I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren—enorkizō hymas ton Kyrion anagnōsthēnai tēn epistolēn pasin tois adelphois (ἐνορκίζω ὑμᾶς τὸν Κύριον ἀναγνωσθῆναι τὴν ἐπιστολὴν πᾶσιν τοῖς ἀδελφοῖς). Enorkizō (ἐνορκίζω, 'I adjure/charge solemnly,' putting under oath) is extremely strong—Paul invokes divine authority. Ton Kyrion (τὸν Κύριον, 'by the Lord') grounds the charge in Christ's authority. Anagnōsthēnai (ἀναγνωσθῆναι, 'to be read') indicates public reading in worship assembly.
Pasin tois adelphois (πᾶσιν τοῖς ἀδελφοῖς, 'to all the brothers')—entire church must hear the letter, not just leaders. Why such solemn charge? Possibly:
Paul feared leaders might suppress content challenging them (warnings to the unruly, commands to honor leaders)
some members might be excluded from gatherings (poor, slaves with limited freedom), requiring specific inclusion
This verse establishes apostolic letters as Scripture to be publicly read in worship, anticipating NT canon formation.
Historical Context
Early churches read apostolic letters in worship assemblies (Col 4:16: 'when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans'). This public reading established these texts as authoritative Scripture alongside OT readings. Literate members were few; public reading ensured all heard God's word. Paul's solemn charge prevented leaders from filtering content—all members needed all instruction. Later, these apostolic letters were copied, circulated, collected, and recognized as NT canon. The practice of Scripture reading in worship continues, rooted in synagogue liturgy (Luke 4:16-17) and apostolic command.
Questions for Reflection
What does Paul's solemn charge that the letter be read to 'all the holy brethren' teach about Scripture's authority and accessibility?
How do contemporary worship practices (or failures) reflect Paul's emphasis on universal hearing of God's word?
What does public Scripture reading in worship accomplish that private reading alone cannot?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren—enorkizō hymas ton Kyrion anagnōsthēnai tēn epistolēn pasin tois adelphois (ἐνορκίζω ὑμᾶς τὸν Κύριον ἀναγνωσθῆναι τὴν ἐπιστολὴν πᾶσιν τοῖς ἀδελφοῖς). Enorkizō (ἐνορκίζω, 'I adjure/charge solemnly,' putting under oath) is extremely strong—Paul invokes divine authority. Ton Kyrion (τὸν Κύριον, 'by the Lord') grounds the charge in Christ's authority. Anagnōsthēnai (ἀναγνωσθῆναι, 'to be read') indicates public reading in worship assembly.
Pasin tois adelphois (πᾶσιν τοῖς ἀδελφοῖς, 'to all the brothers')—entire church must hear the letter, not just leaders. Why such solemn charge? Possibly:
This verse establishes apostolic letters as Scripture to be publicly read in worship, anticipating NT canon formation.