Lexical Summary scholé: Leisure, rest, school Original Word: σχολή Strong's Exhaustive Concordance school. Probably feminine of a presumed derivative of the alternate of echo; properly, loitering (as a withholding of oneself from work) or leisure, i.e. (by implication) a "school" (as vacation from physical employment) -- school. see GREEK echo NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. word Definition leisure, hence disputation (that for which leisure is used), by ext. school NASB Translation school (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4981: σχολήσχολή, σχολῆς, ἡ (from σχεῖν; hence, properly, German das Anhalten; (cf. English 'to hold on,' equivalent to either to stop or to persist)); 1. from Pindar down, freedom from labor, leisure. 2. according to later Greek usage, a place where there is leisure for anything, a school (cf. Liddell and Scott, under the word, III.; Winer's Grammar, 23): Acts 19:9 (Dionysius Halicarnassus, de jud. Isocrates 1; tie vi Dem. 44; often in Plutarch). In the Greco-Roman world, the word rendered “lecture hall” in Acts 19:9 denoted a place of leisure devoted to philosophical conversation and formal instruction. Such halls were common in major cities and often attached to gymnasia or private homes of wealthy patrons who sponsored public discourse. The presence of one belonging to Tyrannus in Ephesus reflects the city’s position as a cultural center where rhetoric, philosophy, and religion intertwined. Biblical Context: the Hall of Tyrannus (Acts 19:9) Luke records that when resistance arose in the Ephesian synagogue, “Paul withdrew from them and took the disciples with him, conducting daily discussions in the lecture hall of Tyrannus” (Acts 19:9). This relocation served several purposes: 1. Separation from hostile opposition that hindered the gospel. Luke later notes, “This continued for two years, so that everyone who lived in the province of Asia heard the word of the Lord” (Acts 19:10). The single reference to σχολῇ therefore carries weight disproportionate to its frequency, marking a strategic turning point in Paul’s third missionary journey. Implications for Early Christian Ministry The Ephesian episode demonstrates the flexibility of apostolic strategy: • Adaptability—Paul moved seamlessly from synagogue to public hall without compromising doctrine (1 Corinthians 9:19-23). Model for Christian Education and Discipleship The lecture hall became an incubator for: • Catechesis—systematic grounding in the Scriptures and the apostolic proclamation (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Missionary Strategy and Public Engagement Using a secular venue affirmed that the gospel speaks into every sphere of life. Paul’s pattern aligns with his earlier use of the Areopagus in Athens (Acts 17:22-34) and foreshadows later Christian utilization of marketplaces, lecture halls, and, eventually, purpose-built basilicas. The episode underscores the legitimacy of renting or borrowing space to advance the kingdom when religious facilities are closed or hostile. Legacy in Christian Tradition The Tyrannus model paved the way for: • Catechetical schools such as Alexandria and Antioch, which combined rigorous biblical exposition with engagement of prevailing philosophies. Practical Applications for Contemporary Ministry 1. Employ neutral or commercial spaces for evangelism and discipleship when traditional venues are inaccessible. Related Biblical Themes and Passages Acts 5:42 – the apostles’ daily teaching. Acts 17:17 – reasoning in the marketplace. Colossians 1:28 – presenting every person perfect in Christ. 2 Timothy 4:2 – preaching the word in season and out of season. Conclusion Though σκολή appears only once in the New Testament, its single occurrence chronicles a decisive chapter in apostolic ministry. The lecture hall of Tyrannus embodies strategic adaptability, rigorous instruction, and broad cultural engagement—all under the sovereign guidance of God, who used that setting to make the gospel resound throughout Asia. |
    |