History

Synagogue Life

In the Roman world, the synagogue was the religious, cultural, and social center of every Jewish community. So most cities had more than one: one study estimates that during the time of Paul, there were 365 synagogues in Jerusalem alone. Besides Sabbath services, the synagogue performed a number of functions.

  1. School. Synagogues served as schools for children, for reading and explaining Scriptures at prayer services, and for regular study periods for adults.
  2. Court. In the synagogue, punishment was administered to offenders of Jewish law. Jesus told his disciples they would be “delivered to councils and flogged in their synagogues.” Paul was beaten “by the Jews”—in the synagogues—five times with thirty-nine lashes.
  3. Hall. Josephus, the first-century Jewish historian, describes political gatherings in the synagogue in Tiberias.
  4. Hotel. A synagogue also served as a hostel, with rooms set aside for Jewish travelers, merchants, and the poor.
  5. Treasury. Money was collected in the synagogues for charitable purposes and deposited there. In the synagogues outside Palestine, money was collected annually for donation to the Jerusalem Temple.

In other words, nearly every significant activity of Jewish life took place in a synagogue. It is no wonder Paul chose this strategic place to begin his missionary efforts.

John McRay is professor of New Testament and archaeology, Wheaton College (IL).

Copyright © 1995 by the author or Christianity Today/Christian History magazine.Click here for reprint information on Christian History.

Our Latest

News Release

Marvin Olasky Officially Named Editor in Chief

Russell Moore becomes editor at-large and columnist.

Amazon’s New Streaming Channel Has Both ‘House of David’ and ‘Sherlock’

Major networks have invested in faith-based programming like Wonder Project before. This time seems different.

News

Cautious Optimism Surrounds the Israel-Hamas Deal

“We want an end to this, but we are wary based on past experiences.”

Wonderology

Wonderology Trailer

Check out a preview of Christianity Today’s newest podcast about the intersection of science and faith.

News

As Shutdown Strains Incomes, Church Ramps Up to Feed the Hungry

In suburban Detroit, a $50,000 ministry grant helps families keep food on the tables during furloughs.

Review

‘Roe v. Wade’ Eroded the Church’s Historic Pro-Life Consensus

It was already unraveling by 1973. Repairing it today won’t be easy.

News

Kenyan Churches Struggle to Support Childless Couples

One Christian woman hopes to destigmatize infertility.

Apple PodcastsDown ArrowDown ArrowDown Arrowarrow_left_altLeft ArrowLeft ArrowRight ArrowRight ArrowRight Arrowarrow_up_altUp ArrowUp ArrowAvailable at Amazoncaret-downCloseCloseEmailEmailExpandExpandExternalExternalFacebookfacebook-squareGiftGiftGooglegoogleGoogle KeephamburgerInstagraminstagram-squareLinkLinklinkedin-squareListenListenListenChristianity TodayCT Creative Studio Logologo_orgMegaphoneMenuMenupausePinterestPlayPlayPocketPodcastRSSRSSSaveSaveSaveSearchSearchsearchSpotifyStitcherTelegramTable of ContentsTable of Contentstwitter-squareWhatsAppXYouTubeYouTube