Why the Early Church Sang—and Why We Still Do
A Brief Exploration of the Enduring Wisdom of Hebrew Poetry
From the very beginning, Christians have responded to Jesus with music. Some of the most powerful songs in Christian history—like the Magnificat (Mary’s song), Benedictus (Zechariah’s song), Gloria (the angels’ song), and Nunc Dimittis (Simeon’s song)—are found in the first chapters of the Gospel of Luke. These songs, written in a poetic, psalm-like style, have been part of church worship for centuries and are still sung today.
Music was woven into the early church’s worship life. It included psalms from Jewish tradition, new hymns written by believers, and spiritual songs—joyful, emotional expressions of praise. These different types of music helped lay the foundation for how Christian worship would grow and develop.
It’s not a coincidence that when Jesus was born, it was celebrated in song. Ever since, Christians have used music to express their faith in ways no other religion has matched.
After Jesus’ resurrection, His followers, including Paul, continued attending synagogue on the Sabbath. But they also gathered on Sundays to remember Jesus by sharing the Lord’s Supper and a meal called agape or “love” feast. Eventually, they started holding their own Christian worship services, blending parts of synagogue worship with what they had experienced with Jesus in the Upper Room.
Paul, writing to young churches, described three types of music used in worship: psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. This wasn’t just a list—each had a purpose. Psalms came from Jewish Scripture. Hymns were newly written songs about Jesus, often poetic and theologically rich. Spiritual songs were more free flowing, often filled with joy and praise. Scholars believe these styles were different not just in content, but possibly even in how they were sung or performed.
Paul’s letters even include examples of hymns, what many call “Christ songs.” These likely helped teach new believers, called catechumens, who were still learning the faith before they were baptized.
But beyond teaching and expressing belief, singing was (and still is) a form of worship—an offering to God. Hebrews 13:15 says, “Through [Jesus] then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name.” Paul echoes this in Ephesians 5:19 and Colossians 3:16, encouraging believers to sing from the heart with thankfulness.
In short, music has always been more than just a tradition. For Christians, it’s a powerful way to praise, to teach, to remember—and most of all, to worship.
Study Guide
Main Idea:
This essay explores how music was central to the worship and teaching of the early Christian church and why it continues to be important in Christian life today.
Key Points to Remember:
1. Biblical Songs in Luke:
· The Magnificat, Benedictus, Gloria, and Nunc Dimittis are songs found in Luke 1–2.
· These songs reflect deep faith and have been sung in worship for centuries.
2. Three Types of Worship Music:
· Psalms – Ancient songs from Jewish Scripture.
· Hymns – Newly written songs focused on Jesus, often rich in theology.
· Spiritual Songs – Joyful, expressive, and emotional songs of praise.
· Paul lists these in his letters (Ephesians 5:19, Colossians 3:16).
3. Early Worship Gatherings:
· Believers attended synagogue on Sabbath and gathered on Sundays for communion and the agape meal.
· Over time, they formed unique Christian worship services combining Jewish tradition with new Christian practices.
4. Purpose of Music in the Church:
· Teaching – Songs taught core truths of the faith to new believers (catechumens).
· Praise – Expressing joy and thankfulness to God.
· Worship – A spiritual offering to God (Hebrews 13:15).
5. Continued Relevance:
· Christian music is not just tradition—it remains a powerful tool for spiritual growth, community, and worship today.
Key New Testament Scriptures:
· Luke 1–2 – Songs at Jesus’ birth.
· Ephesians 5:19 – “Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord.”
· Colossians 3:16 – “Sing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.”
· Hebrews 13:15 – “Offer up a sacrifice of praise… the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name.”
Discussion Questions:
1. Why do you think music was such an important part of the early church’s worship?
2. What can we learn from the early church’s use of music that still applies to modern worship?
3. How does singing help teach Christian beliefs to new believers?
4. In what ways can your own singing be an offering to God?
Reflection Activity:
Pick a worship song that’s meaningful to you. What does it teach about God or faith? How does it help you express praise or grow spiritually? Consider writing your own short “Christ song” as a personal response.