Is A Cappella Singing a Tradition Only?

Just Tradition?

A Church of Christ Tradition Only? “Paul, however, denounced their [instruments] usage on account of their role in mystery cults, and thus reflected the view of the orthodox Pharisees…Paul himself a ‘Pharisee of the Pharisees,’ shared fully these views; in all his exhortations, he speaks only of ‘psalms, and hymns, and spiritual songs (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16).” – Eric Werner “Music” The Interpreter’s Dictionary of the Bible. 3:466.

A Church of Christ Tradition Only? “When you meet together, sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs as you praise the Lord with all your heart.” Ephesians 5:19 in the Contemporary English Version Bible (Emphasis mine – RB)

A Church of Christ Tradition Only? “After doing my study on music in the church, I came to the conclusion that the use of a musical instrument was not to be a part of New Testament worship. It was at that time that my church made the change to a cappella singing.” - John Price, Pastor of Grace Baptist Church, author of Old Light on New Worship quoted by Bobby Ross, “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” Christian Chronicle July 1, 2007.

Eph. 5:19 - The Broader Context Imagery of “one body” 2:11-22 “One body” continues in 3:6 “One body” the emphasis of ch. 4 Contrasts living in this community with living in the former state 4:17-25, esp. 25 5:3 really contrasts the Christian community with the world! 5:7, 11-12 Don’t be partakers, have nothing to do, don’t even mention!

Why would the broader context prevent Paul from discussing worship? Deals directly with interaction between brethren – wouldn’t the assembly be a key time of interaction? Chapter 5 is a contrast between the pagan community and the Christian community – a key element of the pagan world involved drunken worship of a variety of deities – wouldn’t this contrast fit?

…how does 5:19 fit the context? “If it is impossible for Paul to have worship in mind in 5:19 because it will not fit the broader context then… …how does 5:19 fit the context?

What about the immediate context? “Speak to one another” “singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord.”

“Speak to one another” “Here is a rare instance of the reflexive pronoun used like a reciprocal pronoun.” “…is used to indicate an interchange between two or more groups…” - Daniel Wallace, Greek Grammar Beyond the Basics, p. 351.

“Speak to one another” “When a plural subject is represented as affected by an interchange of the action signified in the verb it is called a reciprocal construction… The New Testament uses three methods for the expression… The Reflexive Pronoun…see also Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16.” – H.E. Dana and Julius Mantey, A Manual Grammar of the Greek New Testament, p. 131-132.

“Speak to one another” “Reflexive In The Reciprocal Sense. This is in harmony with the ancient Greek idiom. The papyri show this same blending… Thus we may note…(1 Cor. 6:7),…(Eph. 5:19),…(Col. 3:16), etc.” “This pronoun brings out the mutual relations involved.” – A.T. Robertson, A Grammar of the Greek New Testament in Light of Historical Research. p. 691 & 693.

“Speak to one another” “interchange of the action…” Dana and Mantey, “interchange between two or more…” Daniel Wallace “brings out the mutual relationship…” Robertson

“singing and …” In Eph. 5:19 “Speak” is modified by the phrase “with/in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs…singing and making melody in your heart” to describe the manner of speaking. In Col. 3:16 “teach and admonish” is modified by “singing with thankfulness in your hearts”

“Speak to one another” The speaking is done by a plurality The speaking is done in a “reciprocal or mutual manner” In the parallel in Col. 3:16 the phrase is “teach and admonish one another.” Together we see that we speak in singing for the purpose of teaching and admonishing one another.

In what setting are you most likely to find a plurality of brethren? Any time a group of Christians gathers? In small groups? In fellowships? In a large assembly?

How does 5:19 fit Paul’s thoughts?

Our Authority for Music in Worship A command: “Speak to one another,” & “teach and admonish one another” by “singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs.” Paul hints that singing was a part of early church worship in 1 Corinthians 14:15 Jesus and the Apostles sang after the Lord’s supper, Matthew 26:30. There not a command or example of music otherwise.

The Role of Authority Jesus said he did exactly as directed by his Father: John 8:28-29, 12:49-50 The Holy Spirit speaks only as directed: John 16:12. Rebellion and arrogance is idolatry: 1 Samuel 15:22-23 God places a high standard on following his authority.

If Jesus did and said exactly as the Father told him, are we to live by a lesser standard?

How Well Do We Trust God? Did God forget to tell us how to worship? Can we trust that if God wanted us to worship in a particular way He would have told us? Can we trust God to use the power of His Gospel to save?

“God doesn’t really care about that…”

What does it mean to repent? “Repent…” (Acts 2:38) metanoeō: change your mind. “turn…” (1 Thess 1:9, Acts 26:20) epistrephō: turn, change a course of action.

The value of repentance “indulged the desires of the flesh and of the mind…” Eph. 2:3 Are we practicing repentance of turning to God, or just pleasing ourselves?

Tradition only?