The synagogue as a Jewish religious institution probably arose after the Israelites returned from exile in Babylon. The
public readings of the Law by Ezra the priest after the exiles resettled in in Jerusalem
(Neh. 8)
may have signaled the beginning of the movement that led to the development of the synagogue system.
The synagogue, as distinguished from the tabernacle and temple with their sacrifices, was a local
gathering place where Jews of all ages met for prayer and study of the Law of Moses. Scores of these synagogues sprang up
in Jerusalem and surrounding cities during the 200 years or so before the New Testament era. They were organized wherever
ten or more men showed interest in preserving their Jewish customs and learning and obeying the Law.
Synagogue worship included readings from the Law, prayers, and a commentary or sermon on the Bible
passage. Any competent member of the congregation might be asked to read the Scriptures or bring the sermon. This privilege
was apparently extended to Jesus in the synagogue at Nazareth early in His ministry. He read from the prophet Isaiah, identifying
Himself as the Messiah whom Isaiah had prophesied hundreds of years before (Luke 4:16-30).
Several synagogue buildings, including one at the city of Capernaum, have been uncovered by archaelogists.
These were generally rectangular structures with a large central seating area, much like a modern church building. The congregation
sat on stone benches along the walls or cross-legged on the floor. The main piece of furniture in a synagogue was the ark,
where the sacred scrolls with the Law were kept. The ark was placed along the wall nearest to the city of Jerusalem, the direction
which the people faced during a synagogue service.
Synagogue life, as influenced by the rabbis who attached themselves to these local Jewish centers,
came to dominate the religious thinking of the Jewish people during New Testament times. Each local synagogue had its own
ruling group, which governed religious behavior among the Jews in that community.
The apostle Paul regularly proclaimed Christ at synagogues on his missionary journeys (Acts
13:5, 14:1). The emphasis of the synagogue on Scripture, prayer, and a sermon in worship has influenced the order of
service used in most Christian churches today.
