The term "publick," an archaic spelling of "public," refers to matters or actions that are open, visible, or accessible to the general populace. In the context of the Bible, the concept of public life and actions is significant, as it often contrasts with private or hidden deeds. The Bible addresses public behavior, worship, and testimony, emphasizing the importance of living a life that reflects God's commandments and glorifies Him before others.

Public Worship and Prayer

Public worship is a central theme in the Bible, where the gathering of believers to honor God is encouraged. In the Old Testament, public worship was often conducted in the temple or synagogues. The Psalms frequently mention the assembly of the faithful, as seen in Psalm 35:18 : "Then I will give You thanks in the great assembly; I will praise You among many people."

In the New Testament, Jesus addresses the nature of public prayer. In Matthew 6:5 , He warns against praying publicly for the sake of being seen by others: "And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. Truly I tell you, they already have their reward." This teaching underscores the importance of sincerity and humility in public acts of worship.

Public Testimony and Witness

The Bible calls believers to be witnesses of their faith in public settings. Jesus' Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 instructs His followers to "go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you." This directive highlights the public nature of evangelism and the responsibility of Christians to share the Gospel openly.

The Apostle Paul also emphasizes the importance of public testimony. In Acts 26:26 , Paul, speaking before King Agrippa, states, "For the king knows about these matters, and I speak to him freely. I am convinced that none of this has escaped his notice, because it was not done in a corner." Paul's defense of his faith before public authorities exemplifies the boldness and transparency expected of believers.

Public Conduct and Morality

The Bible provides guidance on public conduct, urging believers to live in a manner that reflects their faith. In Matthew 5:16 , Jesus instructs, "In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." This verse encourages Christians to demonstrate their faith through actions that are visible to others, thereby serving as a testament to God's work in their lives.

The Apostle Peter echoes this sentiment in 1 Peter 2:12 : "Conduct yourselves with such honor among the Gentiles that, though they slander you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us." This call to honorable conduct in public life serves as a witness to non-believers and brings glory to God.

Public Confession and Repentance

Public confession and repentance are also addressed in Scripture. In the Old Testament, public acts of repentance were often marked by fasting, sackcloth, and ashes, as seen in the account of Jonah and the city of Nineveh (Jonah 3:5-10). In the New Testament, public confession of faith is exemplified through baptism, as seen in Acts 2:38 : "Peter replied, 'Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.'"

Public confession serves as a powerful declaration of faith and commitment to God's ways, reinforcing the communal aspect of the Christian journey.

In summary, the concept of "publick" in the Bible encompasses worship, testimony, conduct, and confession, all of which are integral to living a life that honors God and serves as a witness to others.

The Preface.
... THE Discourse which I now offer to the Publick was drawn up on a very sorrowful
Occasion; the Death of a most desirable Child, who was formed in such a ...
/.../submission to divine providence in the death of children/the preface.htm

To the Reader
... that work, and shall take notice of sundry particularities and personal expressions
therein, will easily discern the intention was not publick; and, being a ...
//christianbookshelf.org/browne/religio medici/to the reader.htm

Answer to Mr. W's Third Objection.
... But that an insignificant boy and girl (forfooth!) and the obscure Lazarus, are
preferr'd by Jesus to such publick and more deserving persons is unaccountable ...
/.../section iii answer to mr.htm

Articuli xxxix. Ecclesi?? Anglican??. AD 1562.
... 'That if any publick Reader in either of Our Universities, or any Head or Master
of a College, or any other person respectively in either of them, shall affix ...
/.../articuli xxxix ecclesiae anglicanae a d.htm

Thoughts Upon the Imitation of Christ.
... Mountains, or in private Houses, even wheresoever he could find an opportunity to
do it; yet upon the Sabbath-days he always frequented the publick worship of ...
/.../private thoughts upon a christian life/thoughts upon the imitation of.htm

Luke xxiii. 42, 43
... 1. THAT it is highly absurd to imagine that Almighty God should, by any such publick
Instance as this, profess to the World that He doth, on any account, or in ...
/.../sermon xvi luke xxiii 42.htm

The Life of Sir Thomas Browne.
... to gather ideas than to impart them, or because to minds naturally great, few things
appear of so much importance as to deserve the notice of the publick. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/browne/christian morals/the life of sir thomas.htm

Hebrews x. 26, 27
... as may justly be said to be, in effect, an Acquittance of those who crucified our
Lord: and a joining with the Infidel World in bringing a publick Shame upon ...
/.../sermon viii hebrews x 26.htm

Answering the Reasons which those Ministers Give, which Hinder the ...
... A Christian (as S. Thomas says) has so much a right to ask it, that the
Prelate cannot deny it him, except if be for a publick sin. ...
/.../chap ii answering the reasons.htm

The Preface
... Principles, and regulating his Practice, as became a Follower of the Holy Jesus,
and a Minister of his Gospel: So in These which are more Publick, he carries ...
/.../beveridge/private thoughts upon a christian life/the preface.htm

Publick (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Publick (1 Occurrence). Matthew 1:19 Then Joseph
her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make ...
/p/publick.htm - 6k

Minded (36 Occurrences)
... Matthew 1:19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make
her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. (KJV ASV). ...
/m/minded.htm - 16k

Privily (15 Occurrences)
... Matthew 1:19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make
her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. (KJV ASV). ...
/p/privily.htm - 12k

Publicized (1 Occurrence)

/p/publicized.htm - 6k

Publickly (2 Occurrences)

/p/publickly.htm - 6k

Mind (615 Occurrences)
... Matthew 1:19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make
her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. ...
/m/mind.htm - 43k

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