The sermon in synagogue worship was always in the context of prayers, benedictions, psalms, hymns, and the reading of Scripture. When Hebrew was no longer the spoken language for many Jews, the Scripture was first read in Hebrew, then translated into the spoken language. This translation from one language to another necessitated an interpretation. The interpretation, which at first may have been offhand comments, gradually grew into a more formal presentation.
Preaching in the Synagogue
Preaching in the synagogue took place within the established Jewish liturgy. The service in the synagogue would begin with the recitation of the shma‘. This was a confession of God’s greatness and was taken from Deuteronomy 6:4–9; 11:13–21; and Numbers 15:37–41. There would then be a time of prayer that would usually be one of a cycle of eighteen prayers called “The Prayer.” Following the prayers came the reading of Scripture, which would first be a text from the Law, followed by a text from the prophets. An interpreter would then translate the Hebrew into Aramaic so the people could understand it. The text from the Law was one of one hundred fifty that were to be read so that over a three-year period the whole Law would be covered. The texts from the prophets would differ depending on the reader. The preaching of the sermon would follow, which was an exposition on the previously read texts.
The reading of Scripture and exposition of it can be dated back to Ezra. “They read from the Book of the Law of God, making it clear [translating it] and giving the meaning so that the people could understand what was being read”(Neh. 8:8). The practice of public reading of Scripture followed by exposition was a part of the Jewish worship centuries before Christianity.
The synagogue required that ten men (male over the age of thirteen) be present for the Scripture to be read. It could be read by anyone, including a boy. After the text had been read orally, there would be exposition on it either by the reader or by another male. The preaching would be a commentary that either expounded the text or presented applications of its meaning. Preaching was directly connected to the reading of Scripture; there was no preaching without the reading of the text. Usually the sermon had a devotional character. Since anyone might be asked to preach, the preaching was more discussion than a sermon, not so much persuasion as elaboration.
Jesus’ Reinterpretation of Synagogue Preaching
This ancient Jewish liturgy provided Jesus with a regular and traditionally accepted format for his preaching (Luke 4:16). It also provided Paul with a place to preach in each new city he would visit (Acts 13:14–16). The reading and exposition of the Scriptures during public worship was the chief way that knowledge of the Law and Prophets was learned by the people. Thus, preaching had supreme importance for Judaism. Though preaching had a significant role in Jewish worship, Jesus introduced a new concept into preaching. Preaching became the responsibility of all followers of Christ, in all places and at all times. For the Jews, preaching was a matter of safeguarding the Scriptures entrusted to them. Christ’s command points toward a goal of spreading the Word, not guarding it.