Study of Ephesians 5:19 and Colossians 3:16—part 2

Study of Ephesians 5:19 and Colossians 3:16—part 2

             The word speaking in the Scripture above is translated from the Greek word laleo (2980).  It most often carries the meaning of speaking in the New Testament. In the musical discourse in Colossians 3:16  Laleo it is making reference to singing. It was translated preach as in Acts 8:25.  Colossians 3:16 charges us with a teaching music ministry i.e. (didasko 1321) and admonishing (noutheteo 3560) which connotes warning or reproving each other with music.

            The reason Christians are given such a solemn charge concerning singing is that in the New Testament like the Old Testament the ultimate goal of singing is the presentation of the Word of God.  As a matter of fact, we are told to "Let the word (logos 3056) of Christ (Christos 5547) dwell (enoikeo 1774) in you richly (plousios 4146) . ."  The words logos Christos mean that communication of Christ must enoikeo plousios or inhabit us copiously i.e. let your singing cause your mind to be crammed full of God.s word.  Singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs should cause our minds to be inhabited by the Scripture i.e. we should be catechized by our singing. One of the reasons that I believe this so strongly is that people become what they hear and perform musically.  Nutritionists say, “You become what you eat”.  Wolf says, “You  become what you sing and play.” 

Thought for the Day

The great Bible expositor Albert Barnes believed that musicing unto God should be considered similar to praying to God.