The Greek word for synagogue means assembly and can refer to the gathering of people (James 2:2) or to the building in which they gather (Luke 7:5). In this context, it refers to the building that was used by Jews for worship services,1 schooling (instruction),2 and communal discussions. The leader of the synagogue was called the president, and he was often of priestly descent.3 All Jewish men had the right to read and interpret a passage of Scripture in the synagogue. One did not have to be a trained scholar or teacher of the law, though one’s interpretation was subject to open discussion and debate by those who were present.4
9 Then some of those who belonged to the synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called), and of the Cyrenians, and of the Alexandrians, and of those from Cilicia and Asia, rose up and disputed with Stephen.