Lectio Continua is a method of scriptural reading and preaching that involves sequentially reading through entire books of the Bible from beginning to end. This practice contrasts with the more common approach of lectio selecta, where selected passages are chosen for reading or preaching. The term “lectio continua” is Latin for “continuous reading,” and it has deep roots in the history of the Christian Church, particularly within the Reformed tradition. Lectio Continua emphasizes the importance of engaging with the full counsel of God as revealed in Scripture, fostering a deeper understanding of biblical texts in their broader context.
Historical Context and Development
Early Church Practices
The practice of continuous reading of Scripture can be traced back to the early Christian Church. In the synagogue, Jewish worship included the regular reading of the Torah (the first five books of the Bible) in a systematic way, often covering the entire Pentateuch over the course of a year. This practice likely influenced the early Christian Church, where the reading of Scripture was central to worship.
In the early centuries of Christianity, church services included the public reading of entire books or substantial portions of Scripture. This practice allowed congregations to hear the full narrative or argument of a biblical book rather than isolated excerpts. The Church Fathers, such as Augustine, John Chrysostom, and Ambrose, preached sequentially through books of the Bible, providing expositions of entire texts. This approach was based on the belief that all of Scripture was inspired by God and profitable for teaching (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
Medieval and Reformation Developments
During the medieval period, the practice of lectio continua declined as the Church’s liturgy became more structured and centered around the church calendar. The use of the lectionary, a book containing selected readings for specific days of the liturgical year, became more widespread. While this approach ensured that key biblical passages were regularly heard, it often meant that many parts of the Bible were rarely read or preached upon.
The Reformation brought a renewed emphasis on Scripture, and many Reformers sought to return to the practice of continuous reading and preaching. Figures like Martin Luther and John Calvin saw lectio continua as a way to ensure that the whole counsel of God was proclaimed to the Church. Calvin, in particular, is well-known for his practice of preaching consecutively through books of the Bible, both in his regular Sunday sermons and his weekday lectures.
- John Calvin (1509-1564) preached systematically through books of the Bible, often covering large sections of Scripture over extended periods. For example, Calvin preached through the book of Acts in 46 sermons, Isaiah in 353 sermons, and Job in 159 sermons. His commitment to lectio continua was rooted in his belief in the authority of Scripture and the need for believers to be thoroughly grounded in the Word of God.
- Martin Luther (1483-1546) also practiced sequential exposition of Scripture, particularly in his preaching and teaching on the Psalms, Romans, and Galatians. Luther’s emphasis on Scripture as the foundation of faith and practice led him to advocate for the reading and preaching of entire books, so that the full message of the Bible could be understood in context.
Modern Revival and Use
In the centuries following the Reformation, the use of lectio continua varied across different Christian traditions. In many Protestant traditions, particularly those influenced by Reformed theology, the practice continued to be valued and maintained. However, in other contexts, the rise of topical preaching and the use of lectionaries meant that lectio continua was less commonly practiced.
In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in lectio continua among many evangelical and Reformed churches. This revival is often seen as a response to the fragmented and sometimes superficial approach to Scripture that can result from selective preaching. Advocates of lectio continua argue that this method helps to provide a more comprehensive and balanced understanding of Scripture, allowing congregations to see the unfolding of God’s redemptive plan throughout the entirety of Scripture.
Biblical References and Theological Perspectives
Scriptural Foundations
The concept of reading and teaching Scripture in a continuous manner finds its roots in the Bible itself, where the importance of knowing and meditating on the whole of God’s Word is emphasized.
- Acts 20:27 – “For I have not hesitated to proclaim to you the whole will of God.” (NIV) Paul’s statement to the Ephesian elders reflects the apostolic commitment to teaching the entirety of God’s revelation. This holistic approach is central to the practice of lectio continua, which seeks to avoid selective or partial readings of Scripture.
- Nehemiah 8:1-8 – This passage describes the public reading of the Law by Ezra. The people gathered and listened to the Book of the Law from morning until midday, as the Levites helped them understand the reading. This event illustrates the practice of engaging with large portions of Scripture in a communal setting, a key principle of lectio continua.
- 2 Timothy 3:16-17 – “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (NIV) This verse underscores the belief that all of Scripture is valuable for the believer’s growth and should be read and taught in its entirety.
Theological Significance
Lectio Continua carries several important theological implications:
- The Authority of Scripture: Lectio continua reflects a high view of Scripture as the authoritative Word of God. By reading and preaching through entire books, this approach acknowledges that all parts of Scripture are inspired and valuable for instruction, not just selected passages.
- Contextual Understanding: This method allows for a deeper understanding of Scripture in its context. By following the flow of a book’s narrative, argument, or poetry, readers and hearers can better grasp the meaning intended by the biblical authors. This reduces the risk of misinterpretation that can arise from reading isolated verses out of context.
- Comprehensive Teaching: Lectio continua ensures that difficult or challenging passages are not skipped over. This approach provides a balanced diet of biblical teaching, including themes of judgment, grace, law, and gospel, all of which are essential for the spiritual health of believers.
- Spiritual Formation: Regular exposure to the full breadth of Scripture fosters spiritual maturity and growth. As congregations journey through entire books of the Bible, they are shaped by the overarching themes of God’s redemptive work, the character of God, and the call to live in covenant relationship with Him.
- Continuity and Unity of Scripture: Lectio continua highlights the continuity and unity of the biblical narrative. By reading Scripture sequentially, believers see the connections between different parts of the Bible, understanding how the Old Testament points forward to Christ and how the New Testament fulfills the Old Testament promises.
