Nazareth’s ‘Synagogue Church’ where Jesus may have worshipped as a young man – Deseret News
Posted By richards on May 26, 2017
William Hamblin
This is the interior of the Synagogue Church where Jesus may have taught.
One of the most stirring scenes in the New Testament occurs in Luke 4:16-21, which relates that Jesus came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read.
"And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias (Isaiah). And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written,
"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord.
"And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him. And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.
Jesus read from what may perhaps have been a slightly different version of what we now know as Isaiah 61:1-2. As was the custom of the day in synagogues, he stood to read the biblical text and then seated himself to comment upon it.
The reaction of the audience was incredulous at first (compare Matthew 13:54-58; Mark 6:1-6). Was he not a local boy? A rather insignificant one? How had he gained such eloquence, such learning and poise? However, when, as he continued speaking, he pointed to their disbelief and compared it to stories of earlier biblical prophets, their puzzlement turned to anger. In the end, they vainly sought to throw him from a cliff near the town.
Surprisingly, until recent decades little serious archaeology had been done in Nazareth.
Although it is now the largest city in the northern district of Israel and is often regarded as the countrys Arab capital, the town is thought to have been extremely small in Jesuss day, with perhaps only a few hundred inhabitants. To the extent that it had much of an economy while Jesus was living there, employment very likely revolved around construction work in the booming city of Sepphoris, a little less than four miles away (see Sepphoris 'The ornament of the Galilee' published April 29, 2016, on deseretnews.com).
Recently, though, archaeological research has been turning up some very interesting finds in Nazareth, including a first-century home that might just possibly though unprovably be that of the young Jesus himself. After all, there were few houses in the village in his day, and this one seems to have been venerated by early Christians (see Archaeology and the boyhood of Jesus in Nazareth published March 12, 2015, on deseretnews.com).
What, though, of the synagogue in which Jesus made his dramatic announcement? Can it be located? For a town so small, a single synagogue would have been sufficient.
There is, as it happens, a traditional site. The so-called Synagogue Church is a 12th-century Crusader structure located in the area of Nazareths medieval market, just a few minutes walk from the massive modern Roman Catholic Basilica of the Annunciation and directly adjacent to the Greek Catholic Church of the Annunciation. (The Greek Catholics or Melkites own and maintain it, too.) It was built around the same time that the Crusaders replaced the original Byzantine Church of the Annunciation with their own, which was, in its turn, replaced by the beautiful structure dedicated by Pope Paul VI in 1969.
Ancient tradition maintains that the Synagogue Church stands atop the Roman-era synagogue where Jesus worshipped as a young man. In fact, in A.D. 570, the anonymous northern Italian Pilgrim of Piacenza the last western Christian writer to visit Palestine before the Muslim conquest that occurred less than a century later claimed to have seen not only the ancient synagogue itself but the original Bible from which Jesus had read, as well as the bench on which the Savior used to sit as a young man.
But is that tradition old enough? Unfortunately, the Piacenza Pilgrim enjoys a well-earned reputation for exceptional gullibility. Moreover, its very likely that the synagogue of Jesuss time was destroyed in the late 60s A.D., during the first Jewish revolt against Rome though it could have been rebuilt thereafter.
Furthermore, some have argued, the site of the Synagogue Church is outside the boundaries of the tiny ancient town of Nazareth, whereas the synagogue would almost certainly have been located within the village.
Daniel Peterson founded BYU's Middle Eastern Texts Initiative, chairs The Interpreter Foundation and blogs on Patheos. William Hamblin is the author of several books on premodern history. They speak only for themselves.
Originally posted here:
Nazareth's 'Synagogue Church' where Jesus may have worshipped as a young man - Deseret News
- Soho Rep. Gala Evacuated After Building's Support Beam Cracks [Last Updated On: April 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 1st, 2014]
- Synagogue textile stolen by Nazis returns to Czech Republic after it was discovered in US [Last Updated On: April 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 1st, 2014]
- Synagogue seeks court sanctions against Jewish groups [Last Updated On: April 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 1st, 2014]
- Synagogues, Shuls & Temples - Home | Jewish Virtual Library [Last Updated On: April 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 1st, 2014]
- Hundreds flee historic synagogue after column cracks [Last Updated On: April 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 1st, 2014]
- 2014 03 29 Islam Is A Joke - Video [Last Updated On: April 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 1st, 2014]
- Jewish Rabbi Against Anti-Muslim Preaching in Synagogue - Video [Last Updated On: April 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 1st, 2014]
- Man brutally beaten by NYPD for sleeping on a couch in a synagogue - Video [Last Updated On: April 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 1st, 2014]
- Gospel of Jesus Shared in Israel Synagogue! - Video [Last Updated On: April 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 1st, 2014]
- synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie - Video [Last Updated On: April 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 1st, 2014]
- Cops Beat Man Asleep in Synagogue - Video [Last Updated On: April 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 1st, 2014]
- A Rabbi, A Synagogue in Israel, & THE GOSPEL! - Video [Last Updated On: April 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 1st, 2014]
- Fouilles la Synagogue de Thann - Video [Last Updated On: April 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 1st, 2014]
- No 6 La Synagogue de Capernaum - Video [Last Updated On: April 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 1st, 2014]
- Purim Spiel @ Beit Shofarot Messianic Synagogue 2014 - Video [Last Updated On: April 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 1st, 2014]
- TRIBECA SYNAGOGUE GALLERY - Lisa M Zilker - Video [Last Updated On: April 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 1st, 2014]
- Russian Protestants sings so beautifully in the synagogue at Masada, Israel - Video [Last Updated On: April 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 1st, 2014]
- Synagogue of jerusalem the law walter veith - Video [Last Updated On: April 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 1st, 2014]
- DOB: Former Synagogue Forced to Evacuate Monday Will Remain Vacant for Now [Last Updated On: April 2nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 2nd, 2014]
- Church restores Cape Girardeau synagogue after years of abandonment [Last Updated On: April 2nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 2nd, 2014]
- Synagogue Sponsors Smashing Walnuts Walk-A-Thon Sunday [Last Updated On: April 2nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 2nd, 2014]
- Cantor Haim Ischakis sings Psalm 130 in the Synagogue of Ioannina, Greece - Video [Last Updated On: April 2nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 2nd, 2014]
- Myanmar's last synagogue becomes a top tourist attraction - Video [Last Updated On: April 2nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 2nd, 2014]
- Cantor Haim Ischakis sings Psalm 14 in the Synagogue of Ioannina, Greece - Video [Last Updated On: April 2nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 2nd, 2014]
- Cantor Haim Ischakis sings Psalm 121 in the Synagogue of Ioannina, Greece - Video [Last Updated On: April 2nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 2nd, 2014]
- Dohony Synagogue Tour Guide Budapest Hungray - Video [Last Updated On: April 2nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 2nd, 2014]
- Dohony Synagogue Tour Guide Budapest Hungary - Video [Last Updated On: April 2nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 2nd, 2014]
- Who is the Synagogue of Satan??? - Video [Last Updated On: April 2nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 2nd, 2014]
- A Rabbi, A Synagogue in Israel & THE GOSPEL! - Video [Last Updated On: April 2nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 2nd, 2014]
- Brooklyn's Congregation Beth Elohim Lays Off 12 Amid Fiscal Crisis [Last Updated On: April 3rd, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 3rd, 2014]
- Mosque, synagogue partner for Inn From the Cold community meal [Last Updated On: April 3rd, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 3rd, 2014]
- Cantor Haim Ischakis sings Psalm 83 in the Synagogue of Ioannina, Greece - Video [Last Updated On: April 3rd, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 3rd, 2014]
- Rabbi Yoshiyahu Pinto's New York Synagogue Faces Foreclosure [Last Updated On: April 3rd, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 3rd, 2014]
- Derek Korff-Korn, You Raise Me Up, Park East Synagogue Part 2 - Video [Last Updated On: April 3rd, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 3rd, 2014]
- The Mosaic Zodiac of Zippori Synagogue - Galilee Israel - Video [Last Updated On: April 3rd, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 3rd, 2014]
- Bloomfield Synagogue Welcomes Hungry To Seder Meal [Last Updated On: April 5th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 5th, 2014]
- Elizabeth and Paul's Ezra Bessaroth Synagogue Wedding - Video [Last Updated On: April 5th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 5th, 2014]
- pt2 Who is the Synagogue of Satan??? - Video [Last Updated On: April 5th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 5th, 2014]
- mosque and synagogue side by side in paramaribo- surinam - Video [Last Updated On: April 5th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 5th, 2014]
- CONCERT REVIEW: The Internet at Sixth & I Historic Synagogue - Video [Last Updated On: April 6th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 6th, 2014]
- Derek Korff-Korn, You Raise Me Up Part 1, Park East Synagogue Dinner Kick Off Party - Video [Last Updated On: April 6th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 6th, 2014]
- Rabbis Issue United Call To Establish Synagogue On Temple Mount! - Video [Last Updated On: April 7th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 7th, 2014]
- La Jolla synagogue exec guilty of fraud [Last Updated On: April 8th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 8th, 2014]
- Radlett synagogue given defibrillator by bridge club donations [Last Updated On: April 8th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 8th, 2014]
- Shul shopping for a Tampa synagogue? [Last Updated On: April 8th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 8th, 2014]
- Anti-Semitic Salute: French court convicts Moroccan for quenelle salute outside synagogue - Video [Last Updated On: April 8th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 8th, 2014]
- How to Say or Pronounce Synagogue - Video [Last Updated On: April 8th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 8th, 2014]
- Jewish congregation keeps century-old schoolhouse alive [Last Updated On: April 9th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 9th, 2014]
- Ex-synagogue leader faces 20 years for embezzlement [Last Updated On: April 9th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 9th, 2014]
- Neighbors: Northbrook synagogue violates city code [Last Updated On: April 9th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 9th, 2014]
- Ex-synagogue head admits to embezzlement [Last Updated On: April 9th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 9th, 2014]
- Former official at La Jolla synagogue admits theft [Last Updated On: April 9th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 9th, 2014]
- Jesus in Nazareth synagogue - Video [Last Updated On: April 9th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 9th, 2014]
- New archaeological excavations below the Ohel Yitzchak Synagogue (Muslim Quarter, Jerusalem) - Video [Last Updated On: April 9th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 9th, 2014]
- Judge rules synagogue services can be held in North Dallas home [Last Updated On: April 10th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 10th, 2014]
- pt3 Who is The Synagogue of Satan? & It's Covered By Witchcraft!!! - Video [Last Updated On: April 10th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 10th, 2014]
- AJN TV: Orphaned Land: 'A big synagogue of rock and roll' - Video [Last Updated On: April 11th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 11th, 2014]
- Conflict in the Synagogue // - Video [Last Updated On: April 12th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 12th, 2014]
- Synagogue a spiritual respite on St. Thomas [Last Updated On: April 14th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 14th, 2014]
- More from the Synagogue. - Video [Last Updated On: April 14th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 14th, 2014]
- The Way of Yah Synagogue: Bro Brandon Impromptu performance - Video [Last Updated On: April 14th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 14th, 2014]
- Synagogue lawsuit - Video [Last Updated On: April 14th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 14th, 2014]
- Jewish Wedding at Western Marble Arch Synagogue & Renaissance St Pancras | Bloomsbury Films - Video [Last Updated On: April 14th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 14th, 2014]
- Passover brings hope and renewal [Last Updated On: April 16th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 16th, 2014]
- Central Synagogue - Pesach: Go Down Moses - Friday, April 11th, 2014 - Video [Last Updated On: April 16th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 16th, 2014]
- Judge Rules Synagogue Services Can Be Held In Dallas Home - Video [Last Updated On: April 16th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 16th, 2014]
- La Grande Synagogue de Budapest - Hongrie - Video [Last Updated On: April 16th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 16th, 2014]
- Man pleads guilty to shooting at Salt Lake City synagog [Last Updated On: April 17th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 17th, 2014]
- Salt Lake man pleads guilty to 2012 attack on synagogue [Last Updated On: April 17th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 17th, 2014]
- The Way of Yah Synagogue: Bro Duval performs "Yah you are my Nutrition". - Video [Last Updated On: April 17th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 17th, 2014]
- Rabbi Shlomo Riskin - Shabat HaGadol Drasha - Jerusalem Great Synagogue April 12 2014 - Video [Last Updated On: April 17th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 17th, 2014]
- Join Us for Earth Day 2014: Learning to "Green" Your Synagogue - Video [Last Updated On: April 18th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 18th, 2014]
- A Whole Heart: Living in the New Testament Synagogue - Video [Last Updated On: April 18th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 18th, 2014]
- Church and synagogue share sacred traditions [Last Updated On: April 21st, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 21st, 2014]
- Keneseth Eli Yahoo Synagogue, Mumbai, India - Video [Last Updated On: April 21st, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 21st, 2014]
- Ukrainian synagogue firebombed [Last Updated On: April 21st, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 21st, 2014]
- 2014 04 18 F.U.B Concubine of Bethlehem-judah Parallels With Yeshua - Video [Last Updated On: April 22nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 22nd, 2014]
- 2014 04 17 F.U.B The Greater Light Rules The Day - Video [Last Updated On: April 22nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 22nd, 2014]
- 2014 04 17 F.U.B The Lamb Is The Light Thereof - Video [Last Updated On: April 22nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 22nd, 2014]
- Tampa Conservative synagogue Mekor Shalom celebrates move to new space [Last Updated On: April 23rd, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 23rd, 2014]
Comments