The gaining of information through written documents. The Law was read regularly in the synagogue. Jesus Christ expected the Scriptures to be read. NT letters were read in the churches to which they were sent.
Reading of the Law to Israel
By Moses
Exodus 24:7 See also Deuteronomy 31:10–11
Then he took the Book of the Covenant and read it to the people, who replied, “All that the LORD has spoken we will do, and we will be obedient.”
By Joshua
By Josiah
2 Kings 23:2 parallel 2 Chronicles 34:30
In Ezra's time
Nehemiah 8:2–3, Nehemiah 8:18, Nehemiah 9:3, Nehemiah 13:1
Reading of the Law in the synagogue
Acts 15:21 See also Luke 4:16; Acts 13:15, Acts 13:27; 2 Corinthians 3:14–15
For Moses has been proclaimed in every city from ancient times and is read in the synagogues on every Sabbath.”
Other examples of reading
Deuteronomy 17:18–20; Jeremiah 36:6–8, Jeremiah 51:61; Daniel 9:2 Daniel foresaw the end of the exile through reading the Scriptures.
Jesus Christ expected the Scriptures to be read
Matthew 12:3–5 parallels Mark 2:25–26, Luke 6:3–4 See also Matthew 19:4, Matthew 21:16, Matthew 21:42 parallels Mark 12:10–11, Luke 20:17; Matthew 22:31, Matthew 24:15 parallel Mark 13:14
Jesus replied, “Have you not read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? He entered the house of God, and he and his companions ate the consecrated bread, which was not lawful for them to eat, but only for the priests. Or haven’t you read in the Law that on the Sabbath the priests in the temple break the Sabbath and yet are innocent?
Reading of NT letters
Colossians 4:16 See also Acts 15:31; 1 Thessalonians 5:27
After this letter has been read among you, make sure that it is also read in the church of the Laodiceans, and that you in turn read the letter from Laodicea.
Reasons for reading the Scriptures
They are God-breathed
God's word is true
To understand the truth about Jesus Christ
To believe and be saved from God's wrath
To learn how to serve and please God
Psalm 119:105, Psalm 119:130; 2 Timothy 3:16; Revelation 1:3
They teach Christians and give them hope
Romans 15:4; 1 John 2:1, 1 John 2:12–14, 1 John 2:21
They enable Christians to discern truth from error
Acts 18:28 See also Acts 17:11; Galatians 1:6–9; 2 Peter 3:14–16; 1 John 2:26, 1 John 4:1
For he powerfully refuted the Jews in public debate, proving from the Scriptures that Jesus is the Christ.
Related themes
Dictionary of Bible Themes © 1999 Martin Manser, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0, via Bible Aquifer. Formatted for this site, with Scripture from the Berean Standard Bible.