14 Bible Verses about Literacy

Jesus then went to Nazareth where He had been brought up. He entered the synagogue on the Sabbath day, according to His custom, and stood up to read [the Scriptures].

He was returning [to his home in Ethiopia] and was sitting in his chariot [Note: Chariots were stopped on long journeys occasionally for resting, eating, reading, etc.] reading [a scroll of] the prophet Isaiah.

The person who reads this [book] and those who listen to the words of this prophecy and who obey what is written in it are blessed, for the time [when some of it will occur] is near. [See verse 1].

And after the reading of the law of Moses and [the writings of] the prophets, the rulers of the synagogue sent [word] to Paul and Barnabas, saying, "Brothers, if you [men] have any message that will exhort [or encourage] the people, you may speak."

For we are not writing anything to you than what you can read and understand. And I hope that, on the day of our Lord Jesus [i.e., the judgment day], you will understand us fully,

So, when you read this you will be able to understand my insight into the secret plan of Christ,

And when this letter has been read to you people, see that it is read in the church of the Laodicians also. And see that you read the letter [coming] from Laodicia also. [Note: This could have been a reference to the letter to the Ephesians].

I am ordering you, by [the authority of] the Lord, that this letter be read to all the brothers.

Until I come [to you], pay attention to the [public] reading [of Scripture], to exhorting people and to teaching.

I am Tertius, who is writing this letter [for Paul], and I send you my greetings in [the fellowship of] the Lord.

Then He stooped down again and wrote [something else] on the ground.

Then Zacharias asked for a writing tablet and wrote [the words] "His name is John." And they were all amazed.

Many of the Jews read this notice, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city [of Jerusalem]. It was written in the Hebrew, Latin and Greek languages.

Therefore, we are sending Judas and Silas [with them] to tell you [these same] things in person.