Much of the finest teaching is done in private. The busy apostle of the Gentiles earned much of his support, but he took time to teach from house to house as well as publicly (Acts 20:20). The master teacher could take time to teach the woman at the well (John 4) or his apostles in some desert place away from the crowd, or he could meet with the blind man whom he had healed (John 9). Again we can say that our Lord wants us to speak, as it were, in the temple and in every house (Acts 5:42). The inspired men taught the men of the Jerusalem church so effectively that the men in general could preach the word when they were scattered by persecution (Acts 8:4). It certainly was in orderf or Priscilla and Aquila to take Apollos aside and teach him the way of the Lord more perfectly (Acts 18:26). We need thousands more in the church today who may be called faithful men who teach others also (II Tim. 2:2).
Paul was not cut off from prayer even in the prison cell. The Christians over the world were asked to pray for him. These effectual, fervent prayers availed much. These prayers were not offered on the street corners after the blowing of a trumpet. They were not long prayers made for a pretense. They were not offered just as a matter of forming some ritual. They are examples of private devotions poured out to the Father who knows his children's needs and has made wonderful promises. We can also say that we need thousands more in the church today who come boldly to the throne of grace in private devotions.
The diligence one gives toward becoming a workman that does not need to be ashamed includes much private study. One is encouraged to meditate in his word day and night. The daily contact with the precious promises, warnings, commands, and exhortations of the scripture is very important to one's spiritual welfare. One who would be strong should give attendance to reading that he may understand what the will of the Lord is.
Have these remarks indicated that there is no reason for public services? Do the books of our New Testament suggest that we have a choice between public and private worship, that we may choose the one or the other? Friend, no careful student of the Bible would admit that a choice is suggested. The same Bible that suggests prayer in the inner room also asks that we not forsake the assembling (Heb. 10:25). The same apostle who prayed so regularly and fervently from his prison cell asked that we teach and admonish one another by psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. The Christ who died for us asked that we take of the bread and the fruit of the vine in memory of him. Disciples, according to the approved example (Acts 20:7), came together for this. The early church was steadfast in worship (Acts 2:42) just as it was remarkable in showing brotherly love. The private worship suggested was not instead of public meetings in the temple (Acts 5:42), the school of Tyrannus (Acts 19:9), or in other available places.
The church is the pillar and ground of the truth (I Tim.3:15). Elders are to take the oversight willingly, and all are to serve heartily. The very fact that God made plans for a congregation in each community where saints are found indicates that the coming together is of divine wisdom. Men may say they get more from private study. It is not a matter of where we get more or less. Both public and private devotions are taught in his word. How much benefit one receives at home or in the assembly depends much, though not alone, on his own attitude. The Lord knows that we need to be admonished by others, and that we should cultivate Christian association, as well as to have private study.
Sometimes wonderful periods of public study may suggest ideas and doctrines to our minds which conflict with our own personal ideas and habits. Antiseptics may burn the place that is infected. One reason, no doubt, for our need for group study is that we may be in a position to receive the benefit of the study others have done. Men at Berea could have studied at home, but Paul knew things they needed to hear (Acts 17:11). Yes, they needed to search the scriptures, but they needed to go back to the place of meeting for another sermon, too. Our prejudices keep us from realizing our own errors and inadequacies. We need to be reproved, rebuked, and exhorted lest we come to resent sound doctrine, or to draft away from the things we have heard.
Imperfections in others did not remove the need for assembly at Corinth. The long letters to the church at Corinth make it very clear that there were imperfections within that congregation, but the best people were not asked to turn away and forsake the assembly. They, rib doubt, were to work in humility and meekness to restore those who were overtaken in fault. We know they were to examine themselves, too. (II Cor. 13:5; 1 Cor. 11:28). In private study we may be more inclined to study on those themes that are most pleasant to us. In public study we may be inclined to want to hear those things that we already appreciate most. Surgeons, physicians, and Bible teachers should concern themselves most with the points of special need. May the Lord give us wisdom and courage to speak the word boldly as we ought to speak (Eph. 6:20). We need his blessed help in our efforts to develop the ability to receive the word with all readiness of mind. (Acts 17:11).
Let no one feel that a few hours spent in the assembly each week will suffice for private study and worship. He who often meets with the saints in hearty worship may be the one who delights most in prayer and study at home. He who is satisfied with an occasional visit with the church at eleven o'clock on Sunday morning may be one who cares little about prayer in private. Let none neglect public worship for private, or private worship for public. Each is suggested by the all wise God who loves us and advises for our good.