School
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of School in the Bible?
In the first century, a school referred to a place of learning or a group of students and teachers, distinct from the specific historical figure Tyrannus who utilized a lecture hall for daily instruction as recorded in Acts 19:38.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing the function of ancient schools illuminates the social and educational frameworks of the New Testament, particularly regarding Paul's extended teaching period in Ephesus and the dissemination of early Christian thought.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to School. Examine how first-century or Near Eastern listeners understood this practice within their daily social dynamics.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention School in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does School clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned:
Acts 19:38
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"School." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/school/