Jump to: ATS • ISBE • Easton's • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia The term "schoolmaster" is primarily associated with the Apostle Paul's writings in the New Testament, specifically in his epistle to the Galatians. The Greek word used is "paidagogos," which is often translated as "tutor" or "guardian" in modern translations. In the context of the ancient Greco-Roman world, a "paidagogos" was a servant or slave responsible for overseeing the education and moral development of a child, particularly in affluent families. This role was not that of a teacher in the modern sense but rather a guide or custodian who led the child to the place of learning and ensured their proper conduct.Biblical Context In Galatians 3:24-25 , Paul writes, "So the law became our guardian to lead us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian." Here, the "schoolmaster" or "guardian" is a metaphor for the Mosaic Law. Paul uses this analogy to explain the purpose of the Law in God's redemptive plan. The Law served as a temporary custodian, guiding and preparing God's people for the coming of Christ. It highlighted humanity's sinfulness and the need for a Savior, thus leading them to Christ, who offers justification through faith. Theological Significance The use of "schoolmaster" in this passage underscores the transitional nature of the Law. It was never intended to be the final means of salvation but rather a preparatory stage. The Law's role was to reveal sin and point towards the necessity of faith in Jesus Christ for true righteousness. This understanding aligns with the broader Pauline theology that emphasizes salvation by grace through faith, apart from works of the Law (Ephesians 2:8-9). Historical and Cultural Background In the first-century Greco-Roman context, the "paidagogos" was a familiar figure. This cultural backdrop would have made Paul's metaphor particularly resonant with his audience. The "paidagogos" was often strict and disciplinarian, reflecting the Law's function of highlighting transgressions and enforcing moral discipline. However, once the child reached maturity, the role of the "paidagogos" was no longer necessary, paralleling the believer's transition from the Law to faith in Christ. Implications for Christian Life Understanding the Law as a "schoolmaster" has practical implications for Christian living. It affirms the value of the Old Testament Law in revealing God's holiness and human sinfulness while also emphasizing the freedom and maturity found in Christ. Believers are called to live not under the constraints of the Law but in the liberty of the Spirit, producing the fruit of righteousness through faith (Galatians 5:22-23). Conclusion The concept of the "schoolmaster" in Galatians serves as a powerful illustration of the Law's purpose and its fulfillment in Christ. It highlights the transition from the old covenant to the new, from law to grace, and from bondage to freedom in the life of a believer. ATS Bible Dictionary Schoolmaster1 Corinthians 4:15 Galatians 3:24,25, in Greek Paidagogos; a sort of attendant who took the charge of young children, taught them the rudiments of knowledge, and at a suitable age conducted them to and from school. Thus the law was the pedagogue of the nation, and a length conducting them through its types and prophecies to Christ. When a Jew came to a believing knowledge of Christ, this office of the law ceased. Little is known respecting the schools of the Jews, nor when and how far they took the place of domestic instruction, De 6:7-9 11:18-20. It is probable that elementary education was under the charge of the minister of religion, as well as the instruction of those of riper years. At the time of Christ, it would appear that the Jews in general were able at least to read and write. Easton's Bible Dictionary The law so designated by Paul (Galatians 3:24, 25). As so used, the word does not mean teacher, but pedagogue (shortened into the modern page), i.e., one who was intrusted with the supervision of a family, taking them to and from the school, being responsible for their safety and manners. Hence the pedagogue was stern and severe in his discipline. Thus the law was a pedagogue to the Jews, with a view to Christ, i.e., to prepare for faith in Christ by producing convictions of guilt and helplessness. The office of the pedagogue ceased when "faith came", i.e., the object of that faith, the seed, which is Christ. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) The man who presides over and teaches a school; a male teacher of a school.2. (n.) One who, or that which, disciplines and directs. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia SCHOOLMASTERskool'-mas-ter: Galatians 3:24 the King James Version reads: "The law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster." "Schoolmaster" is a translation of paidagogos, literally, "child-leader." This paidagagos was not a teacher but a slave, to whom in wealthy families the general oversight of a boy was committed. It was his duty to accompany his charge to and from school, never to lose sight of him in public, to prevent association with objectionable companions, to inculcate moral lessons at every opportunity, etc. He was a familiar figure in the streets, and the (sour) "face of paidagogos" and "to follow one like a paidagogos" were proverbial expressions. Naturally, to the average boy the paidagogos must have represented the incorporation of everything objectionable. Hence, Paul's figure may be paraphrased: "The law was a paidagogos, necessary but irksome, to direct us until the time of Christ. Then was the time of our spiritual coming-of-age, so that the control of the paidagogos ceased." The word paidagogos was taken over into Aramaic at an early date, and Paul's language; which is hardly that of a mere adult observer, suggests that he had had personal experience with the institution. Wealthy and intensely orthodox Jewish parents living in a Gentile city may well have adopted such a precaution for the protection of their children. Greek 3807. paidagogos -- a trainer of boys, ie a tutor ... Word Origin from pais and ago Definition a trainer of boys, ie a tutor NASB Word Usage tutor (2), tutors (1). instructor, schoolmaster. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3807.htm - 7k Library How a Schoolmaster Became a God. How a Schoolmaster Thrust Him Out of the City. Now a Certain Jewish Schoolmaster Named Zachyas Heard Jesus Thus ... How Jesus was Treated by the Schoolmaster. To the Rev. A. Brandram Law and Grace. Utility of the Bondage of the Jews. There is one Thing at Least of which There is Never So Much as A.. ... To the Rev. A. Brandram The First Covenant Thesaurus Schoolmaster (3 Occurrences)... of a school. 2. (n.) One who, or that which, disciplines and directs. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. SCHOOLMASTER. skool'-mas-ter ... /s/schoolmaster.htm - 10k School (3 Occurrences) Outline (4 Occurrences) Ignorant (32 Occurrences) Tyranny (4 Occurrences) Real (26 Occurrences) Dull (16 Occurrences) School-master (2 Occurrences) Possess (193 Occurrences) Education (4 Occurrences) Resources What does the Bible say about legalism? How can a Christian avoid falling into the trap of legalism? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is pedagogy? | GotQuestions.org What is the Mosaic Covenant? | GotQuestions.org Schoolmaster: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Schoolmaster (3 Occurrences)Romans 2:20 Galatians 3:24 Galatians 3:25 Subtopics Related Terms |
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