Synagogue
“A gathering or assembly”
Summary
The Jewish place of worship and assembly that developed during and after the Babylonian exile, serving as a center for Scripture reading, prayer, teaching, and community governance throughout the Second Temple period.
☩Origin and Development
Though traditionally ascribed to Moses, synagogues likely originated during the Babylonian exile when Jews, far from the Temple, gathered for Scripture reading and prayer. After the exile, synagogues developed as vital institutions complementing the Temple, providing regular instruction in the Law that the centralized sacrificial system could not offer. By the first century, synagogues were found wherever Jews had settled, with tradition claiming 480 existed in Jerusalem alone, including one within the Temple precincts.
☩Structure and Furnishings
Synagogue buildings were oriented toward Jerusalem, following the pattern of Daniel's prayer. The most sacred object was the ark containing the Torah scrolls, placed at the Jerusalem-facing end behind a curtain. Before the ark were the 'chief seats' sought by the prominent, while a raised platform with a lectern stood toward the center for reading Scripture. An attendant (chazzan) cared for the scrolls and building, while rulers of the synagogue oversaw the services and maintained order.
☩Worship and Teaching
The synagogue service centered on Scripture reading, with the Torah read consecutively to complete the Pentateuch every three years, and portions of the Prophets selected as second lessons. A sermon or exposition (derash) followed the readings, and any qualified man could be invited to teach. The service included recitation of the Shema, set prayers, and benedictions. Jesus regularly taught in synagogues, and Paul's missionary strategy began with the synagogue in each city he visited.
☩Judicial Functions
The synagogue served as a local court with authority to try cases and administer punishments including scourging and excommunication. The elders formed the judicial body, with power to exclude offenders from the community—a sanction Jesus warned His disciples to expect. Paul himself acknowledged that before his conversion he 'imprisoned and beat in every synagogue those who believed,' and later suffered the same punishment from Jewish authorities.
☩Influence on Christianity
The early church adopted much from synagogue organization and worship. The pattern of Scripture reading, exposition, prayers, and benedictions passed into Christian liturgy. Church officers—elders (presbyters), overseers (bishops), and deacons—parallel synagogue officials. The 'angel of the church' in Revelation may correspond to the synagogue's sheliach or delegate. Even the three-times-daily hours of prayer and weekly fast days derived from synagogue practice.
Related Verses74 mentions
See Also
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Synagogue," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. X (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Synagogue," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. V (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.James Hastings (ed.), "Synagogue," in Dictionary of the Apostolic Church, vol. II (T. & T. Clark, 1915–1918).
- 4.James Hastings (ed.), "Synagogue," in Dictionary of Christ and the Gospels, vol. II (T. & T. Clark, 1906–1908).