Shepherd the Church of God
Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.
Listen to the "Verse by Verse" episode covering this scripture.
In Paul’s impassioned speech to the elders from Ephesus, he reminded them whose Church it really is. Since Jesus Christ redeemed each member with His own blood, ministers must serve diligently and reverently.
This verse is the first of 12 mentions of the name, the ekklesia or “called-out ones” of God. This is most often translated “Church of God” in English versions of the New Testament. Jesus explained that His followers must be called by His Father (John 6:44).
We previously discussed the founding of the Church of God on Pentecost (Acts 2:38-39) and how God added to the Church (Acts 2:47).
The Church is also described in our Fundamental Belief “17. The Church of God”:
“The Church of God is a spiritual body composed of believers who have and are being led by the Holy Spirit. The Church is not a denomination, a human organization or a building but the people God is working with in any age. The biblical name of this church is the ‘Church of God.’ Its mission is to preach the gospel of the coming Kingdom of God to all nations and to make disciples of all who respond to God’s calling, assisting them in their spiritual development and reconciliation to God.”
For more about the Church, see Welcome to the Church of God, a Worldwide Association.
