The history of the synagogue

Stephen debated with the four groups of the synagogue of the Freedmen, but no one could counter his arguments. Let’s review the history of the synagogue here. (1) The term “synagogue” initially referred to a gathering of Jews, but over time it came to mean the place where they gathered (the church followed a similar evolution). (2) During the Babylonian exile (586 BC), synagogues emerged as substitutes for the temple. Synagogues became community centers for prayer and the study of the Torah. (3) After the return from exile, synagogues were built throughout Israel. In the Diaspora, synagogues continued to exist as they were. (4) It is said that in the first century AD, there were 480 synagogues in the land of Israel. Each synagogue maintained cultural homogeneity. Synagogues were built near bodies of water necessary for ritual baths. In the Diaspora, inns were often built near synagogues. (5) The term “synagogue” appears 19 times in the Acts of the Apostles. Synagogues served as infrastructure for Paul’s missionary journeys.

False witnesses

“Then they secretly induced men to say, ‘We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.’” (1) Those belonging to the synagogue of the Freedmen instigated false witnesses through coercion or bribery to accuse Stephen. In Judaism, false testimony is punishable by death, but they disregarded this. (2) The false testimony claimed, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.” They accused Stephen of blasphemy. According to the Mishnah, blasphemy is “misusing the covenantal name of God, Yahweh,” but by the first century AD, a broader interpretation of blasphemy might have been in use. “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.” (1) Hearing the words of the false witnesses, the people, the elders, and the scribes were enraged. They banded together, attacked Stephen, and brought him before the Sanhedrin. (2) There are four instances where Jesus’ disciples stood before the Sanhedrin: ① Peter and John (4:15), ② All the apostles (5:27), ③ Stephen (6:12), ④ Paul (22:30). This scene is the third instance. The trials experienced by believers serve as opportunities for God’s plan to advance. Let us meditate on this truth and receive peace from God.