Challenges and Defenses
While lectio continua is valued for its depth and comprehensiveness, it also presents certain challenges:
- Length and Patience: Sequentially preaching or reading through entire books of the Bible can take a significant amount of time. This requires patience and commitment from both the preacher and the congregation. In a culture that often prefers immediate results and quick takeaways, this method may be seen as too slow or demanding.
Defense: Advocates of lectio continua argue that the spiritual depth and understanding gained from this method are worth the investment of time. By committing to a slower, more deliberate engagement with Scripture, believers can develop a richer and more nuanced understanding of God’s Word.
- Complexity and Relevance: Some passages of Scripture, especially in books like Leviticus or the Minor Prophets, may be difficult for modern audiences to understand or may seem less immediately relevant.
Defense: Proponents of lectio continua believe that all Scripture is relevant and that even the most challenging passages have valuable lessons for contemporary believers. By preaching through these texts, pastors have the opportunity to demonstrate how all parts of Scripture contribute to the overall message of the Bible and to the life of faith.
- Preacher’s Skill and Preparation: Lectio continua requires significant preparation and skill on the part of the preacher. Exegeting large sections of Scripture and making them applicable to the congregation can be demanding.
Defense: Many pastors find that lectio continua deepens their own understanding of Scripture and enhances their ability to teach. The discipline of working through entire books helps preachers grow in their exegetical and homiletical abilities, ultimately benefiting the congregation.
Practical Implications for Worship and Devotion
In Preaching and Worship
Lectio continua has significant implications for the practice of preaching and public worship. Churches that adopt this method often commit to preaching through books of the Bible over an extended period. This approach shapes the rhythm of the church’s teaching and allows for a comprehensive engagement with Scripture.
Congregational worship can be enriched by lectio continua as the entire community journeys together through the Bible. This shared experience fosters a deeper unity in the congregation and a collective growth in biblical literacy.
In Personal Devotion
Lectio continua can also be applied to personal Bible study and devotion. Believers who read through entire books of the Bible in their private devotions gain a fuller understanding of Scripture and are less likely to take verses out of context. This method encourages a disciplined and systematic approach to Bible reading, helping believers to engage with the full counsel of God.
Many Bible reading plans are based on the principle of lectio continua, guiding readers through the entire Bible in a year or over a set period. These plans provide structure and accountability, helping individuals to develop a habit of regular Scripture reading.
In Theological Education
In theological education, lectio continua can be an effective tool for teaching biblical studies and hermeneutics. By working through entire books of the Bible, students are trained to think critically and contextually about Scripture. This method helps to build a solid foundation in biblical interpretation and prepares future pastors and teachers to handle the Word of God with care and precision.
Broader Biblical Themes
The Full Counsel of God
Lectio continua embodies the biblical theme of teaching and knowing the full counsel of God. By engaging with all of Scripture, believers are exposed to the richness and diversity of God’s revelation. This method aligns with the biblical mandate to meditate on God’s Word day and night (Psalm 1:2) and to let the Word of Christ dwell richly in us (Colossians 3:16).
The Unity of Scripture
This method also highlights the unity and coherence of the Bible. As believers read through entire books, they see how the different parts of Scripture fit together to tell one overarching story of God’s redemptive plan. Lectio continua reinforces the truth that the Bible, though diverse in its authorship and genres, is a unified revelation of God’s character and purposes.
The Sovereignty of God in Revelation
By committing to reading and preaching through all of Scripture, lectio continua acknowledges the sovereignty of God in the inspiration and preservation of His Word. This approach affirms that every part of the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, is divinely inspired and purposeful, contributing to our understanding of who God is and what He has done.
Legacy and Influence in Christian Doctrine and Church History
Influence on Reformed Tradition
Lectio continua has been particularly influential in the Reformed tradition, where the emphasis on the authority of Scripture and the need for thorough biblical teaching has led to its widespread use. The legacy of Reformers like John Calvin, who practiced and advocated for lectio continua, has shaped the preaching and teaching practices of many Reformed and evangelical churches.
Influence on Biblical Literacy
The practice of lectio continua has contributed to the high level of biblical literacy that characterized the Reformation and post-Reformation periods. By systematically reading and preaching through the Bible, pastors and teachers equipped their congregations with a deep and comprehensive knowledge of Scripture, which in turn shaped their theology, worship, and daily living.
Influence on Modern Preaching
In recent decades, the revival of lectio continua in evangelical and Reformed circles has influenced modern preaching by encouraging pastors to move away from topical or selective preaching and return to a more systematic engagement with Scripture. This shift has had a positive impact on congregational growth and discipleship, as believers are exposed to the full range of biblical teaching.
Conclusion
Lectio Continua is a rich and valuable approach to reading and preaching Scripture that emphasizes the importance of engaging with the entire biblical text. Rooted in the early practices of the Church and revitalized during the Reformation, lectio continua encourages a holistic and contextual understanding of God’s Word.
From a Christian worldview, lectio continua reflects a commitment to the authority of Scripture, the need for comprehensive teaching, and the importance of understanding the full counsel of God. This method fosters spiritual growth, deepens biblical literacy, and equips believers to live faithfully in response to God’s revelation.
In a world where fragmented and selective approaches to Scripture are common, lectio continua offers a way to ground the Church and individual believers in the richness and depth of God’s Word, ensuring that the whole of Scripture is heard, understood, and applied.