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Expert: Rev C.Brian Ross - 1/3/2007


Question
Hi there.

Could you please share your knowledge on the differences between the Jerusalem temple and the Palestinian synagouge during the NT period? As in the aspect of worship, leadership, participation and function etc etc.

Your help is MUCH appreciated!
Thanks in advance :)

Answer
Hi Elaine,
First of all, an apology for the delay.  I was on holiday for a few days and, although notified in time, the system seems to have failed to mark me down as such.  I have reported this, as I have a few questions now outstanding!
The basic difference between the Temple and the Synagogue is that there was, and could only be, one Temple - in Jerusalem, as you correctly point out.  Jewish men were expected to travel to the Temple for the festivals of Passover, Shavuot (Pentecost), and Sukkot (booths).  However, in later Judaism, people wanted to meet more regularly to study Torah, and to worship YHWH together.  It was accepted that as long as there were at least 12  "bar Mitzvah" males, then they could gather together for this purpose.  The word "synagogue" comes simply from the Greek words that mean a gathering together.  
I appreciate that this is a very short answer, but I am trying to attend to all of my "outstanding" questions as quickly as possible.  Please, please feel free to come back to me, and I will endeavour to add to the above.
Thank you for your understanding.
Regards,
C.Brian Ross

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Rev C.Brian Ross

Expertise

I am happy to offer answers to anyone with a question that refers to the Christian Faith in its widest possible sense. I believe that the Bible is the living Word of God, and seek to base all of my life on its teaching. I also have some knowledge of some of the cults, and of Islam and Judaism. Of course, my answers are just one man's thoughts, and I would always advise a questioner to check with others, and with the Word of God.

Experience

Served as a full-time parish minister in Scotland for about six years, and then spent the last thirty as a teacher (now 'retired') of Religious Education in Secondary Comprehensive schools (ages 11-17) while continuing my own preaching and teaching ministry. I also believe that learning is a life-time process, and have recently completed a Master's degree in Divinity.

Organizations
Former Presenter on Revival FM - a local Christian, community radio station, broadcasting in west central Scotland, and online at revival.fm Involved with a number of organisations that support Christians who are currently suffering persecution in some 70 countries around the world. I am currently a Chaplain with Strathclyde Police Force, deployed within 'Q' and 'N' Divisions, and also responsible for the Force Training and Recruitment Centre.

Publications
Various articles in Christian magazines. I also have two blogsites - www.crazyrev.blogspot.com and (with audio messages) www.revcbross.blogspot.com I am currently writing my first book - a lay person's guide to some of the great words of the Christian Faith.

Education/Credentials
Diploma of The Bible Training Institute, Glasgow; Licentiate in Theology of the University of Glasgow; Associateship of The Philosophical Society of England; Bachelor of Arts Degree (Hons) in History from The Open University; Post-grad Certificate of Education - Religious Education and History; Post-grad Certificate in Learning and Teaching; Post-grad Diploma in Management and Learning in Education; Master of Science Degree from the University of Strathclyde; Master of Divinity Degree (with Distinction) from Trinity College and Seminary (accredited by the University of Liverpool)

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