What does the Bible say about synagogue?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible presents the synagogue as a place of Jewish gathering for worship, Scripture, teaching, and community life, where the gospel of Christ was both proclaimed and often opposed. Jesus and His apostles ministered in synagogues, calling people to recognize that God’s promises are fulfilled in Christ. Acts 13:43 shows Paul and Barnabas encouraging hearers to continue in God’s grace, while Acts 9:2 and Acts 22:19 recall Paul’s earlier persecution of Christians through synagogues. Believers also faced discipline and exclusion, as in Matthew 10:17, John 9:22, and John 9:34. James 2:2 warns that Christian assemblies must not show favoritism, reflecting the gospel’s call to humble, impartial fellowship.
Study outline
Curated topical outlines from classic public-domain study works.
Nave's Topical Bible
- 1. Primarily an assembly of Jews and God-fearers Acts 13:43
- R. V.) James 2:2
- Constitutes a court of justice Luke 12:11; Acts 9:2
- Had powers
- Of criminal courts Matthew 10:17; Matthew 23:34; Acts 22:19; Acts 26:11
- Of religious courts John 9:22; John 9:34; John 12:42; John 16:2
- 2. A phycial place of assembly for Jews and other God-fearers. The Scriptures were read and expounded in Nehemiah 8:1-8; Nehemiah 9:3; Nehemiah 9:5; Matthew 4:23; Matthew 9:35; Matthew 13:54; Mark 1:39; Luke 4:15-33; Luke 13:10; John 18:20; Acts 9:20; Acts 13:5-44
- In Jerusalem Acts 6:9
- In Damascus Acts 9:2; Acts 9:20
- In other cities Acts 14:1; Acts 17:1; Acts 17:10; Acts 18:4
- One was erected by Jairus Luke 7:5
- Jesus performed healing in Matthew 12:9-13; Luke 13:11-14
- Alms (charity) were given in Matthew 6:2
- Of Satan Revelation 2:9; Revelation 3:9
- See CHURCH
See also
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