Lecture
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In the context of the Bible, the term "lecture" is not explicitly used in the text; however, the concept of delivering a lecture, understood as a formal or authoritative speech or discourse, is present throughout the Scriptures. Lectures in biblical times were often delivered by prophets, teachers, and leaders who imparted wisdom, instruction, and divine revelation to their audiences.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the role of the prophet often involved delivering messages from God to the people of Israel. These messages can be seen as lectures in the sense that they were authoritative discourses meant to instruct, correct, or encourage the people. For example, Moses delivered extensive teachings and laws to the Israelites, as seen in the book of Deuteronomy. Deuteronomy 4:1 states, "Now, O Israel, listen to the statutes and the judgments I am teaching you to follow, so that you may live and may enter and take possession of the land that the LORD, the God of your fathers, is giving you."

The wisdom literature, such as the Book of Proverbs, also contains elements of lecture-like instruction. Proverbs 1:8 advises, "Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction, and do not forsake the teaching of your mother." Here, the emphasis is on the transmission of wisdom and moral guidance from one generation to the next.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is the preeminent teacher, often delivering discourses that can be considered lectures. The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) is a prime example, where Jesus provides comprehensive teaching on the kingdom of God, ethics, and the nature of true righteousness. Matthew 5:2 notes, "And He began to teach them, saying..."

The apostles also engaged in lecture-like activities as they spread the Gospel and established the early church. The Apostle Paul, in particular, is known for his extensive teaching and preaching. Acts 20:7 describes an instance where Paul spoke to the believers: "On the first day of the week, we came together to break bread. Paul spoke to the people and, because he intended to leave the next day, kept on talking until midnight."

Role of Lectures in Early Church and Christian Tradition

In the early church, lectures were a primary means of disseminating Christian doctrine and instruction. Church fathers, such as Augustine and Chrysostom, delivered homilies and lectures that expounded on Scripture and addressed theological and moral issues. This tradition of teaching continued through the centuries, with lectures being a key component of theological education and church life.

Biblical Principles for Lectures

The Bible emphasizes several principles that should guide the delivery of lectures or teachings:

1. Authority of Scripture: Lectures should be grounded in the truth of God's Word. 2 Timothy 3:16 affirms, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness."

2. Clarity and Understanding: Effective teaching should aim for clarity and understanding. Nehemiah 8:8 illustrates this principle: "They read from the Book of the Law of God, translating and giving the meaning so that the people could understand what was being read."

3. Edification and Encouragement: Lectures should build up the body of Christ and encourage believers in their faith. Ephesians 4:29 instructs, "Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen."

4. Sound Doctrine: Teachers are urged to adhere to sound doctrine, as seen in Titus 2:1 : "But as for you, speak the things that are consistent with sound doctrine."

In summary, while the term "lecture" is not directly found in the Bible, the practice of delivering authoritative teaching is a significant aspect of biblical instruction and continues to be a vital part of Christian education and discipleship.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (n.) The act of reading; as, the lecture of Holy Scripture.

2. (n.) A discourse on any subject; especially, a formal or methodical discourse, intended for instruction; sometimes, a familiar discourse, in contrast with a sermon.

3. (n.) A reprimand or formal reproof from one having authority.

4. (n.) A rehearsal of a lesson.

5. (v. t.) To read or deliver a lecture to.

6. (v. t.) To reprove formally and with authority.

7. (v. i.) To deliver a lecture or lectures.

Greek
1256. dialegomai -- to discuss, to address, to preach
... Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: dialegomai Phonetic Spelling: (dee-al-eg'-
om-ahee) Short Definition: I converse, address, preach, lecture Definition: I ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1256.htm - 8k
Library

Contents. Lecture I.
... CONTENTS. LECTURE I. MORAL GOVERNMENT. Definition of the term law. ... Unity. " Expediency. "
Exclusiveness 1. LECTURE II. MORAL GOVERNMENT " Continued. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/finney/systematic theology/contents lecture i.htm

Systematic Theology. Lecture I.
... SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY. LECTURE I. MORAL LAW. Law, in a sense of the term both
sufficiently popular and scientific for my purpose, is A RULE OF ACTION. ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/systematic theology lecture i.htm

A Lecture for Little-Faith
... A Lecture for Little-Faith. A Sermon (No.205). Delivered on Sabbath Morning, July
18, 1858, by the. REV. CH SPURGEON. at the Music Hall, Royal Surrey Gardens. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/a lecture for little-faith.htm

