The Synagogue and Biblical Interpretation
(Part Two)
I first addressed this subject in an article
posted in September 2016 (Series Part One).
Much of my same preliminary concerns and thoughts remain. For those who don't want to click on the link
and read the article in its entirety here's a synopsis. First, the Old Testament contains zero
references, either prescriptively or descriptively, in relation to the Jewish
Synagogue (the inter-testamental notes in your Bible don't count). Therefore, from the start there is no
example, command, or precedent for Jewish synagogue worship. Second, Jesus worshipped in the
synagogue. So Jesus actively
participated in (man designed) worship practices. Third, the apostles continue
to worship and evangelize in the synagogue years after Christ's bodily
resurrection and ascension. So what? Seems clear that neither first century Jews,
the Messiah, nor his followers had any scruples about participation in this
inter-testamental Jewish institution.
This directly relates to so many issues
Christians disagree on today. How do we
worship? How do we live? So many social justice issues are simply not
addressed in the scriptures. You are
left with two historically debated options (at least in the application for
worship and no this not an either-or fallacy).
I am assuming that when the scriptures claim, "all scripture is
given by inspiration of God," and it can make a person
"perfect/mature" then either in principle or precept the Bible
addresses every potential issue you will face.
First, do we restrict our worship practices to (only) what is clear
prescribed or even commanded in the pages of scripture? Or on another level, do we restrict our
worship to what is revealed in the NT?
Second, do we have the freedom or liberty to practice in worship
concepts or methods that are not explicitly forbidden in the pages of
scripture? Not sure? How about prayer books, Sunday school, prayer
meetings, youth group, or number of services?
These positions matter.
Again, how do I as a Baptist wrestle with
the synagogue and worship? To further
heighten the tension, they also worshipped in the synagogue on the sabbath.
You'll have to re-read the articles I've posted on that issue another
time. But again, try applying the above
principles to your Lord's day (Sunday) worship service (or how every many of
them you have on that day). See how hard
this can be if you want to stringently adhere to position of only practicing
what is explicitly practiced or commanded in the scriptures (or perhaps only
the NT)?
Since I'm a Baptist I'll use myself and my
beliefs as an example. Consider the
title "Baptist." This
designates my beliefs concerning one particular Christian ordinance as found in
the pages of the New Testament. If I am
bound only to what is explicitly stated or practiced in the NT then what
conclusions do I draw? Again, my intent
is to state what the Bible actually says not what a group or denomination
practices. First, when should a person
be baptized? Before or after a
confession of faith? Must it be that particular
individual who makes a confession before that same individual is baptized? Second, when actually should they be
baptized? One week, month, or year
later? Must I see some evidence or
credibility of genuine faith? How do I
know? Do I baptize them the same
day? Do I re-baptize them if they did
really believe the gospel the first time?
Third, what formula should I use?
Do I baptize them in the name of the Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy
spirit or in Jesus' name only?
Back to our original topic of this
article. At what point does the
synagogue play into this conversation?
First century Jews, Jesus, and the apostles/disciples don't seem concerned about be limited to the pages of
what the OT alone states. Eventually I will need to draw on the synagogue to revisit the plurality of lay elders in a local church. How they are to be chosen and who should be responsible for it? But this will have to wait for now.
Thoughts encouraged.
Dialogue
interesting.
Hope it helps to actually further and build up Christ's
body.
