My understanding is that for the Jewish people, there was only one Temple, and that was at Jerusalem. Synagogues, on the other hand could be located anywhere. This is helpful to know as we read the book of Acts.
Wikipedia has some interesting information. I especially love this – ‘In Judaism,
the ancient Hebrew texts refer not to temples, the word having not existed yet,
but to a "sanctuary", "palace" or "hall."’
The concept of a sanctuary is one I’d not
given much thought until I heard Christian Science lecturer Fujiko Signs use it
during a fascinating interview by Scout Bartlett on KEST radio in the US and
replayed on the Christian Science program on www.bayfm.org.au
last Sunday morning (and to be re-played this coming Sunday). I love that the dictionary defines a
sanctuary as (in part): any place of refuge.”
Of course it’s also a “sacred or holy place.” And I think of safety, freedom from outside
pressures; a place of peace and regeneration.
Let’s hope our churches provide that kind of space for all its
congregants.
Here’s the Wikipedia reference for those
interested: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Temple#Jewish_synagogues_and_temples
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