Witness: Scripture Read and Obeyed in Community - Anabaptist (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

In the movie Witness, we’re drawn into the stillness of a simple Amish community, where the rhythmic rustle of cornfields surrounds a group of believers huddled together, their faces illuminated by the soft light of a setting sun. There, in a humble wooden barn, they gather not just to read Scripture, but to immerse themselves in it—like a collective breath, inhaling the wisdom of the ages and exhaling the spirit of obedience. As they flip open their well-worn Bibles, the words of Jesus from the Sermon on the Mount come alive, each verse resonating like a bell ringing through the fields.

Their interpretation is not a solitary endeavor; it thrives in the warmth of shared understanding and mutual respect. Picture an elder, his voice quivering with conviction, inviting the group to reflect on agape, the selfless love that Jesus calls us to embody. Around him, nods of agreement echo in the hushed barn, eyes glistening with the light of revelation. They lean in closer, their hearts attuned to the truth, ready to grapple with the challenging call to nonviolence, simplicity, and community support.

As they chew on the words of 2 Timothy 3:16-17, they don’t just see the verses as mere text; they embody them. These are not theoretical concepts but vibrant blueprints for living—each teaching, reproof, correction, and training an opportunity to mold not just their individual lives but the very fabric of their community. In that sacred space, Scripture is not just read—it is woven into their everyday lives, igniting a commitment to respond in action. Witnessing this, one can’t help but feel the profound weight of God’s Word, beckoning us all towards a shared journey of faith and love.