Congregation

A group of people gathered or called together for a purpose. In Scripture a congregation refers particularly to the Israelites gathered for worship; it is also used of Christians in the NT.

The congregation of the Israelites

For the giving of the Ten Commandments

See also Exodus 19:17; Deuteronomy 5:22

For hearing God's word

Nehemiah 8:1–9 See also Deuteronomy 5:1; Nehemiah 8:18, Nehemiah 9:1–3

For praising God

Psalm 22:22 See also Psalm 40:9–10, Psalm 68:26; Hebrews 2:12

I will proclaim Your name to my brothers; I will praise You in the assembly.

To make a sin offering for the sin of the community

Leviticus 4:13–14; Numbers 15:24

For the ordination of priests and Levites

Leviticus 8:3–4; Numbers 8:9

For census, retribution and major events

Leviticus 24:14; Numbers 1:18; Joshua 18:1; Judges 20:1; 1 Samuel 10:17

Exclusion from the assembly

Deuteronomy 23:1–8

In the NT

Jewish congregations in the synagogue

Luke 4:20 See also Acts 13:5, Acts 13:14–15, Acts 14:1

Then He rolled up the scroll, returned it to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fixed on Him,

Christian congregations

Acts 2:46–47 See also Acts 5:12, Acts 11:26, Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 14:33–34; James 2:2

With one accord they continued to meet daily in the temple courts and to break bread from house to house, sharing their meals with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.