Body: |
Public Bible Readings and
Sermon Topics In Synagogues: Messianic, historical, character
How Christians used the Tanakh to convert Jews
First Century Synagogues and churches
"On this Rock, I will build My church"
Ancient Synagogue Worship and the Church
Synagogue worship was the prototype for Christian Church.
I. BIBLE READINGS IN SYNAGOGUES
A. Public Bible reading, study, teaching:
1. As we have seen elsewhere in this book, Synagogues began in
280 BC at Alexandria, as a direct result of Antiochus II translating the
Hebrew scriptures into Greek (Septuagint).
a. The spiritually starved Greek speaking Jews were
experiencing a famine for the word of God because they could not read
Hebrew.
b. The genesis of synagogues throughout the world followed the
distribution of the LXX.
c. As soon at the Septuagint arrived in a distant population of
diaspora Jews, they immediately gathered to read and pray.
d. The first name used to designate a synagogue was the Greek:
"House of Prayer".
2. Public readings in the town:
a. In 440 BC, Nehemiah conducted Public reading of
scripture in the city gate, proving that synagogues did not exist yet.
b. "[I:1 A] [73d], Said R. Yohanan, "[The rule of M.
3:1A] represents the view of R. Menahem b. R. Yosé. For R. Menahem b. R.
Yosé said, 'The street of a town is subject to sanctification. For they
take a scroll of the Torah out into the street and read it publicly
there.'" (Jerusalem Talmud, y. Meg. 3:1, I.1.A)
3. Public reading of scripture was a centrally important
function of synagogues:
a. "For Moses from ancient generations has in every
city those who preach him, since he is read in the synagogues every
Sabbath." (Acts 15:21)
b. The Theodotos inscription in city of David Jerusalem
dates to about 18 BC and highlights the importance of Torah reading in
synagogues: "Of singular importance in this inscription is the listing of
three synagogue activities: reading the Torah, teaching the commandments,
and providing rooms and water for itinerant pilgrims. Whether the hostel
services were intended only for Jews from Rome in the context of a
Landsmannschaft or whether they were available to others as well is
unknown." (The Ancient Synagogue, Lee Levine, p58, 1999 AD)
c. Bible reading: "[In Alexandria] Now these laws
they are taught at other times, indeed, but most especially on the seventh
day, for the seventh day is accounted sacred, on which they abstain from
all other employments, and frequent the sacred places which are called
synagogues [house of prayer], and there they sit according to their age in
classes, the younger sitting under the elder, and listening with eager
attention in becoming order. (82) Then one, indeed, takes up the holy
volume and reads it, and another of the men of the greatest experience
comes forward and explains what is not very intelligible, for a great many
precepts are delivered in enigmatical modes of expression, and
allegorically, as the old fashion was; (83) and thus the people are taught
piety, and holiness, and justice, and economy, and the science of
regulating the state, and the knowledge of such things as are naturally
good, or bad, or indifferent, and to choose what is right and to avoid what
is wrong, using a threefold variety of definitions, and rules, and
criteria, namely, the love of God, and the love of virtue, and the love of
mankind. (84) Accordingly, the sacred volumes present an infinite number of
instances of the disposition devoted to the love of God, and of a continued
and uninterrupted purity throughout the whole of life, of a careful
avoidance of oaths and of falsehood, and of a strict adherence to the
principle of looking on the Deity as the cause of everything which is good
and of nothing which is evil. They also furnish us with many proofs of a
love of virtue, such as abstinence from all covetousness of money, from
ambition, from indulgence in pleasures, temperance, endurance, and also
moderation, simplicity, good temper, the absence of pride, obedience to the
laws, steadiness, and everything of that kind; and, lastly, they bring
forward as proofs of the love of mankind, goodwill, equality beyond all
power of description, and fellowship, about which it is not unreasonable to
say a few words." (Philo, Good Person 81-84)
d. "Accordingly, on the seventh day there are spread
before the people in every city innumerable lessons of prudence, and
temperance, and courage, and justice, and all other virtues; during the
giving of which the common people sit down, keeping silence and pricking up
their ears, with all possible attention, from their thirst for wholesome
instruction; but some of those who are very learned explain to them what is
of great importance and use, lessons by which the whole of their lives may
be improved. (Philo, The Special Laws, II 62)
4. Jesus often participated in public reading of the law
and preached:
a. "They went into Capernaum; and immediately on the
Sabbath He entered the synagogue and began to teach. They were amazed at
His teaching; for He was teaching them as one having authority, and not as
the scribes." (Mark 1:21-22)
b. "Jesus was going throughout all Galilee, teaching in their
synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every
kind of disease and every kind of sickness among the people." (Matthew
4:23)
c. "And He went into their synagogues throughout all
Galilee, preaching and casting out the demons." (Mark 1:39)
d. "And He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up;
and as was His custom, He entered the synagogue on the Sabbath, and stood
up to read. And the book of the prophet Isaiah was handed to Him. And He
opened the book and found the place where it was written, "The Spirit of
the Lord is upon Me, Because He anointed Me to preach the gospel to the
poor. He has sent Me to proclaim release to the captives, And recovery of
sight to the blind, To set free those who are oppressed, To proclaim the
favorable year of the Lord." And He closed the book, gave it back to the
attendant and sat down; and the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on
Him. And He began to say to them, "Today this Scripture has been
fulfilled in your hearing." And all were speaking well of Him, and
wondering at the gracious words which were falling from His lips; and they
were saying, "Is this not Joseph's son?"" (Luke 4:16-22)
5. In depth bible study was part of the weekly Sabbath
synagogue service:
a. "nor do we conceal those injunctions of ours by
which we govern our lives, they being memorials of piety, and of a friendly
conversation among men. And the seventh day we set apart from labor; it is
dedicated to the learning of our customs and laws, we thinking it proper to
reflect on them as well as on any [good] thing else, in order to our
avoiding of sin." (Josephus, Antiquities 16.43)
B. The church directly adopted the pattern of public weekly readings on the
Lord's Day while in church: Sunday
1. "Until I come, give attention to the public reading of
Scripture, to exhortation and teaching." (1 Timothy 4:13)
2. When the Jewish converts began to worship as Christians, they
continued with their synagogue tradition and brought this tradition into
the Christian church
II. SERMON TOPICS IN SYNAGOGUES
A. SERMON TOPICS IN SYNAGOGUES: Life application lessons about historical
ancestors and events:
1. Philo speaks of discussing historical events:
a. "And would you still sit down in your synagogues,
collecting your ordinary assemblies, and reading your sacred volumes in
security, and explaining whatever is not quite clear, and devoting all your
time and leisure with long discussions to the philosophy of your
ancestors?" (Philo, On Dreams 2.18)
2. These amazing two quotes from Philo sounds exactly
what kind of sermons topics you would expect to find in a Christian church:
a. "Accordingly, on the seventh day there are spread
before the people in every city innumerable lessons of prudence, and
temperance, and courage, and justice, and all other virtues; during the
giving of which the common people sit down, keeping silence and pricking up
their ears, with all possible attention, from their thirst for wholesome
instruction; but some of those who are very learned explain to them what is
of great importance and use, lessons by which the whole of their lives may
be improved. (Philo, The Special Laws, II 62)
b. "[In Alexandria] Now these laws they are taught at
other times, indeed, but most especially on the seventh day, for the
seventh day is accounted sacred, on which they abstain from all other
employments, and frequent the sacred places which are called synagogues
[house of prayer], and there they sit according to their age in classes,
the younger sitting under the elder, and listening with eager attention in
becoming order. (82) Then one, indeed, takes up the holy volume and reads
it, and another of the men of the greatest experience comes forward and
explains what is not very intelligible, for a great many precepts are
delivered in enigmatical modes of expression, and allegorically, as the old
fashion was; (83) and thus the people are taught piety, and holiness, and
justice, and economy, and the science of regulating the state, and the
knowledge of such things as are naturally good, or bad, or indifferent, and
to choose what is right and to avoid what is wrong, using a threefold
variety of definitions, and rules, and criteria, namely, the love of God,
and the love of virtue, and the love of mankind. (84) Accordingly, the
sacred volumes present an infinite number of instances of the disposition
devoted to the love of God, and of a continued and uninterrupted purity
throughout the whole of life, of a careful avoidance of oaths and of
falsehood, and of a strict adherence to the principle of looking on the
Deity as the cause of everything which is good and of nothing which is
evil. They also furnish us with many proofs of a love of virtue, such as
abstinence from all covetousness of money, from ambition, from indulgence
in pleasures, temperance, endurance, and also moderation, simplicity, good
temper, the absence of pride, obedience to the laws, steadiness, and
everything of that kind; and, lastly, they bring forward as proofs of the
love of mankind, goodwill, equality beyond all power of description, and
fellowship, about which it is not unreasonable to say a few words."
