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There are about 60 references to synagogues in the Gospels.
When questioned by the high priest before his crucifixion, Jesus said. . .
I have spoken openly to the world. I have always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all Jews come together. I said nothing in secret (John 18:20).
Synagogues were a major teaching venue in the ministry of Jesus. The Gospel of Mark says that Jesus went throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and casting out demons (Mark 1:39). This teaching technique of Jesus can also be found in Matthew and Luke.
And he went throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction among the people (Matthew 4:23).
And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and a report about him went out through all the surrounding country. And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified by all (Luke 4:14-15).
As referenced in Scripture, Jesus often taught in the synagogues of Galilee (most of His time on earth was spent in Galilee). And yet, one scholar in 2014 wrote, “Archaeologists have not yet unearthed a first-century synagogue in Galilee.”
Thus, debunking the accuracy of the New Testament.
I found this quote humorous because a synagogue had been found in Magdala (in Galilee) five years earlier, in 2009. Sometimes, when scholars get a particular idea, they defend it despite actual historical evidence.
And in December 2021, a second synagogue was found in Magdala! I wish I knew that scholar’s email address as I would send him this blog.
Finding two synagogues in Magdala now allows for an OG* speculation. But let me list three facts first.
- Mary Magdalene was from Magdala!
- Mary had seven demons cast out of her (Luke 8:2).
- Jesus’ ministry in synagogues included teaching from Old Testament scrolls, healing diseases, and casting out demons.
Back to the OG speculation.
I’ve been to Magdala (a pat on the back for me)!
Magdala is on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, just six miles from Capernaum, and Capernaum is where Jesus headquartered his ministry. Jesus went throughout all Galilee, and He must have taught in the Magdala synagogues. Women could attend the teaching at the synagogue, so I speculate that Mary Magdalene was delivered from demons in one of the synagogues of Magdala.
Okay, I’m on a roll. Now let me tell you another OG* speculation. Below is a photo of a stone table found in one of the synagogues. Note the grooves on each end. This table was used to read scrolls, and the grooves would hold the ends of the scroll.
Now let’s combine the two OG speculations into one overwhelming awesome and cool thought. . .
Jesus often read from a scroll and then taught from that scroll. I think archaeologists have found the synagogue and the table on which a scroll was placed from which Jesus read and taught before casting out the demons from Mary Magdalene.
Wow. I’ve also seen this table!
*OG stands for Old Guy (that’s me), a multi-talented blogger who often utilizes his own translation of the Greek in his blog (OGV for Old Guy Version), easily makes speculations about current archeological discoveries, and probably should be prayed for daily by all of you!