In biblical times, the concept of apprenticeship, while not explicitly named as such, is evident in the relationships and practices described throughout Scripture. An apprentice is generally understood as a person who is learning a trade or skill under the guidance of a more experienced individual, often referred to as a master. This concept aligns with the biblical model of discipleship and mentorship, where knowledge, skills, and spiritual wisdom are passed from one generation to the next.

Old Testament Context

The Old Testament provides several examples of apprenticeship-like relationships. One notable instance is the relationship between Moses and Joshua. Joshua served as Moses' assistant and was groomed to lead the Israelites after Moses' death. In Exodus 24:13 , it is written, "So Moses set out with Joshua his attendant, and Moses went up on the mountain of God." This relationship exemplifies the transfer of leadership and responsibility through close association and instruction.

Another example is found in the relationship between Elijah and Elisha. Elisha was chosen by God to succeed Elijah as a prophet. In 1 Kings 19:19-21 , Elijah finds Elisha plowing a field and throws his cloak over him, symbolizing the transfer of prophetic authority. Elisha then follows Elijah, learning from him until Elijah is taken up to heaven, as described in 2 Kings 2:9-15 .

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the concept of apprenticeship is most clearly seen in the relationship between Jesus and His disciples. Jesus called His disciples to follow Him, teaching them through His words and actions. In Mark 3:14 , it states, "He appointed twelve of them, whom He designated as apostles, to accompany Him, to be sent out to preach." The disciples learned from Jesus through direct experience and observation, preparing them for their future roles in spreading the Gospel.

The Apostle Paul also exemplifies the apprenticeship model in his relationship with Timothy. Paul refers to Timothy as his "true son in the faith" (1 Timothy 1:2) and provides him with guidance and instruction for leading the church. In 2 Timothy 2:2 , Paul instructs Timothy, "And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others." This passage highlights the importance of passing on knowledge and training to future leaders.

Spiritual Apprenticeship

The concept of apprenticeship extends beyond practical skills to include spiritual growth and maturity. Believers are encouraged to learn from those who are more mature in their faith. In Titus 2:3-4 , older women are instructed to "teach what is good" and to "train the young women," demonstrating the biblical principle of mentorship and spiritual guidance.

The role of the Holy Spirit is also significant in the spiritual apprenticeship of believers. Jesus promised the Holy Spirit as a helper and teacher for His followers. In John 14:26 , Jesus says, "But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have told you." The Holy Spirit guides believers into all truth, continuing the work of spiritual formation and growth.

Conclusion

The biblical model of apprenticeship emphasizes the importance of learning through relationship, experience, and instruction. Whether in practical skills or spiritual growth, the transfer of knowledge and wisdom from one individual to another is a key theme throughout Scripture. This model encourages believers to seek out mentors and to invest in the next generation, ensuring the continuation of faith and practice.1. (n.) One who is bound by indentures or by legal agreement to serve a mechanic, or other person, for a certain time, with a view to learn the art, or trade, in which his master is bound to instruct him.

2. (n.) One not well versed in a subject; a tyro.

3. (n.) A barrister, considered a learner of law till of sixteen years' standing, when he might be called to the rank of sergeant.

4. (v. t.) To bind to, or put under the care of, a master, for the purpose of instruction in a trade or business.

Lives of Faith and Trust
... 1. "One of the orphan boys needed to be apprenticed. I knew of no suitable
believing master who would take an indoor apprentice. ...
/.../various/the wonders of prayer/lives of faith and trust.htm

Carey's College
... night. He was now sixteen, and his father sought out a good man who would
receive him as apprentice to the shoemaking trade. The ...
/.../smith/the life of william carey/chapter i careys college.htm

Life of Bunyan
... and-toss"that one with the shaggy eyebrows, whose entire soul is ascending in the
twirling penny"grim enough to be the blacksmith's apprentice, but his ...
//christianbookshelf.org/hamilton/life of bunyan/life of bunyan.htm

The School of Obedience
... It is simply what is true of every scholar with the art he studies, of every apprentice
with his trade, of every man in business doing is the one condition of ...
/.../murray/the school of obedience/vii the school of obedience.htm

Useful Phrases
... apposite illustration. appreciable relief. appreciative fervor. apprehensive dread.
apprentice touch. appropriate designation. approving smile. approximately correct ...
/.../kleiser/fifteen thousand useful phrases/section i useful phrases.htm

Hymns of Christian Devotion and Experience.
... He was left an orphan in boyhood by the death of his father, and as his mother's
means were limited, he was put to work as an apprentice when very young, at ...
/.../brown/the story of the hymns and tunes/chapter iii hymns of christian.htm

Gehazi
... Be more than servant, more than clerk, more than a "hand," an apprentice, a journeyman;
be a soul, an influence, a link with higher things, a reminder of God ...
//christianbookshelf.org/milligan/men of the bible some lesser-known/gehazi.htm

Zealous of Good Works
... A second great element of zeal in work is delight in it. An apprentice
or a student mostly begins his work under a sense of duty. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/murray/working for god/xxi zealous of good works.htm

Barriers Broken Down
... You want your boy to be a scholar. Then you send him to school. You want your girl
to learn a certain trade. You put her apprentice to it, do you not? ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/barriers broken down.htm

Life at Herrnhut.
... If a man desired to build a house; if a trader desired to change his calling; if
an apprentice desired to leave his master; if a visitor desired to stay the ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter iv life at herrnhut.htm

Apprentice (1 Occurrence)
... of instruction in a trade or business. Multi-Version Concordance Apprentice
(1 Occurrence). Ezekiel 27:23 Haran and Canneh and Eden ...
/a/apprentice.htm - 7k

Bind (68 Occurrences)
... 10. (vt) To place under legal obligation to serve; to indenture; as, to bind an
apprentice; -- sometimes with out; as, bound out to service. 11. ...
/b/bind.htm - 32k

Chilmad (1 Occurrence)
... copula "and" has caused others to further modify the vocalization, and by reading
kelimmudh instead of Chilmad, the sense "Asshur was as the apprentice of thy ...
/c/chilmad.htm - 8k

Apprehensive (2 Occurrences)

/a/apprehensive.htm - 7k

Apprise (3 Occurrences)

/a/apprise.htm - 7k

Article (17 Occurrences)
... (n.) To accuse or charge by an exhibition of articles. 11. (n.) To bind by articles
of covenant or stipulation; as, to article an apprentice to a mechanic. 12. ...
/a/article.htm - 13k

Ministry (44 Occurrences)
... the Twelve, "whom also he named apostles" (Mark 3:14, the Revised Version margin),
to be trained by personal fellowship with Him and by apprentice mission work ...
/m/ministry.htm - 51k

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Apprentice: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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