariel, to Ariel, the city where David dwelt! add ye year to year; let them kill sacrifices. ... 10 For the LORD hath poured out upon you the spirit of deep sleep, and hath closed your eyes: the prophets and your rulers, the seers hath he covered. 11 And the vision of all is become unto you as the words of a book that is sealed, which men deliver to one that is learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee: and he saith, I cannot; for it is sealed: 12 And the book is delivered to him that is not learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee: and he saith, I am not learned. 13 Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men: ... 22 Therefore thus saith the LORD, who redeemed Abraham, concerning the house of Jacob, Jacob shall not now be ashamed, neither shall his face now wax pale. 23 But when he seeth his children, the work of mine hands, in the midst of him, they shall sanctify my name, and sanctify the Holy One of Jacob, and shall fear the God of Israel. 24 They also that erred in spirit shall come to understanding, and they that murmured shall learn doctrine."

Romans 9:24-28 KJV - "24  Even us, whom he hath called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles? 25 As he saith also in Osee, I will call them my people, which were not my people; and her beloved, which was not beloved. 26 And it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people; there shall they be called the children of the living God. 27 Esaias also crieth concerning Israel, Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved: 28 For he will finish the work, and cut it short in righteousness: because a short work will the Lord make upon the earth."

Galatians 3:28 KJV - "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus."

Romans 2:28-29 KJV - "28 For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: 29 But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God."

The spiritual observances commanded by God remain intact and are to be carried out by faithful believers today.

Romans 1:11 KJV - "For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established;"

1 Corinthians 10:3-4 KJV - "3 And did all eat the same spiritual meat; 4 And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ."

Ephesians 1:3 KJV - "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:"

Ephesians 5:19 KJV - "Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;"

Colossians 1:9 KJV - "For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;"

1 Peter 2:5 KJV - "Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ."

All things natural and physical are ready to vanish away, and will pass, in their time of final fulfillment. 

Hebrews 8:13 KJV - "In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away."

Matthew 5:18 KJV - "For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled."

2 Peter 1:14 KJV - "Knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me."

1 Corinthians 15:53 KJV - "For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality."

Final Fulfillment

When Christ returns, he will gather his saints (formerly Jews and Gentiles); separating them from the world and unto himself, then feast and fellowship with them.

John 14:3 KJV - "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also."

Psalm 50:5 KJV - "Gather my saints together unto me; those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice."

Matthew 25:32 KJV - "And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats:"

Revelation 21:3-5 KJV - "3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. 4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. 5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful."

Luke 22:29-30 KJV - "29 And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me; 30 That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel."

Zechariah 14:16 KJV - "And it shall come to pass, that every one that is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall even go up from year to year to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, and to keep the feast of tabernacles."

Matthew 8:11 KJV - "And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven."

Luke 13:29 KJV - "And they shall come from the east, and from the west, and from the north, and from the south, and shall sit down in the kingdom of God."

Luke 12:37 KJV - "Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them."

Conclusion

A convocation or church is a calling for God's people to assemble, draw near to God, learn and separate from sin (in mind, heart, and deed) and in a spirit of holy reverence to God. It is to create and build a sacred holy and "safe bubble" impermeable to the wickedness outside of it, a place for light to shine forth and rejoice, a place to rest in the Lord and serve with charity, prayer, and fasting, and a place to feast and fellowship in unity with the Lord and each other. Set up from the beginning, God established a gathering unto him for all generations. The ekklesia (church) is the partial fulfillment to the convocation and its final fulfillment will be when the Lord calls his faithful believers to be gathered unto himself.