Unfortunately, the Greek word for ekklesia has been replaced by most Bibles with the word church.
However, a few Bibles keep the correct translation of ekklesia by using the word assembly.
The word assembly maintains the biblical narrative of the plan of God to build a spiritual temple on earth formed by those from all nations who place their faith in Jesus (Ephesians 2:11-22).
This assembly replaced the physical temple that once stood in Jerusalem.
During the time of Paul, those who believed were assembled together to form the spiritual temple of God where he dwells by his Spirit.
Today, those who believe are assembled into the spiritual temple.
In the spiritual temple of God, there are no dividing walls.
Paul explained this in Ephesians 2:14-15, writing.
"For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations."
The two groups were Jews and Gentiles.
The Law of Moses instructed the Jews about how they were to relate to the Gentiles.
The Law of Moses regulated the relationships between them for about 1500 years.
The Law of Moses separated the Jews from the Gentiles.
The instructions and regulations of the law created separation between them.
The instructions and regulations also created hostility between the them.
However, in his death, Jesus "destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations."
Because of the death of Jesus, there is no more law-based, regulated division between Jews and Gentiles.
Through faith in Jesus, Jews and Gentiles form the new spiritual temple of God, the ekklesia, where he dwells by his Spirit.
There are no dividing walls of hostility in the ekklesia.
Jesus has brought Jews and Gentiles together from every nation.
Through faith in Jesus, we have peace with each other.
NOTE:
I have no problem with the use of the word church to identify the physical meeting place of believers.
However, the use of the word church in Bibles has caused most believers to miss the Biblical narrative of the assembling of the spiritual temple of God that Paul explained in Ephesians.
During Paul's time, the separation of Jews and Gentiles by the law was a major issue.
To see the seriousness of the issue, read Galatians 2:11-21 with James, Peter, and the Gentiles.
Also, read Acts 10 when Peter was given a vision and an experience to teach him he could enter a Gentile's home and eat their food.
Paul was given the responsibility by Jesus to explain that the law separating Jews and Gentiles had ended at the cross.
Paul wrote about this task in Ephesians 3.
This was no small task Paul was given.
This put his life in extreme danger.
