Devote Yourself to the Public Reading of Scripture by
Jeffrey Arthurs
Congregations are moved by song, challenged by sermons, and
focused prayer, but very few services highlight the importance of Scripture
reading. Jeffrey Arthurs, professor
preaching at Gordon Conwell Seminary seeks to counter this trend by penning his
book entitled Devote Yourself to the Public Reading of Scripture. Centering his writing around the
theme of building an appetite for a special meal, Arthurs connects the importance
of reading Scripture aloud with way in which the Bible ministers to people when
read well (14). To begin, Arthurs
provides five reasons why we should orally recite the Bible: we are commanded
to read the Bible (1 Timothy 4:13), God transforms us through the Word, we do
what the people of God have always done when reading the Bible, the Bible was
meant to be read aloud and hearing is quite different than reading the Bible
(15-33). What I thought was unique about
this list was that it captured both a theological stance for reading Scripture
and a practical one. Transformation
happens through God’s Word, and yet, often hearing the Word regularly allows
the words to penetrate our mind and hearts much more deeply in some cases than
just reading the text.
The second chapter relates the process of setting the table
or preparing oneself for reading Scripture. Just as the task of preaching is connecting
the world of the text with the world today, so public reading seeks to do the
same thing (38). Rather than flippantly
reading through particular passages, “How we speak the written words – using the
pause, emphasis, word color, eye contact, gestures, and so forth is the way we
bridge the gap” (38-39). Our non-verbal
cues carry great weight in the public reading of Scripture, offering to the
reader a constant distraction or an inviting attentiveness. Getting ready to read Scripture takes some
work. Arthurs mentions a particularly important
point by mentioning mental preparation as a key ingredient to public
reading. How many times have you seen someone
butcher the names, places, and geographical locations in the Bible? Arthurs encourages readers to ‘understand how
to pronounce all words,’ before they are set to read in public (45). I believe this to be of utmost importance
because the times that I have been unsure of the pronunciations are the times
when my nervousness results in distracting mannerisms. Some key action points are developing a sense
of the story in narratives, understanding or highlighting key words and
phrases, and practicing the reading multiple times before the service
(46). These points are wonderful reminders
that a good public reading of the Bible takes a lot of considerations.
Chapter 4 was one of the best chapters in the whole book. Why? Arthurs delves into a way we communicate through
what we look like. Figure 4.1 on page 71
was crucial in understanding mannerisms (unconscious incompetence – unconscious
competence). Often, we don’t realize
that we speak volumes with our mannerisms, everything from our posture,
gestures and movement. We have the ability
to awaken our hearers with the way we present the Bible to them. Raising our arms, coming closer to the
people, or moving in a specific direction all should call attention to the
shape of the text we are reading. Instead of being unaware of the negative
impact our mannerisms have on people, having
unconscious competence means that we have control of what we look like at all
times, even to the point of not thinking about it.
The DVD in the back flap of the book is immensely helpful as
well. The DVD allows you to see how
non-verbal mannerisms can really be used for good in the public reading of
Scripture. Arthurs takes you through the
specific points in communicating what we look like to others. This book is not only helpful for readers of
Scripture, but I find all of these points applicable to preachers also. Knowing how you can be an effective
communicator of the gospel is always an advantage in ministry.
Thanks to Kregel Academic & Professional for the review
copy of this book in exchange for review.
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