Topical Encyclopedia The pulpit, while not explicitly mentioned in the Bible, serves as a significant symbol and tool within Christian worship and teaching. It represents the place from which the Word of God is proclaimed, expounded, and taught to the congregation. The concept of a pulpit can be associated with various scriptural references that emphasize the importance of preaching, teaching, and the public reading of Scripture.Nehemiah 8:4-5 : "Ezra the scribe stood on a high wooden platform built for the occasion. Beside him, on his right, stood Mattithiah, Shema, Anaiah, Uriah, Hilkiah, and Maaseiah; and on his left were Pedaiah, Mishael, Malchijah, Hashum, Hashbaddanah, Zechariah, and Meshullam. Ezra opened the book in full view of all the people, and as he opened it, all the people stood up." In this passage, Ezra stands on a wooden platform, which can be seen as a precursor to the modern pulpit. This elevated position allowed him to be seen and heard by the assembly, underscoring the importance of the public reading and explanation of the Scriptures. 1 Timothy 4:13 : "Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, and to teaching." Paul's instruction to Timothy highlights the central role of the public reading and teaching of Scripture within the church. The pulpit serves as the focal point for these activities, emphasizing the authority and reverence of God's Word. 2 Timothy 4:2 : "Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and encourage with every form of patient instruction." The pulpit is the place from which the Word is preached, and this charge to Timothy underscores the responsibility of those who stand behind it to faithfully deliver God's message, whether in times of acceptance or opposition. Acts 2:14 : "Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, lifted up his voice, and addressed the crowd: 'Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen carefully to my words.'" Peter's act of standing and addressing the crowd on the day of Pentecost reflects the function of the pulpit as a place of proclamation. It is a platform for declaring the truths of the Gospel to both believers and non-believers. Romans 10:14-15 : "How then can they call on the One in whom they have not believed? And how can they believe in the One of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone to preach? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: 'How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!'" The necessity of preaching for the spread of the Gospel is evident in this passage. The pulpit is integral to this mission, serving as the place from which the good news is delivered to the congregation and beyond. 1 Corinthians 1:18 : "For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." The pulpit is where the message of the cross is proclaimed, a message that holds the power of God for salvation. It is a place where the transformative power of the Gospel is communicated to the hearers. In summary, while the physical structure of a pulpit is not detailed in Scripture, its function is deeply rooted in biblical principles of preaching, teaching, and the public reading of God's Word. The pulpit stands as a symbol of the authority and centrality of Scripture in the life of the church. Nave's Topical Index Nehemiah 8:4And Ezra the scribe stood on a pulpit of wood, which they had made for the purpose; and beside him stood Mattithiah, and Shema, and Anaiah, and Urijah, and Hilkiah, and Maaseiah, on his right hand; and on his left hand, Pedaiah, and Mishael, and Malchiah, and Hashum, and Hashbadana, Zechariah, and Meshullam. Nave's Topical Index 2 Chronicles 6:13 Library Search the Scriptures Concerning Worship. The Providence of God The Church in Theology and Literature. From the Close of the General Conference of 1828 to the Beginning ... The General Conference of 1836 From the Close of the General Conference of 1812 to the Death of ... The General Conference of 1820 From the Close of the General Conference of 1816 to the ... General Conference of 1824 Resources What is expository preaching? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is Landmarkism? What is “Baptist Bride” theology? | GotQuestions.org What is a pastoral search committee? | GotQuestions.org Pulpit: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |