Title:
The Synagogue as locus of ministry in Luke-Acts: A socio-historical study of Luke 4:16-30
Author:
Silas, Dogara Turrang
Published:
Stellenbosch University, 2020
[Thesis (PhD) - Doctor of Philosophy in the Faculty of Theology]
Abstract:
This study focused on three interrelated matters. The first is the synagogue as an ancient institution, the second is Luke’s depiction of the synagogue as a locale for ministry in LukeActs and the third is the pivotal role Luke 4:16-30 plays in Luke’s depiction of Jesus’ ministry. The synagogue is one of the most important institutions of antiquity in that it was not only central to Judaism, but also left indelible marks on both Christianity and Islam. The gospel writers provide us with some information on how the synagogue as an institution played an important role in Jesus’ life and ministry. It is also clear that attending the services of the synagogue was customary for both Paul and Jesus and that for both of them it served as an important locale for their teaching and preaching. An overview of recent studies indicated that there are new approaches to the origin of the synagogue that covers its spatial, liturgical, non-liturgical and institutional aspect. While reference was made to all four aspects of the synagogue, attention was given primarily to the non-liturgical aspect of the synagogue, which focusses on the religio-political life of the people. The study of the origin and function of the synagogue has shown that it is shrouded in mystery and may never be fully known. However, the synagogue was clearly a well-known institution in both Palestine and in the Diaspora in the 1st century and the intertestamental period. The survey of the origin of the synagogue indicated that it addressed the religious, social and political needs of the people. The study also undertook a survey of the synagogue in the New Testament which revealed that the New Testament understanding of the synagogue aligned with the practices of the ancient synagogue. However, some functions of the ancient synagogue as analysed are not found in the New Testament while others that are mentioned in the New Testament are not found in the ancient synagogue. This indicates just how contextual the function of the synagogue was. A description of the socio-historical context of Luke-Acts as well as how it is structured as a literary work, was also considered. In terms of the literary structure of Luke-Acts, the research determined that it is legitimate to treat them together; and that the synagogue is a key aspect in both. The synagogue in Luke-Act was also considered. It is clear that both Jesus and Paul used the synagogue as a locale for preaching the message of the Kingdom. The study has also shown that the role of the synagogue described in both Luke and Acts aligns with the rules of the synagogue as discussed in Chapter Two, but that not all the roles discussed in the ancient synagogue are replicated in Luke. The socio-historical study of the synagogue in Luke-Acts, and particularly Luke 4:16-30, showed that the beneficiaries of Jesus’ message were the socially and economically disadvantaged people in his society. In the conclusion the results of the study were briefly applied to Nigeria where poverty has ravaged the lives of many people. The study indicated that Jesus wanted to reform the synagogue as a religio-political institution to again fulfil its role in addressing the needs of its community. The Nigerian church needs to replicate this. However, while the Nigerian churches operate similarly to association synagogues, the need is to implement Jesus’ strategy of transforming public synagogues. Thus, an ecumenical approach is needed to affectively address the needs of the faith communities Nigeria.