In Romans 15:9 and Hebrews 2:12 (Psalms 22:22) are these quotations from the Old Testament: “I will confess to you among the Gentiles and sing to your name” and “I will declare your name to my brethren; in the midst of the congregation I will sing praise to you.” Is this talking about singing together or, I, a single person, singing among the midst of many people?

QUESTION: In Romans 15:9 and Hebrews 2:12 (Psalms 22:22) are these quotations from the Old Testament: “I will confess to you among the Gentiles and sing to your name” and “I will declare your name to my brethren; in the midst of the congregation I will sing praise to you.” Is this talking about singing together or, I, a single person, singing among the midst of many people?

ANSWER: Certainly, these passages do not support the idea of one Christian singing a solo to the rest of the congregation. The pronoun “I” in these passages refers not to individual members of the church, but to Jesus Christ. Note that in Hebrews 2:11, Paul is discussing “He that sanctifieth.” Of course, this refers to Christ. He also discusses those “who are sanctified.” This obviously refers to Christians who make up the church. He then says that both He who sanctifieth and those who are sanctified are “of One” (God). Because of this relationship that both have with God, He (Christ) is not ashamed to call them (Christians) brethren! In verse twelve, because He is not ashamed of His brethren, He (Christ) will declare God’s name to us and will commune and participate with us in our worship to the Father. Neither the word “I,” the word “sing,” or the word “midst” teach or imply that men are authorized to sing a solo in the worship services of the church. These words simply denote the communion and relationship that Christ has with His church (and within His church), even as we worship God.