Focus on Reproduction, Mentor's Guide, MG12

/ 6 7

F O C U S O N R E P R O D U C T I O N

4. Oikos corresponds today to the entire network of relationships that we have in our immediate and extended families, our friendships, those connected to our web of contacts and associations.

III. What Is the Relationship of the Household ( Oikos ) to Evangelism and Church Planting in the New Testament?

A. Oikia is the most significant structure in early church development.

1. The Jerusalem church worshiped, was organized, and discipled in the oikia .

2

a. Acts 2.46

b. Acts 5.42

c. Acts 12.12

2. Evangelism was done in conjunction with the presentation of the Gospel to the entire household ( oikos ), e.g., Cornelius and his household, Acts 10-11; cf. Acts 10.24.

B. The nucleus of most of Paul’s missionary planted churches were made up of one or more households ( oikia ).

1. The households of Lydia and the jailer at Philippi