What is a homily?

TL;DR

A homily is a teaching that explains and applies Scripture to help a congregation grow spiritually. It turns God’s Word into practical guidance for daily life, equipping believers to live faithfully.

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

As far back as Deuteronomy 6:6–9 we see that God expected the Israelites to discuss His words throughout the day in various circumstances. A homily is simply one way God's Word is discussed in a gathering of people so it may remain on our hearts. The word homily is specifically used in the New Testament. We see it in Luke 24:14–15 when Cleopas and another disciple are discussing the recent events that have taken place surrounding Jesus’ ministry and resurrection. It is used again in Acts 20:11 when Paul miraculously brings back to life a young man and Paul then holds a discussion with those in the church. The word homily is also used when a Roman governor, Felix, sends Paul to hear him discuss his faith (Acts 24:26). God’s Word is vital to any congregation's spiritual growth, as they are literally breathed out by God (2 Timothy 3:16–17). Ministers who hold homilies do a good thing by teaching their congregants how to properly apply the Scriptures to their life.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

God commanded the Israelites, "And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates" (Deuteronomy 6:6–9). When preachers hold homilies with their congregation, they are encouraging a deeper understanding and discussion surrounding God’s Word.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

Forms of the Greek word homily are used in the Bible. It is seen in Luke 24:14–15 when the two traveling on the road to Emmaus were discussing what had happened in Jerusalem.
The word is again used in Acts 20:11 when Paul conversed with the believers in Troas after raising Eutychus from the dead.
Homily is also mentioned in Acts 24:26 when Felix called upon Paul to converse about Paul's faith in Christ.
Paul wrote to Timothy that, "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work" (2 Timothy 3:16–17). When a minister properly exegeses and applies Scripture and then further expounds upon it in a homily, he is equipping his congregation for good work.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

In today's English language, the word homily is used in Catholic, Lutheran, and Orthodox churches to describe the exposition, or sermon, delivered after the reading of Scripture during the mass or service. It is an important part of the liturgy that helps to explain what the Scripture means and how it applies to the lives of the congregants. Because each minister writes a homily to apply to a specific congregation at a particular time in history, each homily will be different, highlighting different points, drawing different conclusions, and calling for different applications, even when based on the same scriptural text as neighboring churches or previous years.

The homilies in highly liturgical churches tend to be shorter than the sermons preached in less liturgical churches because the homily is only one aspect of the service where other parts (like corporate confession, communion, or benediction) are given equal or greater importance. In less liturgical churches, the sermon is often the main or most important aspect of the service and can last forty-five minutes to an hour. However, in both instances, the homily and sermon is intended to build up a congregation through teaching the Word of God.

UNDERSTAND

A homily explains and applies Scripture to promote spiritual growth.
Homilies are used in specific church traditions but do not need to be limited to just them.
A homily is shorter than a sermon but both are intended to build up a congregation through the teaching of God’s Word.

REFLECT

How do homilies and sermons shapes the way you understand and apply Scripture?
How do you approach homilies or sermons with a heart ready not just to hear God’s Word, but to live it out?
What helps you carry the truths in a homily or sermon and apply it to your everyday life?

ENGAGE

How do biblical examples of teaching and discussion shape our understanding of what a homily is meant to accomplish?
What should be the central goal of any homily or sermon, regardless of length or church tradition?
What is the importance of having homilies that move beyond explanation to application in the lives of believers and what are some ways to do this?