The term "Assembly of God" is often associated with the Pentecostal Christian denomination known as the Assemblies of God, which emphasizes the work of the Holy Spirit, the practice of spiritual gifts, and the importance of evangelism. However, the concept of an "assembly" is deeply rooted in biblical theology and can be traced back to the Old and New Testaments, where it signifies the gathering of God's people for worship, instruction, and communal life.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word "qahal" is frequently used to describe the assembly of the Israelites. This assembly was a gathering of the people of God, often for the purpose of worship, receiving the Law, or making important communal decisions. For example, in Deuteronomy 9:10, Moses recounts, "The LORD gave me the two tablets of stone inscribed by the finger of God, and on them were all the commandments that the LORD had spoken to you on the mountain out of the midst of the fire on the day of the assembly."

The assembly was a sacred convocation, a time when the Israelites would come together to renew their covenant with God, as seen in Joshua 8:35: "There was not a word of all that Moses had commanded that Joshua did not read before the whole assembly of Israel, including the women and children and the foreigners who lived among them."

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the Greek word "ekklesia" is used to describe the assembly or church. This term is foundational to understanding the nature of the Christian community. Jesus Himself refers to the church in Matthew 16:18, saying, "And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it."

The early Christian assemblies were characterized by their devotion to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer, as described in Acts 2:42: "They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." These gatherings were marked by the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, as believers sought to live out their faith in community.

Theological Significance

The assembly of God, both in the Old and New Testaments, signifies the gathering of God's people for worship, instruction, and mutual edification. It is a visible expression of the body of Christ, where believers come together to glorify God and build one another up in faith. Hebrews 10:24-25 exhorts believers, "And let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds. Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching."

The assembly is also a foretaste of the ultimate gathering of God's people in the eschatological future, as depicted in Revelation 7:9-10: "After this I looked and saw a multitude too large to count, from every nation and tribe and people and tongue, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and holding palm branches in their hands, and they cried out in a loud voice: 'Salvation to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!'"

Contemporary Application

In contemporary Christian practice, the concept of the assembly of God continues to hold great importance. Churches gather regularly for worship, teaching, and fellowship, seeking to embody the principles laid out in Scripture. The Assemblies of God denomination, in particular, emphasizes the baptism in the Holy Spirit, evangelism, and the operation of spiritual gifts within the assembly, reflecting the dynamic and vibrant nature of the early church as described in the New Testament.