What Does the New Testament Teach About Singing?
The New Testament speaks several times about Christians singing. Before asking what these passages do not say, we should first observe what they do say.
Paul writes,
"Speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord." (Ephesians 5:19)
Notice several things.
Christians are speaking to one another.
They are singing.
The praise is directed to the Lord.
And the melody Paul specifically mentions is made in the heart.
Paul gives similar instructions in Colossians:
"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly...teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord." (Colossians 3:16)
Again, the emphasis is not merely on music. It is on teaching, encouraging, and praising God. The songs become a way for Christians to strengthen one another while expressing their gratitude to God.
These passages help us understand one important purpose of singing.
Christian singing is more than praise.
It is also teaching.
It is encouragement.
It is the Word of Christ being shared through song.
This explains why the New Testament gives so much attention to the words being sung. The message matters because the songs are intended to build up the church.
One thing should also be noticed.
These passages tell Christians what to do.
They tell us to sing.
They explain why we sing.
They describe the effect our singing should have on one another.
Before asking questions the text does not answer, we should first understand the instructions it clearly gives.
In the next study, we'll ask another question that Christians have discussed for many years:
When does something help us obey a command, and when does it change the command itself?
That question will help us think carefully about singing and many other subjects as well.
Continue Your Study
When Does an Aid Become an Addition?
Does every aid change God's command?
Or are some things simply tools that help us obey what God has already commanded?
We'll let Scripture guide our thinking.
Related Bible Studies
What Does the Bible Teach About Silence?
When Does an Aid Become an Addition?
How Do We Apply These Principles?
Companion Video
What Does the New Testament Teach About Singing?
Read First. Conclude Later.