Visiting the synagogue

“But going on from Perga, they arrived at Pisidian Antioch, and on the Sabbath day they went into the synagogue and sat down.” (1) Traveling about 100 miles (160 km) north from Perga, they arrived at Antioch in Pisidia. They crossed the Taurus Mountains, which extend east to west, on foot. This region is characterized by very rugged terrain and was known for bandits hiding in the many caves. Antioch in Pisidia was a Roman colony located at an altitude of about 1,000 meters and was also a central hub for east-west trade in Asia Minor. (2) There was a large Jewish community in this town, which means there was a synagogue. Following their already established principle for ministry, Paul and Barnabas visited the synagogue on the Sabbath. Their evangelistic principle was “to the Jews first, and also to the Gentiles.” “After the reading of the Law and the Prophets, the synagogue officials sent word to them, saying, ‘Brothers, if you have any word of exhortation for the people, say it.’” (1) The order of worship in the synagogue was as follows: (a) There was a ritual prayer to begin the worship. (b) Next, the recitation of the “Shema” took place: “Hear, Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord is one!” This prayer is taken from Deuteronomy 6:4 and Numbers 15:37-41. (c) Then, the communal prayer called the “Amidah” (also known as the “Eighteen Benedictions”) was recited. (d) Next, there was a recitation from the “Torah” that was assigned for that week. (e) Then, a recitation from the “Haftarah” (the Prophets) assigned for that week took place. The “Prophets” refer to the prophetic books and parts of the historical books (Joshua, Judges, Samuel, and Kings). (f) Finally, a short exhortation message was given. (2) If a distinguished guest or a visiting rabbi was present, it was customary to invite them to give the exhortation. This was to express a welcome to the visitor and also to prevent the worship from becoming monotonous by having the same rabbi speak each time. (3) On this day, Paul and Barnabas were invited to give the exhortation. It was Paul who stood up in response to this invitation. Paul did not speak the exhortation forcefully; he spoke because he was invited to do so. The existence of the synagogue and the custom of inviting visitors to give exhortations were all under God’s providence. God had prepared the situation long before Paul and Barnabas began their ministry. There is a path prepared for us by the Lord as well. Blessed are those who daily see the hand of God’s providence.