Ruler of the Synagogue
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The term "Ruler of the Synagogue" refers to a prominent official within the Jewish synagogue community during the time of the New Testament. This position was one of significant authority and responsibility, often held by a respected elder or leader within the Jewish community. The role of the ruler was multifaceted, encompassing both administrative and spiritual duties.

Biblical References:

The role of the ruler of the synagogue is mentioned in several passages in the New Testament. One of the most notable references is found in the Gospel of Mark, where Jairus, a ruler of the synagogue, approaches Jesus for help. Mark 5:22-23 states, "A synagogue leader named Jairus arrived, and seeing Jesus, he fell at His feet and pleaded with Him urgently, 'My little daughter is near death. Please come and place Your hands on her, so that she will be healed and live.'"

Similarly, in Luke 8:41-42 , Jairus is again mentioned: "Just then a synagogue leader named Jairus came and fell at Jesus’ feet. He begged Him to come to his house, because his only daughter, who was about twelve, was dying."

Another reference is found in Acts 18:8 , where Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue in Corinth, is mentioned: "Crispus, the synagogue leader, and his whole household believed in the Lord; and many of the Corinthians who heard the message believed and were baptized."

Duties and Responsibilities:

The ruler of the synagogue was responsible for the overall management and order of synagogue services. This included overseeing the reading of the Torah, ensuring the proper conduct of worship, and maintaining the synagogue building. The ruler also played a key role in the selection of individuals to read from the Scriptures and to lead prayers.

In addition to these duties, the ruler of the synagogue was often involved in the community's educational and judicial matters. They were expected to be well-versed in the Law and capable of teaching and interpreting it for the congregation. The ruler's position required a deep commitment to the spiritual and communal life of the Jewish people.

Cultural and Religious Significance:

The position of the ruler of the synagogue was one of great respect and influence within the Jewish community. It was a role that required a balance of leadership, wisdom, and humility. The ruler was seen as a guardian of tradition and a leader in the spiritual life of the community.

In the context of the New Testament, the interactions between Jesus and the rulers of the synagogues highlight the tension between the emerging Christian faith and traditional Jewish practices. The accounts of Jairus and Crispus illustrate the openness of some synagogue leaders to the message of Jesus, while other passages depict resistance and conflict.

Conclusion:

The ruler of the synagogue was a pivotal figure in the religious life of Jewish communities during the time of Jesus and the early church. Their role as leaders and caretakers of the synagogue underscores the importance of maintaining religious traditions and community cohesion. The New Testament accounts provide insight into the challenges and opportunities faced by these leaders as they encountered the transformative message of the Gospel.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
Ruler of the Synagogue

RULER OF THE SYNAGOGUE

See RULER, 3, (1), (2).

Greek
752. archisunagogos -- ruler of a synagogue
... ruler of a synagogue. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: archisunagogos
Phonetic Spelling: (ar-khee-soon-ag'-o-gos) Short Definition: a leader of ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/752.htm - 8k

2383. Iairos -- Jairus, the ruler of a synagogue in Palestine
... Jairus, the ruler of a synagogue in Palestine. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine
Transliteration: Iairos Phonetic Spelling: (ee-ah'-i-ros) Short Definition ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2383.htm - 6k

4988. Sosthenes -- "of safe strength," Sosthenes, the name of a ...
... 4987, 4988. Sosthenes. 4989 . "of safe strength," Sosthenes, the name
of a ruler of a synagogue and of a Christian. Part of Speech ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4988.htm - 6k

2921. Krispos -- Crispus, a Corinthian Christian
... Krispos Phonetic Spelling: (kris'-pos) Short Definition: Crispus Definition: Crispus,
ruler of the synagogue at Corinth, converted and baptized by Paul. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2921.htm - 6k

Library

Of the Raising of the Daughter of the Ruler of the Synagogue, and ...
... Chapter XXVIII."Of the Raising of the Daughter of the Ruler of the Synagogue, and
of the Woman Who Touched the Hem of His Garment; Of the Question, Also, as ...
/.../augustine/the harmony of the gospels/chapter xxviii of the raising of.htm

Christ's Conversation with the Rich Ruler of the Synagogue (Young ...
... Section 226. Christ's Conversation with the rich Ruler of the Synagogue (young man?).
(Matt., xix., 16-24; Mark, x., 17, seq.; Luke, xviii., 18, seq.). ...
/.../section 226 christs conversation with.htm

Note on the Jewish Synagogue.
... On an elevated platform sat the "Ruler of the synagogue" and the elders; prayers
were offered, and after these two lessons were always read, one from the Law ...
/.../the new testament commentary vol iii john/note on the jewish synagogue.htm

Jairus' Daughter and the Invalid Woman.
... 18:18-23], and seeing him, ^c he fell { ^b falleth} ^c down at Jesus' feet, ^a and
worshipped him [It was a very lowly act for the ruler of a synagogue thus to ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/lviii jairus daughter and the.htm

With Jairus
... While He yet spake, they come from the ruler of the synagogue's house, saying,
Thy daughter is dead: why troublest thou the Master any further? ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 5 21-43 with jairus.htm

Talitha Cumi
... While He yet spake, there came from the ruler of the synagogue's house certain which
said, Thy daughter is dead: why troublest thou the Master any further? 36. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/talitha cumi.htm

Jesus Heals a Little Girl
... While Jesus was still speaking, messengers came from the house of the ruler
of the synagogue, saying, "Your daughter is dead. Why ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/jesus heals a little girl.htm

Lord of Life and Love
... While he yet spake, there came from the ruler of the synagogue's house certain which
said: "Thy daughter is dead: why troublest thou the Master any further?". ...
/.../mark/jesus of nazareth a biography/chapter v lord of life.htm

The General Observations are These.
... She is the daughter of a ruler of a synagogue, whose name was Jairus. ... Luke: Behold,
there came a man named Jairus, and he was the ruler of the synagogue. ...
/.../section i the general observations.htm

The Dying Child and the Suffering Woman.
... While he yet spake, they come from the ruler of the synagogue's house, saying,
"Thy daughter is dead: why troublest thou the Teacher any further?". ...
//christianbookshelf.org/barton/his life/the dying child and the.htm

Resources
What are the seventy weeks of Daniel? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Herod the Great? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Dinah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Ruler: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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Ruler

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Ruler of the Synagogue

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