synagogue (Sin´uh-gog; Gk., “a gathering of things” or “assembly of people”)

A congregation of Jews who gather to pray, read scripture, and hear teaching and exhortation based on scripture, and the place where such a congregation assembles. Jesus preached and discussed with Jewish leaders and congregations in synagogues (Matt 4:23; Matt 9:25; Mark 1:21; Mark 3:1-6; Luke 4:16-28; Luke 13:10). Acts also portrays Paul as teaching in synagogues wherever he goes (Acts 18:4; Acts 19:8).