(Philo, Good Person 81-84)
3. The Mishnah: topics in synagogues are based upon
God's creating power in six 24-hour day creation and the garden of Eden:
a. "And Israelites who belong to that watch gather
together in their towns [ie. In the synagogues in each town is generally
accepted] and study the story of the works of creation." (Mishnah, m.
Ta'an. 4:2 F)
4. We also have solid evidence that spiritual topics of
discussion in first century Synagogues revolved around historical Bible
characters and past Bible events.
a. Favorite topics would be Abraham, the Exodus,
Conquest, Saul, David, Solomon, Babylonian captivity, Daniel etc.
b. This is known as the ancient "Rabbinical SYNAGOGUE
PREACHING Style" of preaching in synagogues.
5. The best example of this "Rabbinical preaching
Style" are Stephen's "historical record sermon"
a. In Stephen's sermons, he proves the rejection of
Jesus as Messiah followed a long historical pattern of Jews rejecting
God's will.
b. Indeed, the truth of Stephen's historical chronicle
was validated when his Jewish listeners KILLED HIM by stoning.
c. Apostle Paul, who wrote half the New testament, was
present and holding the "witness cloak" authorizing the stoning of
Stephen.
6. Apostle Paul used first century "Rabbinical
preaching Style":
a. He was, after all a Pharisee who grew up working,
preaching and worshipping in synagogues.
b. Paul's "modus operandus" in the book of Acts was
EXACTLY how a Jew would be accustomed to preach in the Synagogue.
7. Apollos used first century "Rabbinical preaching
Style":
a. Like Paul He would proof text in Old Testament
prophecy about the Messiah in order to prove Jesus was the Christ.
8. Sermons in the first century church would follow
this identical pattern of historical survey, except now it was used as a
witness that Jesus was the Christ.
B. Sermon topics used by Peter, Stephen, Paul and Apollos:
1. Peter used the exact same Rabbinic synagogue preaching
style in quoting messianic prophecy from the Tanahk:
a. Peter's first sermon 33 AD: "But Peter, taking his stand
with the eleven, raised his voice and declared to them: "Men of Judea and
all you who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you and give heed to my
words. "For these men are not drunk, as you suppose, for it is only the
third hour of the day; but this is what was spoken of through the prophet
Joel: 'AND IT SHALL BE IN THE LAST DAYS,' God says, 'THAT I WILL POUR
FORTH OF MY SPIRIT ON ALL MANKIND; AND YOUR SONS AND YOUR DAUGHTERS SHALL
PROPHESY, AND YOUR YOUNG MEN SHALL SEE VISIONS, AND YOUR OLD MEN SHALL
DREAM DREAMS; EVEN ON MY BONDSLAVES, BOTH MEN AND WOMEN, I WILL IN THOSE
DAYS POUR FORTH OF MY SPIRIT And they shall prophesy. 'AND I WILL GRANT
WONDERS IN THE SKY ABOVE AND SIGNS ON THE EARTH BELOW, BLOOD, AND FIRE, AND
VAPOR OF SMOKE. 'THE SUN WILL BE TURNED INTO DARKNESS AND THE MOON INTO
BLOOD, BEFORE THE GREAT AND GLORIOUS DAY OF THE LORD SHALL COME. 'AND IT
SHALL BE THAT EVERYONE WHO CALLS ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED.'
