Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Origin Synagogues are Jewish houses of worship and community gathering places that have played a significant role in Jewish religious and social life. The term "synagogue" is derived from the Greek word "synagōgē," meaning "assembly" or "gathering." While the exact origins of synagogues are not detailed in the Old Testament, they are believed to have developed during the Babylonian Exile (6th century BC) when the Jewish people were separated from the Temple in Jerusalem. This period necessitated a new form of communal worship and study, leading to the establishment of synagogues as centers for prayer, teaching, and community activities. Biblical References The New Testament provides numerous references to synagogues, indicating their prominence in Jewish life during the time of Jesus and the early church. Jesus frequently taught in synagogues, as seen in Luke 4:16, where it is recorded, "He went to Nazareth, where He had been brought up. As was His custom, He entered the synagogue on the Sabbath. And when He stood up to read..." This passage highlights the synagogue's role as a place for reading and interpreting Scripture. In Matthew 4:23, the synagogues are mentioned as venues for Jesus' teaching and healing ministry: "Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people." This underscores the synagogue's function as a place for both spiritual instruction and community care. The Apostle Paul also utilized synagogues as platforms for preaching the Gospel. Acts 17:1-2 states, "When Paul and his companions had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a Jewish synagogue. As was his custom, Paul went into the synagogue, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures." This illustrates the synagogue's role as a forum for theological discussion and debate. Structure and Function Synagogues served multiple functions in Jewish society. Primarily, they were places of worship where the community gathered for prayer, especially on the Sabbath and during festivals. The synagogue service typically included the recitation of the Shema, prayers, and the reading of the Torah and the Prophets, followed by a sermon or teaching. In addition to worship, synagogues functioned as centers for education. They were places where children and adults learned to read and understand the Scriptures. The synagogue was also a community center where social and legal matters were addressed, and it often served as a place for communal gatherings and celebrations. Leadership and Governance Synagogues were typically governed by a group of elders or leaders, often referred to as the "rulers of the synagogue" (Mark 5:22). These leaders were responsible for the administration of the synagogue, organizing services, and maintaining order. The role of the "chazzan" or attendant was also significant, as this individual was responsible for the care of the scrolls and the general upkeep of the synagogue. Cultural and Religious Significance The synagogue has been a vital institution in maintaining Jewish identity and religious practice, especially in the Diaspora. It provided a structured environment for worship and community life, ensuring the continuity of Jewish traditions and teachings. The synagogue's emphasis on Scripture reading and interpretation laid the groundwork for the development of rabbinic Judaism and influenced early Christian worship practices. In summary, synagogues have been central to Jewish religious and community life from ancient times through the New Testament period and continue to be significant in contemporary Jewish practice. They are places of worship, learning, and community, reflecting the enduring importance of faith and tradition in Jewish life. Greek 656. aposunagogos -- expelled from the congregation ... put out of the synagogues. From apo and sunagoge; excommunicated -- (put) out of the synagogue(-s). see GREEK apo. see GREEK sunagoge. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/656.htm - 6k 4892. sunedrion -- a sitting together, hence a council, spec. the ... 4864. sunagoge -- a bringing together, by ext. an assembling ... Library Synagogues in the City; and Schools. Synagogues: their Origin, Structure and Outward Arrangements John Chapter xvi. 1-4. Jesus Makes a Preaching Tour through Galilee. Teaching with Authority Epistle Lv. To Fantinus, Guardian (Defensorem), of Panormus ... The Lord's Prayer: the Preface in Matthew Upon Our Lord's SermonOn the Mount Easter Tuesday Acts vi. 8 Thesaurus Synagogues (27 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Synagogues (27 Occurrences). Matthew 4:23 Jesus went about in all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues... /s/synagogues.htm - 14k Libertines (1 Occurrence) Seats (40 Occurrences) Best (252 Occurrences) Places (610 Occurrences) Salamis (1 Occurrence) Preached (75 Occurrences) Uppermost (11 Occurrences) Governors (43 Occurrences) Important (39 Occurrences) Resources What is a synagogue? | GotQuestions.orgWho were the Pharisees? | GotQuestions.org Who was Paul in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Synagogues (27 Occurrences)Matthew 4:23 Matthew 6:2 Matthew 6:5 Matthew 9:35 Matthew 10:17 Matthew 23:6 Matthew 23:34 Mark 1:39 Mark 12:39 Mark 13:9 Luke 4:15 Luke 4:44 Luke 11:43 Luke 12:11 Luke 13:10 Luke 20:46 Luke 21:12 John 16:2 John 18:20 Acts 9:2 Acts 9:20 Acts 13:5 Acts 15:21 Acts 22:19 Acts 24:12 Acts 26:11 Psalms 74:8 Subtopics Synagogues: Chief Seats In, Reserved for Elders Synagogues: Christ often: Attended Synagogues: Christ often: Performed Miracles In Synagogues: Christ often: Preached and Taught In Synagogues: Each Sect had Its Own Synagogues: Early Notice of Their Existence Synagogues: Governed by a President or Chief Ruler Synagogues: Governed by Ordinary Rulers Synagogues: had Seats Fro the Congregation Synagogues: Offenders Were often: Expelled From Synagogues: Offenders Were often: Given up To, for Trial Synagogues: Offenders Were often: Punished In Synagogues: Often Used As Courts of Justice Synagogues: Places in Which the Jews Assembled for Worship Synagogues: Probably Originated in the Schools of the Prophets Synagogues: Provided With a Minister, Who had Charge of the Sacred Books Synagogues: Revival of, After the Captivity Synagogues: Service In, on the Sabbath Day Synagogues: Service of, Consisted of Expounding the Word of God Synagogues: Service of, Consisted of Praise and Thanksgiving Synagogues: Service of, Consisted of Prayer Synagogues: Service of, Consisted of Reading the Word of God Synagogues: Sometimes Several, in the Same City Synagogues: Strangers Were Invited to Address the Congregation In Synagogues: The Apostles Frequently Taught and Preached In Synagogues: The Building of, Considered a Noble and Meritorious Work Synagogues: The Portion of Scripture for the Day Sometimes Read by One of Related Terms |
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