Topical Bible: Word of God: To be Read Publicly

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The public reading of the Word of God holds a significant place within the Christian tradition, rooted deeply in both Old and New Testament practices. This practice underscores the communal aspect of faith, emphasizing the importance of hearing Scripture as a collective body of believers.

Old Testament Foundations

The public reading of Scripture finds its origins in the Old Testament, where the Law was read aloud to the people of Israel. In Deuteronomy 31:11-12, Moses commands, "when all Israel comes to appear before the LORD your God at the place He will choose, you shall read this law before them in their hearing. Assemble the people—men, women, children, and the foreigners residing in your towns—so they can listen and learn to fear the LORD your God and follow carefully all the words of this law." This directive highlights the importance of communal engagement with God's Word, ensuring that all members of the community, regardless of status, are included in the hearing and understanding of the Law.

The practice continued during the time of Ezra and Nehemiah. In Nehemiah 8:2-3, it is recorded, "On the first day of the seventh month, Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly, which was made up of men and women and all who were able to understand. He read it aloud from daybreak till noon as he faced the square before the Water Gate in the presence of the men, women, and others who could understand. And all the people listened attentively to the Book of the Law." This event marks a significant moment of spiritual renewal and recommitment to God's covenant, facilitated through the public reading of Scripture.

New Testament Practice

The New Testament continues this tradition, emphasizing the importance of the public reading of Scripture within the early church. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, instructs the churches to read his epistles publicly. In 1 Thessalonians 5:27, Paul writes, "I charge you before the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers." Similarly, in Colossians 4:16, he instructs, "After this letter has been read to you, see that it is also read in the church of the Laodiceans and that you in turn read the letter from Laodicea."

The pastoral epistles further reinforce this practice. In 1 Timothy 4:13, Paul exhorts Timothy, "Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, and to teaching." This directive underscores the integral role of Scripture reading in the life of the church, serving as a foundation for teaching and exhortation.

Theological Significance

The public reading of the Word of God serves several theological purposes. It affirms the authority of Scripture as the divine revelation and the ultimate guide for faith and practice. By reading Scripture aloud, the community acknowledges its dependence on God's Word for instruction, correction, and encouragement.

Moreover, the communal aspect of public reading fosters unity among believers. As the Word is proclaimed, the congregation is reminded of their shared beliefs and commitments, reinforcing their identity as the people of God. The act of listening together to the Word also provides an opportunity for collective reflection and response, encouraging mutual edification and accountability.

Historical and Contemporary Practice

Throughout church history, the public reading of Scripture has remained a central element of Christian worship. The early church fathers, such as Justin Martyr, attest to the practice of reading the "memoirs of the apostles" and the writings of the prophets during worship gatherings. This tradition has been preserved in various liturgical practices across denominations, from the lectionary readings in liturgical churches to the Scripture readings in evangelical services.

In contemporary settings, the public reading of Scripture continues to be a vital component of worship, reminding believers of the timeless truths contained within God's Word. Whether through formal liturgies or informal gatherings, the practice serves as a means of grace, drawing the community into a deeper understanding and love for the Scriptures.

The public reading of the Word of God remains a powerful testament to the enduring relevance and authority of Scripture, inviting believers to engage with the divine narrative and respond in faith and obedience.

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Deuteronomy 31:11-13
When all Israel is come to appear before the LORD your God in the place which he shall choose, you shall read this law before all Israel in their hearing.
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Joshua 8:33-35
And all Israel, and their elders, and officers, and their judges, stood on this side the ark and on that side before the priests the Levites, which bore the ark of the covenant of the LORD, as well the stranger, as he that was born among them; half of them over against mount Gerizim, and half of them over against mount Ebal; as Moses the servant of the LORD had commanded before, that they should bless the people of Israel.
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2 Kings 23:2
And the king went up into the house of the LORD, and all the men of Judah and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem with him, and the priests, and the prophets, and all the people, both small and great: and he read in their ears all the words of the book of the covenant which was found in the house of the LORD.
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2 Chronicles 17:7-9
Also in the third year of his reign he sent to his princes, even to Benhail, and to Obadiah, and to Zechariah, and to Nethaneel, and to Michaiah, to teach in the cities of Judah.
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Nehemiah 8:1-8,13,18
And all the people gathered themselves together as one man into the street that was before the water gate; and they spoke to Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses, which the LORD had commanded to Israel.
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Jeremiah 36:6
Therefore go you, and read in the roll, which you have written from my mouth, the words of the LORD in the ears of the people in the LORD's house on the fasting day: and also you shall read them in the ears of all Judah that come out of their cities.
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Acts 13:15,27
And after the reading of the law and the prophets the rulers of the synagogue sent to them, saying, You men and brothers, if you have any word of exhortation for the people, say on.
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Colossians 4:16
And when this letter is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that you likewise read the letter from Laodicea.
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1 Thessalonians 5:27
I charge you by the Lord that this letter be read to all the holy brothers.
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Library

Is the Word of God to be Read by All?
... Question 156: Is the Word of God to be read by all? Answer: Although all are not
to be permitted to read the Word publicly to the congregation, yet all sorts ...
/.../anonymous/the westminster larger catechism/question 156 0 0 is the word.htm

Arrangement and Furniture of the Church
... to hear God's most holy Word" than any other religious body in the world. Almost
the whole Bible"some parts of it several times"is read publicly every year ...
/.../regester/the worship of the church/arrangement and furniture of the.htm

The Bible in the Days of Jesus Christ
... Let us take a look at the first time in which Christ publicly read and explained ...
serious and attentive, for they have met together to hear the Word of God. ...
/.../duff/the bible in its making/chapter viii the bible in.htm

On God.
... of Moses when he spoke to the people, ie, when the law was publicly read aloud.
But if we turn to the Lord, where also is the word of God, and where the Holy ...
//christianbookshelf.org/origen/origen de principiis/chapter i on god.htm

Thou Shalt Sanctify the Holy Day. [Remember the Sabbath Day to ...
... been created and appointed, so that it may be publicly in operation. ... when you had
heard a mass or the Gospel read; but no one cared for God's Word, as also ...
/.../luther/the large catechism/thou shalt sanctify the holy.htm

John Chapter viii. 31-36
... 1. Of what follows of the previous lesson, and has been read publicly to us to-day
from the holy Gospel, I ... The truth itself is the Word of God, God with God ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate xli john chapter viii.htm

Inspiration of Scripture. --Gospel Difficulties. --The Word of God ...
... and the clearest, is it not because among ourselves the Bible is read the most? ... Men
who wrote it."The Bible is none other than the Word of God: not some ...
/.../inspiration and interpretation/sermon iii inspiration of scripture gospel.htm

Carnal or Spiritual?
... Just read his epistle, and note the keynote of the epistle ... Pentecost how he is able
to expound the word of God ... the very deepest sin that a child of God could be ...
/.../murray/the deeper christian life/iii carnal or spiritual.htm

The Testimony of the Lectionaries Shewn to be Absolutely Decisive ...
... the Nativity, a Star shewed that the Word had become ... Epiphany") John cried, "Behold
the Lamb of God," &c., and ... the Book of the Acts was read publicly in Church ...
/.../chapter x the testimony of.htm

Manuscript Testimony Shewn to be Overwhelmingly in Favour of These ...
... everything, whether they exhibit the Word of God ... 28:""Things which are not, hath
God chosen." "Nay ... that the Laodiceans (suppose) should read publicly in their ...
/.../chapter vii manuscript testimony shewn.htm