First Catechetical Lecture of Our Holy Father Cyril,
... FIRST CATECHETICAL LECTURE of Our Holy Father Cyril,. Archbishop of Jerusalem, ... Amen.
Footnotes: [458] The title prefixed to this Lecture is given in full. ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/first catechetical lecture of our.htm

Luke i. 3,4.
... LECTURE XXXII. LUKE i. 3,4. LUKE i.3,4. It seemed good to me also, having
had perfect understanding of all things from the very ...
//christianbookshelf.org/arnold/the christian life/lecture xxxii luke i 34.htm

Sanctification.
... LECTURE XXXVII. SANCTIFICATION. ... A former lecture was devoted to it; but a fuller
consideration of it remains to be entered upon hereafter. II. ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture xxxvii sanctification.htm

How to Promote a Revival.
... LECTURE III. HOW TO PROMOTE A REVIVAL. Text."Break ... be expected. My design in
this lecture is to show,. HOW A REVIVAL IS TO BE PROMOTED. ...
/.../finney/lectures on revivals of religion/lecture iii how to promote.htm

The Poet.
... Lecture II. THE POET. ... One of the most striking is the narrative of the Prophet's
call, Ch. I.4-19, which I leave to be rendered in the next lecture. In Chap. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/smith/jeremiah/lecture ii the poet.htm

What a Revival of Religion Is
... LECTURE I. WHAT A REVIVAL OF RELIGION IS. Text."O Lord, revive thy work
in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make ...
/.../finney/lectures on revivals of religion/lecture i what a revival.htm

When a Revival is to be Expected.
... LECTURE II. WHEN A REVIVAL IS TO BE EXPECTED. Text."Wilt thou not revive
us again; that thy people may rejoice in thee?"Psalm 85:6. ...
/.../finney/lectures on revivals of religion/lecture ii when a revival.htm

Thesaurus
Lecture (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) The act of reading; as, the lecture of
Holy Scripture. ... 5. (vt) To read or deliver a lecture to. ...
/l/lecture.htm - 7k

Lecture-hall (1 Occurrence)
Lecture-hall. Lecture, Lecture-hall. Led . Multi-Version Concordance
Lecture-hall (1 Occurrence). Acts 19:9 But some ...
/l/lecture-hall.htm - 6k

Sermon (1 Occurrence)
... 3. (n.) Hence, a serious address; a lecture on one's conduct or duty; an exhortation
or reproof; a homily; -- often in a depreciatory sense. ...
/s/sermon.htm - 39k

Logia
... Valuable articles by Cross and Harnack peared in The Expositor, series V, volume
VI, 257;, 321;, 401;, an important lecture by Swete in The Expository Times ...
/l/logia.htm - 19k

Obstinate (12 Occurrences)
... congregation. So Paul left them, and, taking with him those who were disciples,
held discussions daily in Tyrannus's lecture-hall. (WEY NIV). ...
/o/obstinate.htm - 10k

Oration (1 Occurrence)
... as a funeral, an anniversary, a celebration, or the like; -- distinguished from
an argument in court, a popular harangue, a sermon, a lecture, etc.; as ...
/o/oration.htm - 7k

Lechah (1 Occurrence)

/l/lechah.htm - 6k

Lesson (11 Occurrences)
... 3. (n.) A portion of Scripture read in divine service for instruction; as, here
endeth the first lesson. 4. (n.) A severe lecture; reproof; rebuke; warning. ...
/l/lesson.htm - 10k

Grew (133 Occurrences)
... congregation. So Paul left them, and, taking with him those who were disciples,
held discussions daily in Tyrannus's lecture-hall. (WEY). ...
/g/grew.htm - 34k

Resources
What is the Unity Church / Unity School of Christianity? | GotQuestions.org

What is the problem of good? | GotQuestions.org

What is a seminary? | GotQuestions.org

Lecture: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Concordance
Lecture (2 Occurrences)

John 9:34
They answered him, "You were altogether born in sins, and do you teach us?" They threw him out.
(See NIV)

Acts 19:9
But some grew obstinate in unbelief and spoke evil of the new faith before all the congregation. So Paul left them, and, taking with him those who were disciples, held discussions daily in Tyrannus's lecture-hall.
(WEY NIV)

Subtopics

Lecture

Related Terms

Lecture (2 Occurrences)

Obstinate (12 Occurrences)

Grew (133 Occurrences)

Tyrannus (1 Occurrence)

Tyrannus's (1 Occurrence)

Discussions (11 Occurrences)

Congregation (347 Occurrences)

Led (260 Occurrences)

Held (223 Occurrences)

Hall (30 Occurrences)

Paul (207 Occurrences)

Lechah
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