The Question Box No. 3
It was decided to continue with the subject of the various types of meetings.
“And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.” This verse would perhaps embrace all of the regular meetings of the assembly—the breaking of bread, prayer meeting, and reading meeting, where the apostles’ doctrine is especially before us.
In Acts 17:1111These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. (Acts 17:11), the Bereans were commended “in that they received the Word with all readiness of mind, and searched the Scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” They had the apostles’ doctrine before them.
The Lord Jesus said, “Search the Scriptures... they are they which testify of Me” (John 5:3939Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. (John 5:39)). This was a rebuke to the Jews, but an important exhortation for us. It was just what the Bereans did, and is it not what should characterize the reading meeting?
“Till I come, give attendance to reading” (1 Tim. 4:1313Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. (1 Timothy 4:13)), was the Apostle Paul’s admonition to an individual—surely we may take this as a word from the Lord to the assembly also, as His coming is awaited. In this connection, Hebrews 10:2525Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. (Hebrews 10:25) is very striking, and important.
A brother once remarked: “In a reading meeting, we come together, not to teach, but to read the Word of God.” This is good to remember. It is not a place for the display of gift, but for the simple reading and searching of the Scriptures. It is a place where even a teacher may receive instruction or correction from one who may have, by the Spirit, “the word of wisdom,” or “the word of knowledge” (1 Cor. 12:88For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; (1 Corinthians 12:8)). The Word of God and the Spirit of God have prominence in the reading meeting. We may count and wait upon the Lord, the Divine Teacher (John 14:26; 16:13-1526But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. (John 14:26)
13Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come. 14He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall show it unto you. 15All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall show it unto you. (John 16:13‑15)), as He, by the Spirit through one and another, may be pleased to bring before our hearts the needed help and instruction.
The reading meeting has a special value in times of weakness. It has been the resort of many a company of saints who have felt their weakness. Suppose there is no gift in an assembly—none who are able to teach, or give public addresses or lectures to the saints. Well, then they may come together just as they are in all their weakness, and read the Word of God, in dependence upon the Lord who will surely minister to their every need. Thus, did those at the very end of another dispensation, when there was much feebleness and declension,
“Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another” (Mal. 3:1616Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another: and the Lord hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his name. (Malachi 3:16)). So may we, in our day, and in our weakness. The Lord’s approval may be counted upon now, as it was then. “And the Lord hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon His name.” It is surely pleasing to Him to have His own gathered together, in all simplicity, to read His Word.
From the various scriptures already referred to, we would gather that the order of the reading meeting would be simplicity. Simply to read the Word, and then in quietness to wait upon the Lord for that which He might be pleased to minister to our souls, through one or another. Who may take part? There is liberty for all, but license for none. If there is the liberty of the Spirit, there will be no difficulty as to which one or ones should take part, and as to who should listen. All will be equally happy, in such a case. 1 Corinthians 14:2929Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge. (1 Corinthians 14:29) would hardly apply in a reading meeting, but 1 Corinthians 14:4040Let all things be done decently and in order. (1 Corinthians 14:40) surely does.
We have been noticing some of the advantages of the reading meeting. There are dangers, too, and consequent warnings. A reading meeting is a place where the flesh may easily manifest itself, especially in pride as to knowledge of the Word. False, or speculative notions may be introduced, to the detriment and confusion of the saints (See Titus 1:10-1110For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision: 11Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake. (Titus 1:10‑11)). A good word of warning is found in 2 Timothy 2:1616But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. (2 Timothy 2:16),
“Shun profane and vain babblings,” and in verse 23: “But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.”