Encouraging Children to Read Scripture Directly Independently
Encouraging Children to Read Scripture
The biblical basis for encouraging children to read Scripture directly and independently is rooted in several passages that emphasize the importance of teaching children God's word from a young age. In Psalm 34:11, the psalmist invites children to listen and learn the fear of the Lord [1]. Similarly, Proverbs 1:4 highlights the value of imparting wisdom and understanding to the young.
The apostle Paul's letter to Timothy underscores the significance of early exposure to Scripture. In 2 Timothy 3:15, Paul reminds Timothy that from infancy, he has known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make him wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus [2]. This passage suggests that Timothy's mother and grandmother played a crucial role in teaching him the Scriptures from a young age [3, 6].
The practice of reading Scripture was a vital part of Jewish tradition, and it was adopted by early Christian communities. In 1 Timothy 4:13, Paul exhorts Timothy to devote himself to the public reading of Scripture [4]. This emphasis on reading Scripture is echoed in the book of Proverbs, where Solomon encourages his children to listen to his instruction and to attend to parental teaching (Proverbs 4:1; 13:1) [5].
Several traditions interpret these biblical passages as a mandate to encourage children to read Scripture directly and independently. According to John Gill, the Jews taught their children the holy Scriptures from a very early age, with some sources suggesting that children were taught Scripture from the age of five [3]. Matthew Henry emphasizes the importance of parents taking an active role in instructing their children in the ways of God, using the Scripture as a guide [5].
The benefits of early exposure to Scripture are multifaceted. Not only does it lay the foundation for a deep understanding of God's word, but it also fosters a personal relationship with Christ. As Tyndale House notes, the Old Testament Scriptures provide the wisdom necessary to receive salvation through faith in Christ Jesus [6].
In practice, encouraging children to read Scripture directly and independently involves creating a supportive environment that nurtures their spiritual growth. Parents and caregivers can model a love for Scripture by reading it themselves and engaging in discussions with their children about its meaning and significance. By doing so, they can help children develop a lifelong appreciation for the Bible and its teachings.
The historical development of this practice is evident in the writings of early Christian leaders, who emphasized the importance of teaching children the Scriptures. Adam Clarke, a Methodist/Wesleyan commentator, notes that the necessity of an early religious education is a recurring theme throughout the Bible [7].
Sources
- Psalms “Come, you children, listen to me. I will teach you the fear of Yahweh. -- Psalms 34:11”
- II Timothy “II Timothy 3:15 (BSB) — From infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.”
- 2 Timothy (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 2 Timothy 3:14: And that from a child thou hast known the holy Scriptures,.... And therefore must know that the doctrines he had learned were agreeable to them; and so is another reason why he should continue in them. The Jews very early learned their children the holy Scripture. Philo the Jew says (w), "from their very infancy"; a phrase pretty much the same with this here used. It is a maxim with the Jews (x), that when a child was five years of age, it was proper to teach him the Scriptures. Timothy's mother being a Jewess, trained him up early in the knowledge of these writing”
- 1 Timothy (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Timothy 4:13: Till I come--when Timothy's commission would be superseded for the time by the presence of the apostle himself (Ti1 1:3; Ti1 3:14). reading--especially in the public congregation. The practice of reading Scripture was transferred from the Jewish synagogue to the Christian Church (Luk 4:16-20; Act 13:15; Act 15:21; Co2 3:14). The New Testament Gospel and Epistles being recognized as inspired by those who had the gift of discerning spirits, were from the first, according as they were written, read along with the Old Testament in the Church (Th1 5:21”
- Proverbs (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Proverbs 4:1: Here we have, I. The invitation which Solomon gives to his children to come and receive instruction from him (Pro 4:1, Pro 4:2): Hear, you children, the instruction of a father. That is, 1. "Let my own children, in the first place, receive and give good heed to those instructions which I set down for the use of others also." Note, Magistrates and ministers, who are entrusted with the direction of larger societies, are concerned to take a more than ordinary care for the good instruction of their own families; from this duty their public work will by no means excus”
- 2 Timothy (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 2 Timothy 3:14: 3:14-15 from childhood: Timothy’s Jewish grandmother and mother, Lois and Eunice (see Acts 16:1-3), provided his education in the Old Testament Scriptures (see 2 Tim 1:5), and their lives reinforced their teaching. • The Old Testament Scriptures give the wisdom to receive . . . Christ Jesus. In turn, Jesus Christ is needed to understand the Old Testament Scriptures fully.”
- Joshua (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Joshua 4:22: Then ye shall let your children know - The necessity of an early religious education is inculcated through the whole oracles of God. The parents who neglect it have an awful account to give to the Judge of quick and dead.”