Synagogues aren't Temples - kind of a big deal Pt.2

From my recent post (here) discussing the plain distinction between the synagogue versus the Temple, it has let me to look into the "Biblical details" more of each institution, including the key passages which were already cited. This study is important because if the Bible does use worship type language in regards to the synagogue, then it would mean the prior post would have to be significantly retracted or modified. However, if the Bible does not use worship type language with regards to the synagogue, then the prior post is more firmly established.

To begin, the Greek word "worship" appears about 60 times in the NT, and it is largely used to refer to people "bowing down" in reverence. That said, "worship" is clearly tied to Jerusalem, and specifically the Temple, is clear from Luke 2:37; John 4:20-21; 12:20; Acts 8:27; 24:11; Heb 9:1;  Rev 11:1 (1 Cor 14:23-25; 2 Thess 2:4; Rev 15:4-5). Worship is associated with "religion" and "altar" (Acts 17:22-23). Worship is "regulated" by "covenant" and holy places (Heb 9:1-2).

I did not see the synagogue mentioned in any of these verses, implying "worship" (in the Biblical sense) does not take place in the synagogue. So far this data fits with the Catholic thesis that I wrote about in the prior article. Now onto the next word to look at.

The term "temple" appears about 46 times, and we see it is where you: take oaths (Mt 23:16); sacred space where sanctuary and altar are (Mt 23:35); where incense is burned (Lk 1:9); where 'gods' live (Acts 17:23-24; 19:24); where God dwells (1 Cor 13:16; 6:19; 2 Cor 6:16); where "worship" takes place (Lk 2:37; 24:53; 2 Thess 2:4; Rev 11:1; 15:5-8); liturgical service (Rev 7:15; 11:19); prayer (Lk 18:10; Acts 3:1); and attendance during the week (Acts 2:46; 5:42; 22:17). Similarly, the term "holy place" (also translated "temple") appears about 67 times, with very similar results as above.

This data also fits with the main thesis.

Next, the Greek word "sacrifice" appears about 29 times in its main form, associated with going to Jerusalem for the Temple (Lk 2:22-24; Heb 13:10-11; 1 Pet 2:5-6); it is clearly associated with "worship" (Acts 7:41-42; Rom 12:1; Heb 9:9); the altar and priesthood (1 Cor 9:13; 10:18-20; Acts 14:13; Heb 5:1-3; 7:27; 8:3; 9:9; etc); and in a modified form "idol-sacrifice" clearly with idol worship implications, certainly shorthand for saying you embrace that religion (Acts 15:29; 1 Cor 8:4; 8:10; Rev 2:14; 2:20)

Again, the main thesis seems solid.

Finally, the term "synagogue" appears in about 57 verses, with some clear themes present. The synagogue is where you: "teach" and "proclaim (the Gospel)" (Mt 4:23; 9:35; 13:54; Mk 1:21); where you "pray" (Mt 6:5); where the council judges and punishes misbehaving members (Mt 10:17; 23:34; Lk 12:11); where Jesus healed and did miracles (Mt 12:9); attend on the "Sabbath" (Mk 1:21; 6:2; Acts 13:42); and where you read the Scriptures (Lk 4:16; Acts 13:14-15; 15:21).

The most recurring themes from what I can tell is that the synagogue is often attended on the Sabbath, where you read/hear the Scriptures, where you discuss theology/preach/teach, and where the council gathers to pass judgement. Prayer most likely takes place, but yet is only mentioned in Mt 6:5 of all these verses. These themes are not unique to the synagogue (e.g. reading Scripture, prayer, teach, preach can happen outside of the synagogue: Mt 21:14; Lk 2:46; 18:10; Lk 19:47; Jn 18:20; Lk 18:10), but these are what the Bible says takes place at the synagogue. There is surprisingly little information about the synagogue in Scripture, but it is noteworthy that never are terms like "worship" (and it's associated terms like sacrifice) used referring to the synagogue in any of the verses from what I could see. This is significant, and it basically confirms the main thesis that synagogues aren't temples.

Lastly, some might claim that "church" and "synagogue" are synonymous, since both mean "assembly" or "gathering". Yet, that doesn't seem to be how the New Testament uses these terms, with the term "church" referring to Christians gathering (usually in homes) to do uniquely Christian things like "break bread" (Acts 2:46), versus the synagogue building that Jews would attend to do synagogue things described above. And the New Testament seems to associate the Christian gathering more closely with the temple (Acts 2:46; 3:1; 5:42), though that could be because they were largely in Jerusalem to begin with. But the NT does associate the Christian congregation "church" with temple, altar, sacrifice, etc, type language (Acts 13:1-3; Heb 12:22-24; Rom 12:1; 1 Pet 2:5-6; 1 Cor 9:13; 10:18-20), so this would naturally distance the Christian "assembly" as a different sort of thing than synagogue attendance. In short, Christians are called "temples" (1 Cor 3:16; 6:19), but are not called "synagogues" for a reason.

This is all the more reason why the Protestant approach to "worship" is wrong, or at least inconsistent, when they throw out the Sacrifice of the Mass (temple) and replace it with glorified Bible study (synagogue). In fact, with the loss of the Temple in Jerusalem in AD70, it became more apparent the contrast between those who had a temple (Christians; Heb 13:10) versus those who didn't (Jews). And with that said, I think this sets us up for a Part 3 to this series, directed especially at Seventh Day Adventists, which could open up a new world of apologetics against them.

Didache, 14 (AD90): Every Lord's day gather together,
 break bread and give thanks, that your sacrifice may be pure.
For this was spoken by the Lord: "In every place and time
offer to me a pure sacrifice; for I am a great King, and
my name is wonderful among the nations." -Malachi 1:11