Synagogue

As we study the Bible, occasionally we encounter the word “synagogue.” Many times, we might think of it like a place the Jews went for worship or conversation, like a church or cathedral, but this would be a very limited understanding of a synagogue in the First century. A township might have several synagogues because they were really the hub for that particular culture. A culture is adequately defined as “the shared opinions of a group of people.” As such, the synagogue was essentially the axis for a town or group of people. In the First century, there were Jewish and Gentile synagogues to support the different cultures. In 18th to 20th century rural United States, the concept was represented by the town center where news related to the area was found. The actual location may have been local shops, bars, possibly the county court house where information was shared about the entire county. Perhaps larger towns had several locations where more local news was shared. Citizens considered being a part of this group was critical to their physical and social survival. During the time Jesus was living in the flesh, some people who followed Jesus were predicted to be ”cut off” or excommunicated from their surrounding culture, “they will put you out of the synagogues. Indeed, the hour is coming when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God.” – Jn. 16:2(ESV). For this incident, also consider the parents who were reserved, “(His parents said these things because they feared the Jews, for the Jews had already agreed that if anyone should confess Jesus to be Christ, he was to be put out of the synagogue.)” – Jn. 9:22 (ESV). Few people handle rejection very well, and the larger the group which rejects one, usually the painful experience is greater. Nowadays, many of the local social activities have moved away from this approach, but the courthouse remains as a business center for the county business communication; various church sites remain as centerpieces for Bible study and activities focused on serving God. Added to this, many have become more individualistic or autonomous and do not personally depend on the larger community as in the past.