What does the Bible say about the purpose of a candle?

In Mark 4:21-23, Jesus uses the metaphor of a candle to illustrate the necessity and purpose of revealing light, which represents the truth of the gospel. A candle is not to be hidden under a bushel or a bed, as its very nature is to provide illumination. This metaphor emphasizes that believers, like candles, are made to shine the light of Christ in a dark world. The churches of Christ serve as the candlestick, holding aloft the truth so that it can illuminate the lives of those in darkness. Therefore, hiding the light is contrary to the intended purpose of God’s people.