What does the Bible say about the importance of public reading of Scripture?

Public reading of Scripture is an essential practice emphasized by Paul in 1 Timothy 4:13, where he instructs Timothy to focus on the reading of the Scriptures. This practice is vital for the spiritual nourishment of the church, as it allows the congregation to hear the Word of God, which is living and active. In the early church, the reading of Scriptures was of great importance because the copies of the Word were not readily available to everyone. Nehemiah 8:8 illustrates this point, where Ezra publicly reads the Law to the people, leading to understanding and response. Thus, the continuity of public readings in worship is a deliberate effort to engage believers with the truths of God's Word, fostering faith and uniformity in doctrine.