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Roman Catechism
Other Uses of the Word “Church”
Portions of the Universal Church are usually called churches, as when the Apostle mentions the Church at Corinth, at Galatia, of the Laodiceans, of the Thessalonians.18
The private families of the faithful he also calls churches. The church in the family of Priscilla and Aquila he commands to be saluted; and in another place, he says: Aquila and Priscilla with the church that is in their house salute you much in the Lord.19 Writing to Philemon, he makes use of the same word.20
Sometimes, also, the word church is used to signify the prelates and pastors of
the church. If he will not hear thee, says our Lord, tell the church.21 Here the
word church means the authorities of the Church.
The place in which the faithful assemble to hear the Word of God, or for other religious purposes, is also called a church. But in this Article, the word church is specially used to signify both the good and the bad, the governed, as well as the governing.
18. Rom 16:4
19. 1 Cor 16:19
20. Phlm 1:2
21. Matt 18:17