What does the Bible say about reading the Bible?
Christians have many good reasons for reading God’s Word, and many books and articles extol the merits of Scripture reading. But what does the Bible say about reading the Bible? Here are ten observations:
It should be communal.
Most texts that mention Bible reading speak about reading the Scriptures together. The first mention of Scripture reading (Exodus 24:7) and the second last mention (1 Thessalonians 5:27) focus on communal reading.
It should be public.
“Devote yourself to the public reading of Scriptures” 1 Timothy 4:13. The emphasis in the Scriptures is on getting it out in the open. Reading God’s Word should never be a solely private affair. As much as possible, we should read the Scriptures to “all people.”
It should be personal.
God’s Word makes two references to personal Bible reading. The first identifies the responsibility of parents to personally connect with and impress the Scriptures on their family members daily (Deuteronomy 6:6-7). The second concerns the Ethiopian eunuch reading the Scriptures in his chariot on his way home (Acts 8:28).
It should happen in different places.
We should read God’s Word wherever His people gather. This includes, but is not limited to, open-air settings (Joshua 8:34-35, 2 Kings 23:2), synagogues (Luke 4:16-17), and local churches (Colossians 4:16).
It is a mandate for kings.
Rulers should read God’s Word daily to learn to fear God, live in reverent obedience, and not become proud or arrogant (Deuteronomy 17:18-20).
It should be in big chunks.
There are examples in the Old Testament of Scripture reading that took a long time, sometimes hours on end (e.g. Nehemiah 8:3), and involved reading whole books (2 Chronicles 34:30). As we usually do with letters, the epistles in the New Testament were read in one sitting.
It should include interpretation.
When God’s Word is read publicly, we should clearly articulate it in a way that aids understanding and facilitates attentiveness (Nehemiah 8:8).
It’s what God’s people do.
Jesus often asked, “Haven’t you read?” (e.g. Mark 12:10, 26). Scripture reading isn’t an optional extra in our everyday affairs. Jesus anticipated, expected, and considered it normal for God’s people.
It leads people to Christ.
Scripture reading catalyzed the Ethiopian eunuch to place his faith in Jesus and be baptized (Acts 8:26-38).
It brings blessing.
God favours and protects people who read His Word. The final mention in the Scriptures concerning Bible reading (Revelation 1:3) is about God blessing those who read His Word, listen to it, and obey it.
The scripture texts cited above account for most verses and texts referencing Bible reading. Why don’t the Scriptures say much more about this vital spiritual discipline? Maybe because God expects us to do it (e.g. Deuteronomy 6:1-9), which should be reason enough!
What does the Bible say about reading the Bible? Please add your suggestions in the comments.
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Summary
The Bible emphasizes that reading Scripture should be a communal, public, and personal practice. It encourages reading God’s Word in various settings, including public gatherings, and stresses the importance of interpretation to aid understanding. Scripture reading is a mandate for individuals and rulers, as it fosters humility and obedience to God. Ultimately, reading the Bible leads people to Christ and brings blessings from God to those who engage with His Word.
© Scripture Union Canada
