Gospel Teaching: σχολή (Strong’s G4981: scholé) Transforms Learning Spaces

Strong’s G4981: From a primary root meaning leisure time, σχολή evolved to describe a place of learning or lecture hall. In Acts, it represents the venue where Paul taught daily, showing how the Gospel transformed educational spaces.

U- Unveiling the Word

σχολή represents the intersection of education and spiritual formation. Originally meaning “leisure” or free time for learning, it developed to describe places of philosophical discussion and teaching. In Acts, Paul’s use of Tyrannus’s σχολή demonstrates how early Christianity engaged with existing educational structures for Gospel purposes. The early church saw this as a model for transforming cultural spaces into venues for Gospel proclamation. Today, it reminds us of the importance of dedicated spaces for spiritual education and discipleship.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: σχολή, scholé, /skho-lā’/
• Pronunciation Guide: “skho-LAY” (stress on second syllable)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• Primary root meaning “leisure”
• Developed meaning of “discussion”
• Source of English “school”

D – Defining Meanings

• Lecture hall
• School
• Place of learning

Translation Options:

• “Lecture hall” – Best captures the physical space
• “School” – Emphasizes educational function
• “Academy” – Highlights institutional aspect

E – Exploring Similar Words

• διδασκαλεῖον (didaskalion) /dē-dä-skä-lā’-on/ – teaching place – See G1319
• συναγωγή (synagógé) /sü-nä-gō-gā’/ – gathering place – See G4864
• ἀκροατήριον (akroatérion) /ä-kro-ä-tā’-rē-on/ – auditorium – See G201

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a noun, σχολή exhibits:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular
• Gender: Feminine
• Declension: First

Examples:

• Nominative: σχολή (school)
• Genitive: σχολῆς (of school)
• Dative: σχολῇ (to/in school)
• Accusative: σχολήν (school as object)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its educational context. Thayer’s traces its development from leisure to learning. LSJ documents its classical usage in philosophy. Vine’s connects it to teaching ministry. Strong’s highlights its institutional meaning. Moulton and Milligan note its common use for places of learning.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Acts 19:9: “But when some became stubborn and continued in unbelief, speaking evil of the Way before the congregation, he withdrew from them and took the disciples with him, reasoning daily in the hall [σχολή] of Tyrannus.”

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

σχολή demonstrates how the Gospel transforms educational spaces into centers of spiritual formation. This word proclaims that the Messiah’s truth can engage with and redeem cultural institutions for Kingdom purposes, making every place of learning potential ground for Gospel proclamation.

D – Did You Know?

• Our English word “school” derives directly from σχολή
• Ancient schools often combined physical and spiritual education
• Paul’s use of Tyrannus’s hall lasted for two years

Strong’s G4981: From a primary root meaning leisure time, σχολή evolved to describe a place of learning or lecture hall. In Acts, it represents the venue where Paul taught daily, showing how the Gospel transformed educational spaces.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: education, teaching, lecture hall, Paul’s ministry, discipleship, cultural engagement, Acts 19, Ephesus, spiritual formation, Gospel proclamation​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​