"Men of Israel, listen to these words: Jesus the Nazarene, a man attested
to you by God with miracles and wonders and signs which God performed
through Him in your midst, just as you yourselves know- this Man,
delivered over by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God, you
nailed to a cross by the hands of godless men and put Him to death. "But
God raised Him up again, putting an end to the agony of death, since it was
impossible for Him to be held in its power. "For David says of Him, 'I
SAW THE LORD ALWAYS IN MY PRESENCE; FOR HE IS AT MY RIGHT HAND, SO THAT I
WILL NOT BE SHAKEN. 'THEREFORE MY HEART WAS GLAD AND MY TONGUE EXULTED;
MOREOVER MY FLESH ALSO WILL LIVE IN HOPE; BECAUSE YOU WILL NOT ABANDON MY
SOUL TO HADES, NOR ALLOW YOUR HOLY ONE TO UNDERGO DECAY. 'YOU HAVE MADE
KNOWN TO ME THE WAYS OF LIFE; YOU WILL MAKE ME FULL OF GLADNESS WITH YOUR
PRESENCE.' "Brethren, I may confidently say to you regarding the
patriarch David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us
to this day. "And so, because he was a prophet and knew that GOD HAD
SWORN TO HIM WITH AN OATH TO SEAT one OF HIS DESCENDANTS ON HIS THRONE, he
looked ahead and spoke of the resurrection of the Christ, that HE WAS
NEITHER ABANDONED TO HADES, NOR DID His flesh SUFFER DECAY. "This Jesus
God raised up again, to which we are all witnesses. "Therefore having
been exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father
the promise of the Holy Spirit, He has poured forth this which you both see
and hear. "For it was not David who ascended into heaven, but he himself
says: 'THE LORD SAID TO MY LORD, "SIT AT MY RIGHT HAND, UNTIL I MAKE
YOUR ENEMIES A FOOTSTOOL FOR YOUR FEET." ' "Therefore let all the
house of Israel know for certain that God has made Him both Lord and
Christ-this Jesus whom you crucified."" (Acts 2:14-36)
b. Peter's second sermon 33 AD: ""And now, brethren, I know
that you acted in ignorance, just as your rulers did also. "But the
things which God announced beforehand by the mouth of all the prophets,
that His Christ would suffer, He has thus fulfilled. "Therefore repent
and return, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of
refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord; and that He may send
Jesus, the Christ appointed for you, whom heaven must receive until the
period of restoration of all things about which God spoke by the mouth of
His holy prophets from ancient time. "Moses said, 'The Lord God will
raise up for you a prophet like me from your brethren; to Him you shall
give heed to everything He says to you. 'And it will be that every soul
that does not heed that prophet shall be utterly destroyed from among the
people.' "And likewise, all the prophets who have spoken, from Samuel
and his successors onward, also announced these days. "It is you who are
the sons of the prophets and of the covenant which God made with your
fathers, saying to Abraham, 'And in your seed all the families of the
earth shall be blessed.' "For you first, God raised up His Servant and
sent Him to bless you by turning every one of you from your wicked
ways."" (Acts 3:17-26)
2. Stephen followed the Rabbinical preaching style:
a. "And Stephen, full of grace and power, was performing great
wonders and signs among the people. But some men from what was called the
Synagogue of the Freedmen, including both Cyrenians and Alexandrians, and
some from Cilicia and Asia, rose up and argued with Stephen. But they were
unable to cope with the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking.
Then they secretly induced men to say, "We have heard him speak
blasphemous words against Moses and against God." And they stirred up the
people, the elders and the scribes, and they came up to him and dragged him
away and brought him before the Council. They put forward false witnesses
who said, "This man incessantly speaks against this holy place and the
Law; for we have heard him say that this Nazarene, Jesus, will destroy this
place and alter the customs which Moses handed down to us." And fixing
their gaze on him, all who were sitting in the Council saw his face like
the face of an angel. The high priest said, "Are these things so?" And
he said, "Hear me, brethren and fathers! The God of glory appeared to our
father Abraham when he was in Mesopotamia, before he lived in Haran, and
said to him, 'Leave your country and your relatives, and come into the
land that I will show you.'" (Acts 6:8-7:3)
3. Paul followed the Rabbinical synagogue preaching style
with Felix:
a. "But as he was discussing righteousness, self-control and
the judgment to come, Felix became frightened and said, "Go away for the
present, and when I find time I will summon you."" (Acts 24:25)
b. Notice the topic is self accountability of personal holiness,
personal restraint from sin and how each will be judged for his actions.
