THE CHURCH SINGS PRAISE

Note: I borrowed this from John Mark Hicks.  I think it is valuable in studying the Book of Revelation.  The First Century Church sang the praises of the One God who is Jehovah the Father, Jehovah the Son, Jehovah the Holy Spirit.  R.D.Ice

New Testament Hymns

February 5, 2012

The early church, even as its Scripture was being written, expanded the Hebrew Psalter to include their own faith-hymns. Some (like Luke’s Canticles) are squarely rooted in the Hebrew traditions though with a Christological application and others reflect the new situation of the people of God in the church as the story of Israel is extended through Jesus (many of the hymns Paul utilizes).

Whatever their origin, they reflect a usage in the church that gives evidence of deep theology in their praise of God and mutual edification. This is a list for your own reference in the future. Remember, however, some are disputed (are they really hymns chanted by the early church?) but all of the below have their advocates and rationale. I don’t think it improbable that what the church sang helped shape what the church wrote because what they sang is what they professed in their assemblies.

NON-PSALTER HYMNS IN THE NEW TESTAMENT*

A. Luke’s Canticles

1. Luke 1:46-55, Hymn to God in third person, “My soul glorifies.”
2. Luke 1:68-79, Hymn to God, “Praise be to the Lord.”
3. Luke 2:14, Hymn to God, “Glory to God.”
4. Luke 2:29-32, Hymn to God, “Sovereign Lord.”

B. Christological Hymns.

1. 1 Timothy 3:16
2. Philippians 2:6-11
3. Colossians 1:15-20
3. John 1:14-18
4. 1 Peter 1:18-21
5. 1 Peter 2:21-25
6. 1 Peter 3:18-21
7. Hebrews 1:3

C. Confessional Hymns

1. 1 Timothy 6:11-16
2. 2 Timothy 2:11-13

D. Sacramental Hymns

1. Ephesians 5:14
2. Titus 3:4-7

E. Meditative Hymns

1. Ephesians 1:3-14
2. Romans 8:31-39
3. 1 Corinthians 13

F. Hymns of the Apocalypse (Revelation)

1. 4:8, Hymn to God, “Holy, holy, holy.”
2. 4:11, Hymn to God, “You are worthy, our Lord and God.”
3. 5:9-10, Hymn to Christ, “You are worthy.”
4. 5:12, Hymn to Christ, “Worthy is the Lamb.”
5. 5:13, Hymn to God and Christ, “Praise.”
6. 7:10, Hymn to God and Christ, “Salvation belongs to…”
7. 7:12, Hymn to God, “Praise.”
8. 7:15-17, Hymn about God’s Promises.
9. 11:15, Hymn about God’s Victory.
10. 11:17-18, Hymn to God, “We give thanks.”
11. 12:10-12, Hymn about God’s Victory and Satan’s Woes.
12. 15:3-4, The Song of the Lamb to God, “Great.”
13. 16:5-7, Hymn to God, “Your are just.”
14. 18:2-3, Hymn about the fall of Babylon.
15. 18:4-8, Hymn of Invitation, “Come out of her, my people.”
16. 18:10,16-17,19-20,21-24, Hymns of Woe on Babylon.
17. 19:1-8, Hallelujah Hymns (5 of them).

*I put this list together many years ago. I do not have notes of how I did it or what resources I used. If you discover this is too much like another list or see dependence, please let me know so I can give credit.  Hicks