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The Bible often uses metaphors or images to illustrate a point. What are the different metaphor the New Testament uses for the local church?

I found the following metaphor :

  • A Flock (Acts 20.28, 1 Peter, 5.2-3)
  • A body / the body of Christ ( 1 Cor 12.27-31, Eph 1.22, Eph 5.21-33, Col 1.18, Col 1.24)
  • A mystery (Col 1.24-29, Eph 3.8-9)
  • A spouse (Eph 5.21-33)

Are there other metaphors for the Church in the New Testament?

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The bride of Christ (a spouse) is a metaphor for the church universal, not a local church. – Affable Geek May 30 '12 at 12:29
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This would be better on Biblical Hermeneutics. – DJClayworth May 30 '12 at 12:37
@DJClayworth how do I do that. It seems like a good idea – David Laberge May 31 '12 at 0:27
Here is the hermeneutics site: hermeneutics.stackexchange.com/questions Just post the same question there. Or make a comment here and the moderators will move it for you. – DJClayworth May 31 '12 at 3:19

closed as off topic by warren, Caleb♦ May 31 '12 at 10:13

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1 Answer

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I think the table from the following link will really answer your question: http://www.bible.ca/ntx-church-not-named.htm
I think House of God though would be one of the best metaphors used.

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