Music is mentioned frequently throughout the New Testament, both in direct teachings and in various accounts and stories. Here is an overview of some of the key things the New Testament says about music:
Music in Worship
The New Testament shows that music was an integral part of worship in the early church. The disciples and apostles sang hymns together (Matthew 26:30, Acts 16:25). Paul instructs the church in Colossae to sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in their hearts to God (Colossians 3:16). He gives similar instructions to the church in Ephesus (Ephesians 5:19). The book of Revelation also depicts heavenly worship that involves singing songs of praise to God and the Lamb (Revelation 5:9, 14:3).
From these passages, we can see that musical worship is important and pleasing to God when done with sincerity and thankfulness. The early Christians incorporated music into their times of worship, and singing spiritual songs is presented as a way for believers to teach and encourage one another.
Instruments in Worship
While the New Testament speaks frequently of singing in worship, the use of instruments is never mentioned. There is no clear directive either for or against using instruments to accompany singing. Some denominations point to the absence of instruments in the New Testament gatherings of believers as a basis for not using instruments today, while others allow freedom in this area.
Singing to God
In addition to congregational singing, the New Testament contains references to individual songs of praise and worship directed to God. After Jesus institutes the Lord’s Supper, Matthew 26:30 says that Jesus and his disciples sang a hymn before going out to the Mount of Olives. In Acts 16:25, Paul and Silas sing hymns to God even while imprisoned. The book of James instructs, “Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise” (James 5:13). Revelation 15:3-4 depicts those who have overcome the beast singing the song of Moses and the song of the Lamb.
These passages portray singing as a natural response of praise, thanksgiving and exaltation toward God, in good times and in hard times. Music is presented as a means through which believers can express their hearts to God.
Teaching Through Song
In addition to songs directed vertically toward God, the New Testament also displays examples of music being used to teach others. Colossians 3:16 encourages believers to sing “psalms and hymns and spiritual songs” as a way to teach and admonish one another. Ephesians 5:19 similarly directs Christians to “address one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart.”
Music is thus shown to be an impactful way to instruct and uplift fellow believers.
Heavenly Worship
The book of Revelation provides a glimpse of heavenly worship, which prominently features singing and music. The twenty-four elders surrounding God’s throne sing praise and worship music to God and the Lamb (Revelation 4:10-11, 5:9-10). The angels, living creatures and multitudes in heaven also join in singing worthy songs to the Lamb (Revelation 5:11-12, 14:3, 15:3-4).
These scenes depict music as the fitting mode of worship for the very throne of God. Meaningful words set to melodies have the power to gloriously exalt and honor the Lord.
Cautions About Music
While the New Testament overwhelmingly affirms music in worship and praise to God, there are also some cautions. Jesus warns about those who honor God with their lips while their hearts are far from Him (Matthew 15:8). Paul similarly warns against meaninglessness in corporate worship, even when it involves singing (1 Corinthians 14:15). The key is that music must come from sincere hearts of love, awe and gratitude toward God.
The book of Revelation also warns of the great deception involved in the worship music of Babylon the Great (Revelation 18:22-23). Here music becomes a tool of immorality and idolatry.
These passages remind us that while music is incredibly powerful, the state of our hearts behind it is what matters most to God.
Joyful Celebration
In addition to worship, the New Testament contains other examples of music being used in settings of joyful celebration. Jesus tells the parable of the prodigal son, in which the father calls for music and dancing to celebrate his son’s return (Luke 15:25). Similarly, when the lost sheep or lost coin is found, Jesus says there is “rejoicing before the angels of God over one sinner who repents” (Luke 15:10, cf. verse 7).
These passages indicate that music and rejoicing are natural responses to God’s goodness and salvation. Expressions of joy through music please the Lord.
Summary
In summary, here are some key themes about music found in the New Testament:
- Singing praises to God in corporate worship and individually
- Music as a means of teaching and encouraging fellow believers
- Instruments not explicitly mentioned in worship gatherings
- Sincere hearts matter more than the music itself
- Music used joyfully to celebrate God’s salvation and blessings
- Heavenly worship involves singing worthy songs to God and the Lamb
Music has incredible power to exalt God, teach truth, offer encouragement, express joy and unite believers together in worship. As Colossians 3:16 encourages, when done with sincerity and thankfulness, singing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs can powerfully glorify the name of the Lord.