The use of Jewish liturgical practices to reconstruct early Christian worship is not without difficulties. This essay offers a survey of the ancient evidence for the public reading of Scripture in early Judaism. Elements of the liturgy that were attached directly to the Scripture reading are included in the discussion: the homily, the benediction that accompanies the reading, and the translation of the Scripture portions. The earliest development of communal Scripture reading in Judaism (Deuteronomy 31:10-13), the reading of the Haftarah and Hagiographa, the development of Torah reading schedules, and the ceremonies surrounding the reading of Scripture are noted.