'Churches' in the Bible

Now, brothers and sisters, we want to tell you about the grace of God which has been evident in the churches of Macedonia [awakening in them a longing to contribute];

And we have sent along with him the brother who is praised in the gospel [ministry] throughout all the churches;

and not only this, but he has also been appointed by the churches to travel with us in regard to this gracious offering which we are administering for the glory of the Lord Himself, and to show our eagerness [as believers to help one another].

As for Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker in your service; and as for the [other two] brothers, they are [special] messengers of the churches, a glory and credit to Christ.

Therefore, show these men, in the sight of the churches, the proof of your love and our reason for being proud of you.

I robbed other churches by accepting [more than their share of] financial support for my ministry to you.

Besides those external things, there is the daily [inescapable] pressure of my concern for all the churches.

For in what respect were you treated as inferior to the rest of the churches, except [for the fact] that I did not burden you [with my financial support]? Forgive me [for doing you] this injustice!