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pleiades's avatar

What part in the bible talks about not shouting/preaching in the streets?

Asked by pleiades (6617points) July 25th, 2014

I think it’s in Matthew? I can’t remember, I’d like to have this memorized though so when I stop by Comic Con I can flash my knowledge to them.

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9 Answers

dxs's avatar

I can’t remember if there’s a verse about exactly that, but throughout the Gospels (for instance, after he performs a miracle), Jesus tells people to “tell no one” about him, meaning don’t preach about him—let people come to Jesus instead.
It’s called the Messianic Secret, and Mark emphasized it most.
[addition]: Sorry I keep adding to this, but if you want to find specific verses, search “tell no one” or “messianic secret”.

Hypocrisy_Central's avatar

What you are looking for is this:

Matthew 6:5,6
5 “And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. 6 But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.

I gave it to you in context. Hopefully you are using it as an educational opportunity and not as a reverse attack; there are passages in the Bible about that too. To do so would make you no better than those you might direct this passage to.

I know my stuff when it comes to this, ask anyone here, they have been vexed more than once by it.

Response moderated (Off-Topic)
Bill1939's avatar

A Wikipedia search of ‘Messianic Secret’ might provide the scripture you seek.

filmfann's avatar

It’s probably a bad idea to try and “flash your knowledge” on this subject, if you don’t have much.
The Bible is a simple truth, but it takes years of study to master.

pleiades's avatar

I was joking about “flashing my knowledge” It’s just good to have incase someone gets all up in my face about it.

@filmfann A simple truth put together by multiple authors and changed again by different kings and empires multiple times ;)

pleiades's avatar

@Hypocrisy_Central I like the New Living Translation better. “When you pray, don’t be like the hypocrites who love to pray publicly on street corners and in the synagogues where everyone can see them. I tell you the truth, that is all the reward they will ever get.

Just because if you’re like me, and not a master of the English language the latter sentence is more clear haha (compared to the others, I was confused if he was saying, “Yea the hypocrites shout on the streets… but don’t be like them… but they will get their reward.” I know understand it as a personal reward for themselves and that’s all they’re in it for.

Adagio's avatar

I have always interpreted the verses from Matthew’s gospel as speaking solely about public acts of piety, performed publicly for the sole purpose of making oneself look spiritual, I think stretching that to include public preaching of the gospel is taking that particular scripture out of context.

Adagio's avatar

I’ve just reread my post above and I should have been more specific by adding that I was talking about prayer performed publicly for the sole purpose of making oneself look super spiritual. The particular biblical reference is talking specifically about prayer, that’s why think that including public preaching is taking that particular scripture out of context.

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