4. Paul followed the Rabbinical preaching style with Jews:
by quoting Deut 18:18
a. "whom heaven must receive until the period of restoration of
all things about which God spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets from
ancient time. "Moses said, 'The Lord God will raise up for you a
prophet like me from your brethren; to Him you shall give heed to
everything He says to you. 'And it will be that every soul that does not
heed that prophet shall be utterly destroyed from among the people.'
"And likewise, all the prophets who have spoken, from Samuel and his
successors onward, also announced these days. "It is you who are the sons
of the prophets and of the covenant which God made with your fathers,
saying to Abraham, 'And in your seed all the families of the earth shall
be blessed.' "For you first, God raised up His Servant and sent Him to
bless you by turning every one of you from your wicked ways."" (Acts
3:21-26)
5. Paul followed the Rabbinical preaching style with Jews:
a. "But going on from Perga, they arrived at Pisidian Antioch,
and on the Sabbath day they went into the synagogue and sat down. After the
reading of the Law and the Prophets the synagogue officials sent to them,
saying, "Brethren, if you have any word of exhortation for the people,
say it." Paul stood up, and motioning with his hand said, "Men of
Israel, and you who fear God, listen: "The God of this people Israel
chose our fathers and made the people great during their stay in the land
of Egypt, and with an uplifted arm He led them out from it." (Acts
13:14-17)
6. Paul followed the Rabbinical preaching style with
Gentiles:
a. "So Paul stood in the midst of the Areopagus and said,
"Men of Athens, I observe that you are very religious in all respects.
"For while I was passing through and examining the objects of your
worship, I also found an altar with this inscription, 'TO AN UNKNOWN
GOD.' Therefore what you worship in ignorance, this I proclaim to you.
"The God who made the world and all things in it, since He is Lord of
heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands; nor is He
served by human hands, as though He needed anything, since He Himself gives
to all people life and breath and all things; and He made from one man
every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having
determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their habitation,
that they would seek God, if perhaps they might grope for Him and find Him,
though He is not far from each one of us; for in Him we live and move and
exist, as even some of your own poets have said, 'For we also are His
children.' "Being then the children of God, we ought not to think that
the Divine Nature is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the
art and thought of man." (Acts 17:22-29)
7. Apollos used the Rabbinical preaching style:
a. "Now a Jew named Apollos, an Alexandrian by birth, an
eloquent man, came to Ephesus; and he was mighty in the Scriptures. This
man had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in
spirit, he was speaking and teaching accurately the things concerning
Jesus, being acquainted only with the baptism of John; and he began to
speak out boldly in the synagogue. ... for he powerfully refuted the Jews
in public, demonstrating by the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ."
(Acts 18:24-28)
C. Application to the first century Christian church:
1. The same basic Rabbinical preaching style the Jews used in
their synagogues before their conversion to faith in Jesus as the risen
Messiah, would continue after they Believed, repented, confessed Jesus and
were immersed in the Synagogue Mikveh for the remission of their sins.
a. When preaching to Gentiles, Paul would redirect their faith
to the one true God as a starting point without the "messianic proof
texting" he did when preaching to Jews. Evidences and proof that the
Bible is historically accurate, including the contribution archeology has
made to validating the historical accuracy of the Bible.
b. When preaching to Jews, keep in mind that, unlike Gentiles,
they already accept the Old Testament as scripture. Paul would build on
their faith and show Jesus is the messiah of prophecy like Deut 18:18.
2. For us today, we have this powerful example in converting
the lost souls destined for eternal hell.
D. Evangelistic Approach for lost Jews to become believers in their Messiah
Jesus of Nazareth (the branch):
1. Encourage Jews to read the Gospels: A NEW TESTAMENT IN THE
HANDS OF A NON-CHRISTIAN JEW IS A SOON TO BE JEWISH CHRISTIAN.
a. The author knows from first hand experience, that Jews ARE
AFRAID OR FORBIDDEN TO READ THE NEW TESTAMENT.
b. Jews today are a kind of "information control cult" Just
like Jehovah's Witnesses who are forbidden from reading NON-WATCHER
materials. Jew, likewise are not permitted to read (or are VERY STRONGLY
DISCOURAGED) the New Testament.
c. While Jews today are not forbidden from reading the New
Testament, for some reason they exhibit strong negative reactions to
suggestions they should read the book that has converted more Jews into
Christians than any other book in history.
