The Synagogue

The word “synagogue” literally means “a place of assembly.” Synagogues began after the Jewish people were exiled to Babylon. When the Temple was destroyed, Jews established synagogues to gather for prayer and to study the Law. The initial purpose of synagogues was to provide a place for at least ten adult Jewish men to gather for the three daily prayer services. During the time of Jesus, the Sadducees controlled the Temple, while the Pharisees controlled the synagogues.

The order of worship in a Jewish synagogue generally began with a prayer of confession, followed by a priestly blessing. Then, the synagogue leader would read a passage from the Law and the Prophets. After the reading, there might be a short explanation or encouragement. If there were respected or notable strangers in the congregation, the leader might invite them to share a word of teaching or exhortation (Acts 13:15). Modern Christian worship services, which include Bible reading, prayer, and fellowship, have adopted some of these forms of synagogue worship.

The Bible records:

[Matthew 9:35] And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction.

[Matthew 13:53-55a] And when Jesus had finished these parables, he went away from there, and coming to his hometown he taught them in their synagogue, so that they were astonished, and said, “Where did this man get this wisdom and these mighty works? Is not this the carpenter’s son?”

[Acts 13:15] After the reading from the Law and the Prophets, the rulers of the synagogue sent a message to them, saying, “Brothers, if you have any word of encouragement for the people, say it.”