Public reading of Scripture is a practice deeply rooted in the Judeo-Christian tradition, serving as a means of communal worship, instruction, and edification. This practice is evident throughout the Bible, where the reading of God's Word is portrayed as a central element of religious life and community gatherings.

Old Testament Foundations

The tradition of public reading begins in the Old Testament, where it is established as a key component of Israel's religious observance. In Deuteronomy 31:10-13, Moses commands the Israelites to read the Law publicly every seven years during the Feast of Tabernacles: "Then Moses commanded them: 'At the end of every seven years, at the appointed time in the year of remission, during the Feast of Tabernacles, when all Israel comes to appear before the LORD your God at the place He will choose, you shall read this law in the hearing of all Israel. Assemble the people—men, women, children, and the foreigners within your gates—so that they may listen and learn to fear the LORD your God and follow carefully all the words of this law.'" .

The public reading of Scripture was also a significant aspect of the reforms under King Josiah. In 2 Kings 23:2, it is recorded that "The king went up to the house of the LORD with all the people of Judah and Jerusalem, as well as the priests and the prophets—all the people from the least to the greatest. And he read in their hearing all the words of the Book of the Covenant that had been found in the house of the LORD." .

Post-Exilic Period

After the Babylonian exile, the public reading of Scripture became a crucial part of re-establishing the Jewish community. Nehemiah 8:1-3 describes a significant event where Ezra the scribe reads the Law to the assembled people: "All the people gathered as one man in the square before the Water Gate. They asked Ezra the scribe to bring out the Book of the Law of Moses, which the LORD had commanded for Israel. On the first day of the seventh month, Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly of men and women and all who could listen and understand. So Ezra read it aloud from daybreak until 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." .

New Testament Practice

In the New Testament, the practice of public reading continues within the early Christian communities. The Apostle Paul emphasizes the importance of this practice in his letters. In 1 Timothy 4:13, Paul instructs Timothy, "Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, and to teaching." . This directive underscores the role of Scripture reading in the life of the church, alongside preaching and teaching.

The public reading of Scripture was also a part of synagogue worship, as seen in Luke 4:16-17, where Jesus reads from the scroll of Isaiah: "Then Jesus came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up. As was His custom, He entered the synagogue on the Sabbath. And when He stood up to read, the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to Him. Unrolling it, He found the place where it was written..." .

Theological Significance

Public reading of Scripture serves several theological purposes. It is an act of worship, acknowledging the authority and holiness of God's Word. It also functions as a means of communal instruction, ensuring that all members of the community, regardless of literacy, have access to the teachings of Scripture. Furthermore, it fosters a sense of unity and shared identity among believers, as they gather to hear and respond to God's Word together.

Contemporary Application

In contemporary Christian practice, public reading of Scripture remains a vital element of worship services. It is often integrated into liturgies, sermons, and Bible studies, continuing the tradition of making God's Word central to the life of the church. The practice encourages believers to engage with Scripture collectively, promoting spiritual growth and communal faithfulness.