Definition for Synagogue
Glossary
Synagogue
In the OC, the synagogue was a sort of Jewish community center. Primarily, it provided a place for people to gather for the reading and systematic interpretation of Scripture. It also served as a place for various functions, such as funerals, business gatherings, ceremonies, educational activities, and other types of meetings.[1] In other words, a modern-day parish hall or worship center, perhaps containing a pulpit. It was also a place where Bible studies and meetings could be held. However, there were no priests in the synagogue, no altars of holocaust, and no sacrificial offerings made to God. The Ark of the Covenant was not present in the synagogue, and it was never considered the dwelling place of God on earth. In the synagogue, there was no godes (the Holy) or debir (the Holy of Holies).[2] In ancient Judaism, multiple synagogues existed simultaneously, but always and only one Temple. There is no place in the Bible where the synagogue is described as eternal or even as a dwelling place of God! Jesus never said: Destroy this synagogue, and in three days, I will rebuild it. John never tells us that Jesus was referring to the synagogue as his body.
ENDNOTES:
[1] Rev. John Hardon, “Synagogue (biblical), “ Modern Catholic Dictionary, (Doubleday, 1980), retrieved from http://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/dictionary/index.cfm?id=36751, (accessed 06/04/2011).
[2] Barnabas Meistermann, “Temple of Jerusalem,” The Catholic Encyclopedia, http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/14499a.htm (accessed June 3, 2011).