That paragraph came from Dr. Wadsworth's PhD dissertation. You can contact him to ask for a copy of the dissertation at his website: www.tomwadsworth.com/contact. For your immediate reference, here is the paragraph that I read in the video (along with my phonetic spellings of the Greek words to aid my pronunciation): A likely reason why these five words were not used by Christians in reference to their meetings is the fact that Christians had no temple. The once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus, along with his predicted destruction of the temple, obliterated the ongoing need for sacrifice, altar, ritual, priest, and temple. … Going to a temple to prostrate (pros-koo-neh'-o) before God is now obsolete; the very idea of a sacred “place” has been erased (Jn 4:2024). Offering sacrifices for sin in a temple (lat-ryoo'-o) is also obsolete because of Jesus’s “one sacrifice for sins for all time” (Heb 10:10-14). Literal lat-ri'-ah has been replaced with metaphorical lat-ri'-ah, as Christians now present their bodies as “a living and holy sacrifice,” i.e., lives that are not conformed to this world but are transformed by a renewed mind (Rom 12:1-2). The need for the daily work of priests in the temple (li-toorg-eh'-o) has been replaced with the idea that all Christians are priests and “holy ones” who must maintain excellent behavior in society (1 Pt 2:4-12). Since God’s new dwelling place (temple) is in the Christian body, the idea of revering sacred places, persons, and things (seb'-o-mie) has been replaced with the need for an exemplary and pious life. In Christ, the very idea of a temple-based religion with its rules and religious rites (thrace-ki'-ah) has been replaced with “The Way” of Christ, which strives for the simplicity of a bridled tongue and caring for those in need (Jas 1:26-27).

Glad it was helpful!

I’ve noticed the same and completely agree. The gatherings of the New Testament church focused on building up our inner being-our spiritual side-through mutual edification, teaching, and encouragement. Unfortunately, many modern church settings, with their loud music and stage performances, seem to appeal more to the flesh (the senses) than to the spirit. While the energy and theatrics may stir emotions, they often leave our deeper spiritual needs neglected and starved.

The early church did meet in homes (e.g., Acts 2:46, 12:12; Rom 16:5; 1 Cor 16:19; Phil 1:2; Col 4:15), but they also gathered as larger groups, like in Solomon’s Colonnade (Acts 5:12). Both formats had their place. As for heresy, the issue isn’t the size of the gathering but the need for sound teaching and strong leadership. Paul emphasized the role of elders and overseers in protecting the church from false teaching (Acts 20:28-30, Titus 1:9). Even larger assemblies aren’t immune to heresy, as we see in Paul’s letters to entire churches (e.g., Galatians, Corinthians), where false doctrine had spread despite oversight. Smaller gatherings allow for more personal accountability and discipleship, which are vital for spiritual growth (Hebrews 10:24-25). With godly leadership and unity in Christ, both small and large assemblies can remain faithful to God’s truth.

Thank you for your comment! It’s clear that you have given this some thought. Acts 13:2 highlights a common challenge with many English Bible translations. Modern readers often bring two assumptions to this verse. First, the Greek word leitourgeo is translated as “worshiping” in some versions, but is this accurate? If you compare translations (KJV, NKJV, ASV, NASB, HCSB, NET, etc.), most use “serving” or “ministering” instead. The term leitourgeo specifically refers to priestly service, not worship in the way we commonly think of it today. What service were the five prophets and teachers mentioned in verse 1 performing? The text indicates they were fasting and praying as part of the commissioning of Barnabas and Saul to share the good news with the Gentiles. While we might assume they had gathered for worship, the text doesn’t explicitly say that. Second, there’s an assumption that this was an assembly of the church at Antioch. However, verse 1 simply states that the church had prophets and teachers, naming five of them. It does not suggest that the church was assembled for worship, but rather emphasizes that these individuals were engaged in a specific act of service. The English word “worship” is too broad. As Dr. Wadsworth aptly points out: “[When] an English Bible says that someone ‘worshiped,’ what did that person do? Did they offer a prayer or a song? Did they feel a sense of reverence? When a Bible verse says that someone ‘paid homage,’ what exactly constitutes ‘homage?’ Did the person present a gift? Did they offer a sacrifice? Did they say certain words? The reader does not know.” To fully understand what’s happening in the text, it’s crucial to explore the underlying Greek words and their meanings. Tools like a Strong’s concordance and a good Bible dictionary are invaluable for this kind of study. Regarding the claim that the gathering is “man-centered,” the New Testament authors provide a different perspective. They emphasize that the primary purpose of Christian assemblies is mutual edification (1 Corinthians 14; Hebrews 10:24-25). God understands our need for encouragement and strength from one another. When we gather for the reason God has appointed, we honor Him by doing what He desires. This is not to say that our assemblies lack a vertical component-there certainly is one. However, it is not presented as the main purpose. According to the New Testament, the primary goal of Christian gatherings is the spiritual growth and edification of the church.

Great observation. One that is often missed when looking at the church of the NT. Many were spiritually gifted. As such, they actually could edify/build up one another beyond just studying the Scriptures. This is another area we must seek growth in.

There's nothing wrong with the church coming to you. :-) The place isn't important, but meeting for mutual support, encouragement, and discipleship is. It sounds like that is what you are doing. May God bless your gatherings.

Agreed. It is not part of the gospel itself. It is, however, the God given means of responding to the gospel. If you are interested in understanding what I mean by that, below I've linked to an article I wrote a few years ago. ready4eternity.com/is-baptism-a-part-of-the-gospel/

@r4e When I person get saved they should get water baptized but it is not a request for salvation we are saved by grace though faith and not of yourselves it is a gift of God 9 Not by works lest any man should boast and getting water baptized is of yourselves and anything of yourselves is works.. When a person believe the gospel they are baptized by the Holy Spirit. In Ephesians I:17 In whom ye also trusted after that ye heard the word of truth the gospel of your salvation in whom also after that ye believed ye were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise

@@robertmarkiamonlyakjvbible3739 Question: if baptism is considered a work, and we know that faith without works is dead, why would one not be baptized? Think of the Ethiopian eunuch. It all begs the question' does one have to be baptized as a Christian and if not, what is the point?

Did you watch the video?

​@@r4eYes, I have

Yes, I have .

Thanks for watching. If you gave it a fair listen, you heard we weren't saying there should be no worship when the church gathers, but that there is no evidence in the NT that worship was the *purpose* for gathering.