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Acts 15:36–18:22; 1 and 2 Thessalonians

The Temple, The Synagogue and the Meeting House

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(1.) SYNAGOGUE MEANS MEETING HOUSE: 
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The common term "synagogue" comes from the Greek language. It means "meeting house," or Bet Knesset, in Hebrew. Meeting houses existed before the second temple was destroyed, although there were few of them that have been uncovered archaeologically. Several synagogues were mentioned in Jesus’ ministry. (Matthew 12:9; Matthew 13:54; Mark 1:21; Luke 4:16; John 12:42)

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(2.) SYNAGOGUES BEGAN TO REPLACE TEMPLE WORSHIP:
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After the Temple destruction, many synagogues were built similar to previous synagogues in that they had three meeting areas. The outer area was for the congregation, usually divided into two parts or two sides, one for women and one for men, often decorated with stars. The second part had a "Bimah" (usually a raised platform) with a table for Torah scroll as it was being read, likely decorated with moons. The third part of the meeting house contained the ark that held the sacred scrolls. The ark was usually decorated with a "sun stone" or sunburst design above it and had a curtain (veil) that had to be parted as the scroll was retrieved.

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(3.) SYNAGOGUES BECAME COMMUNITY CENTERS:
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In many synagogues fervent discussions ensued about the future of Jewish worship. Many non-Jews also felt the true spirit and believed Jesus and His Disciples and this bothered some of the Jews wanting to hold on to past customs and social traditions. "And all they in the synagogue . . . were filled with wrath," (Luke 4:28) "Then there arose certain of the synagogue . . . Libertines . . . Cyrenians . . . Alexandrians . . . of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing . . ." (Acts 6:9) "And I punished them oft in every synagogue . . . being exceedingly mad against them . . ." (Acts 26:11) Yet when Jesus and later the Apostles and Seventies taught, some congregations were ready to listen and follow the spirit. "And Jesus . . . teaching in their synagogues . . . healing . . . the people." (Matthew 9:35) "And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified of all." (Luke 4:15) ". . . in Iconium . . . they went . . . into the synagogue of the Jews . . . a great multitude both of the Jews and . . . Greeks believed." (Acts 14:1) "And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord . . . and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized." (Acts18:8)

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(4.) LETTERS AND RELIGIOUS WRITING (EPISTLES):
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Another part of Jewish life included writing letters to various congregations or synagogues when personal visits were too difficult. "The letter holds an honored place in Jewish history and literature. Writing usually required a professional to execute it. In ancient times a royal court officer, the sofer (scribe), was undoubtedly the letter-writer as well. The professional letter-writer was an important post even into the 20th century. Seals which were used to sign and close the documents of antiquity as well as letters, are displayed in the Israel Museum, and in other collections . . . Messages of importance were copied for reference and often read aloud in the synagogue or other gathering place." (Encyclopedia Judaica Jr.)

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(5.) TRUTH HAS "FEET:"
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"Being truthful is one of the most important virtues that a person can possess. In the Bible God is described as the "God of Truth" and truth is one of the 13 divine attributes. The rabbis taught that "truth has feet," i.e., is well founded and will endure. A sign of this was found in the very word itself. The Hebrew word for truth is emet; the first letter of the word is the first letter of the alphabet, the second is the middle letter of the alphabet and the last is the last letter of the alphabet. Thus, the three "feet" of truth are spread out and form a solid base. The Hebrew word for falsehood, however, is sheker, which is formed from the three letters of the alphabet before the last letter. The letters are not in their alphabetical order and represent feet which are too close together and not properly fixed. Falsehood has no foundation and will not last." (Encyclopedia Judaica Jr.)

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(6.) WISE COUNSEL:
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Paul’s mentor and teacher, Gamaliel, had wise counsel for those who wanted the erstwhile Pharisee Saul, now an Apostle of the Lord, brought to death. ". . . if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought: But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God." (Acts 5:34-35,38-39)

It is important to realize and remember that many are prepared before they embrace the truth. In their best efforts and faith, they respond to the Spirit that directs all open-hearted people. They need not reject their former teachings. Yet, making corrections when needed and building upon the truths they already perceive, these faithful people were edified in former days and are in the latter-days – so were the Churches established in the faith.
 

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