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

The Just Life with Benjamin Watson

Stephen Enada: Exposing a Silent Slaughter

Unpacking the crisis facing Nigeria’s persecuted Church

The Strangest Enemy I’ll Ever Meet

Scripture speaks of death as an enemy Christ conquers—and the door through which we see God face to face.

Review

First Comes Sex, Then Comes Gender

A new book acknowledges both categories as biblically valid—but insists on ordering them properly.

In Politics, Contempt Is a Common Tongue

Antisemitic, racist texts show the need for spiritual and character renewal.

News

Government Shutdown Deepens Hunger Crisis

When paychecks and SNAP distributions stop, the food pantry line grows.

Jonah in an Age of Outrage

The prophet’s lesson is also ours: We must recover compassion for neighbor and enemy alike, or our words will be hollow.

Grassroots Efforts Bring Together Diverse Sects in Iraq

Interfaith group uses projects and dialogues to push for greater religious freedom.

Becoming Part of God’s Family

Weekly participation in ordinary church life isn’t flashy, but it is radical.

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