Not just a building

At first glance, it seemed like the New Testament temple compared to our churches, and the NT synagogue was more like our Bible schools, but after reading more, that thought changed. The biblical temple was a place of worship; today that place of worship is the human heart. It can happen in a building (the church) or in the great outdoors, or in front of the kitchen sink.

The synagogue is more like a community church where worship and biblical teaching happen, but where people meet to do various other things. For instance, I go to a community church that is available for blood clinics, craft sales, workshops, meetings, daycare, and sewing bees, to name a few. It is our desire to be a community center for people to do things together.

Jesus taught the Word of God in the synagogue: “And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up. And as was his custom, he went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and he stood up to read. And the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him.” After reading it, He sat down and explained to the people what He had just read. (Luke 4:16–30)

Paul also taught the Word of God in the synagogue: “And on the Sabbath day they went into the synagogue and sat down. 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.” So Paul stood up, and motioning with his hand said: “Men of Israel and you who fear God, listen . . . .” And he reiterated their history and told them about Jesus. (Acts 13:14–52)

The early Christians also met in synagogues as Paul testified: “And I punished them (Christians) often in all the synagogues and tried to make them blaspheme, and in raging fury against them I persecuted them even to foreign cities.” (Acts 26:11)

Historical records show that synagogues were locations for religious activities such as reading the Torah, prayer, fasts, festival observance, and other rituals. Social activities included their use as treasuries, archives, schools, law courts, and council halls.

This dual use raises a question: Did using the building for all these things diminish its importance as a place of worship? Immediate answer is NO. It reveals that all of life is about worship and devotion to God. This holds true for the synagogues of ancient days and the church of today. In fact, the word “secular” (refers to ‘anything without something to do with God’) is a non-word for those who know God because no part of life is to be left out of our relationship to Him. The following verses are a few that give evidence to that:

·         So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31)

·         And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Colossians 3:17)

·         Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, (Colossians 3:23)

·         giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, (Ephesians 5:20)

·         I can do all things through him who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13)

·         And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. (Colossians 1:18)

·         Whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. (1 Peter 4:11)

All of life dedicated to God is exemplified in the ancient synagogue. This, like the temple, is not about a building so much as it is about the people of God. Just as believers are a “temple of the Holy Spirit” we are also a group of people whose life and activities are centered around Jesus Christ, not so much the building where we meet but the Person whom we serve.

That is, I’m to do my household chores to the glory of God, relate to my neighbors, study my Bible, make quilts, write letters, give to the poor, whatever I do all to the glory of God. This is for all Christians, a reflection of who we worship (in our temple) flowing out into every part of life (synagogue).

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Jesus, You always startle me with the truths Your Word reveals. Thank You for these insights. Thank You also for the local church where I can see these principles in action. We help the community by providing a building for their use, picnics and events where we can come together, funds to support community installations and events, and most of all, a place where everyone can meet with You.