2. THE TANAKH IS A CHRISTIAN MAKER
a. The Tanakh is the most powerful tool for Jewish conversion
to Christianity.
b. Christians have a compelling case to convince Jews that Jesus
is the messiah USING JUST THE TANAKH ALONE.
c. "'I will raise up a prophet from among their countrymen
like you, and I will put My words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them
all that I command him. 'It shall come about that whoever will not listen
to My words which he shall speak in My name, I Myself will require it of
him." (Deuteronomy 18:18-19)
d. Moses clearly said that when the Messiah comes, that he would
relinquish his authority to the Messiah and commanded all his followers to
obey Christ in all things.
3. Isaiah 53, for example so clearly prophecies Jesus of Nazareth
as Messiah, they have invented wild and bizarre interpretations:
a. FALSE JEWISH MODERN INTERPRETATION: Gentile kings of nations
are speaking the narrative and ask: Who has believed our message?
i. Nations of the world are shocked
ii. Why did the Jews suffer the gentile kings ask
iii. Paraphrase: "We gentiles nations wrongly assumed that the
reason the Jews suffered is because they rejected the nations, but now we
know they always had the truth"
iv. Instead of applying to the Babylonian Captivity, they skip
forward 2600 years to the innocent suffering of the Jews, 20th century
bombs in Jerusalem, 19th century holocaust.
v. By the suffering of the Jews, the Gentiles nations were
healed.
b. FALSE JEWISH MODERN INTERPRETATION on Isa 53:8: "By oppression
and judgment He was taken away; And as for His generation, who considered
That He was cut off out of the land of the living For the transgression of
my people, to whom the stroke was due?" (Isaiah 53:8)
i. The nations of the world are speaking in Isa 53:8
ii. By the transgression and sin of the gentile nations, the
innocent Jews were cut off from the land.
iii. The gentile nations deserved to be punished, not the Jews.
c. This false Jewish modern interpretation is wild and
historically disconnected from reality.
i. The Assyrian and Babylonian captivities of the Jews are two
perfect examples that contradict the "national suffering"
interpretation because in both cases, THE JEWS DESERVED EXILE, DEATH AND
DESTRUCTION for rank idolatry.
ii. Both Isaiah and Jeremiah make it clear that the Jews suffered
by being cast into foreign countries BECAUSE of the NATIONAL JEWISH SIN OF
IDOLATRY.
d. But of course the truth is clear: Jesus, the innocent
individual suffered and died for his wicked sinful Jewish brothers.
e. Only though the cross can the Jews be healed.
4. Messianic Expectation in the First century as witnessed in the
Dead Sea Scrolls:
a. Ancient papyrus documents found at Qum'ran quote Deut
18:18 in expectation of the Messiah.
b. The honest, spiritual "cream of the first century crop"
converted to Christianity because of the crucifixion and resurrection of
Christ.
c. Large numbers of Jews and Gentiles converted to Christianity
in the first century because of the supernatural miracles of healings that
were taking place at the hands of the Apostles of Jesus.
d. See full outline on FIRST CENTURY JEWISH MESSIANIC EXPECTATION
By Steve Rudd 2017: Contact the author for comments, input or corrections
Quick links
Ancient Synagogues
Go to: Main Start Page
By Steve Rudd 2017: Contact the author for comments, input or corrections
Quick links:
Master introduction: Summary overview is the place to start to tie it all together.
