Public reading
Public reading is the reading of Scripture aloud before God’s people in gathered worship or instruction. In the Bible, it serves to make God’s Word heard clearly and received by the community.
At a Glance
Public reading is the reading of Scripture aloud before God’s people in gathered worship or instruction. In the Bible, it serves to make God’s Word heard clearly and received by the community.
Description
Public reading in Scripture refers chiefly to the practice of reading God’s Word aloud before the gathered people of God. In the Old Testament, the Law was read publicly so the covenant community could hear, understand, and respond in obedience. In the New Testament, public reading remains part of corporate worship and instruction, especially in the reading of the Scriptures and apostolic writings. While the exact form may vary by church tradition, the biblical principle is clear: God’s people are to hear His Word together, and that public hearing serves teaching, exhortation, reverence, and faithful response.