Providence: God's eternal plan: The providential transition from Temple to Synagogue to Church
Origin: Synagogues originated at Alexandria Egypt in 280 BC spawned by the Septuagint
Jesus the Messiah of the Tanakh:
1. First Century Jewish Messianic Expectation: As witnessed in the Dead Sea scrolls.
2. Looking for the wrong thing: Mistaken Jewish ideas of the Messiah in 30 AD.
3. Jesus fulfilled Prophecy: Master list of fulfilled messianic prophecies
4. Jesus fulfilled Prophecy: "He shall be called a Nazarene (branch)" Matthew 2:23
5. Jesus fulfilled Prophecy: "Jesus would rise the third day" 1 Corinthians 15:3-4
Synagogue Architectural Prototypes in the Church:
1. Standard architectural synagogue typology: Introduction, Master Chart
2. Mikveh for Ritual Purity: The Christian Maker
3. Ritual purity stone Vessels: Stoneware cups and wash basins
4. Freestanding Columns: Antitype of Christians
5. Artwork: Heart-Shaped Columns
6. The bema: Prototype of the Church Pulpit
7. Synagogue Benches: Metaphor of Equality in Christ
8. Women Seating in Synagogues: Not segregated from men
9. The Moses' Seat: Metaphor of Pride
10. Niches & Ark of The Scrolls: Prototype of Church Apse
11. Table of the Scrolls: Prototype of Communion Table
12. Byzantine Church Architecture: Octagonal and Basilica
13. Orientation: Early Synagogues did not Point to Jerusalem
14. The Church replaced the Temple: Replacement theology is pure Christianity
Synagogue Worship Prototypes in the Church:
15. Worship prototypes: Introduction and Master Summary Chart
16. Collective Names of Synagogues: House of Prayer, Temple, Church
17. Organization of Synagogues: Elders, officials, attendants, Independent, autonomous
18. Attendance: Weekly Sabbath Assemblies in Synagogues absent from Tanakh
19. Public Bible readings: Preaching and Teaching In Synagogues
20. Greek Septuagint: The Standard Tanakh of every ancient synagogue
21. Greek Septuagint scroll of the Twelve Minor Prophets written in 50 BC
22. Prayer in Synagogues: "House of prayer" Proseuche
23. Food: Sacred Passover Meals, No Common Meals In Synagogues
24. Sermon Topics in Synagogues: How Christians used the Tanakh to convert Jews
25. Singing in Synagogues: Non-Instrumental Acapella Responsive Singing
26. Benevolence Money: Freewill Weekly First fruits Collections for poor in Synagogues
27. Education: Schools and Literacy of Jews In Synagogues
28. Role of Women in Synagogues: Never leaders, preachers but never segregated
29. Sanctuary Status: Refugees seeking Asylum in Synagogues
30. Appendages: Hostels, Housing and Food Banks in Synagogues
31. Civil Court: Judgements, beatings and scourging in Synagogues
32. Civic Meetings: Political Town Hall assemblies in Synagogues
33. Christians replaced Jews: Replacement theology is pure Christianity
Synagogue Occupation Date (SOD)= Excavation date + Inscriptional date + Literary date
Allusions: Synagogue worship allusions and imagery in the New Testament
Master builder Stonemason Jesus: "Upon this Rock I will build My church"
Everyday life: Archeology of Everyday Life and Homes at the time of Jesus
Master List: Master list of First Temple Period, Pre-70 AD Synagogues
Attend a church you can read about in the Bible: Click here to find a church near you.
By Steve Rudd 2017: Contact the author for comments, input or corrections
Go to:
Master Synagogue List
Go to:
Jewish Messianic Expectations in DSS
Go to:
Map of Synagogue Sites
Excavations
Inscriptions
Literature
Go to:
Synagogue Excavations
Go to:
Synagogue Inscriptions
Go to:
Synagogue Literary Sources
Jesus Master Builder of the Church/Temple
Archeology of First Century Houses
By Steve Rudd 2017: Contact the author for comments, input or corrections
Jesus your messiah is waiting for you to come home!
Why not worship with a first century New Testament church near you, that has the same look and feel as the Jewish Synagogue in your own home town. As a Jew, you will find the transition as easy today as it was for the tens of thousands of your forefathers living in Jerusalem 2000 years ago when they believed in Jesus the Nazarene (the branch) as their messiah. It's time to come home!
Click here to find a church near you.
By Steve Rudd: Contact the author for comments, input or corrections.
Click to View
Go to: Main Ancient Synagogue Start Page
Go To Start: WWW.BIBLE.CA
|