In biblical times, the concept of a tutor was closely associated with the role of a guardian or instructor, particularly in the context of educating and guiding young individuals. The term "tutor" as understood in the ancient world often encompassed responsibilities beyond mere academic instruction, extending to moral and spiritual guidance.

Biblical References

The Apostle Paul makes a notable reference to tutors in his epistle to the Galatians. In Galatians 4:1-2 , Paul writes, "What I am saying is that as long as the heir is a child, he is no different from a slave, although he is the owner of everything. He is subject to guardians and trustees until the date set by his father." Here, the term "guardians" is often understood to include tutors, who were responsible for overseeing the upbringing and education of the child until they reached maturity.

In the Greco-Roman world, a tutor, or "pedagogue," was typically a trusted servant or slave who was charged with the care and instruction of a child. This role was not limited to academic teaching but also included the impartation of moral values and social etiquette. The tutor was expected to guide the child in all aspects of life, preparing them for their future roles and responsibilities.

Spiritual Implications

The role of a tutor in biblical times can be seen as a metaphor for spiritual guidance and discipleship. Just as a tutor was responsible for the comprehensive development of a child, spiritual leaders and mentors in the Christian faith are tasked with nurturing the spiritual growth of believers. This includes teaching sound doctrine, modeling Christ-like behavior, and providing counsel and correction when necessary.

In the broader biblical narrative, the concept of tutelage can also be related to the law as a guardian for God's people. Paul elaborates on this in Galatians 3:24-25 , stating, "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 law is depicted as a tutor that guides individuals to an understanding of their need for Christ, after which they are no longer under its supervision.

Practical Application

In contemporary Christian education and discipleship, the principles of tutelage remain relevant. Parents, pastors, and teachers are called to be tutors in the faith, guiding the young and new believers in their spiritual journey. This involves teaching biblical truths, encouraging personal devotion, and fostering a community where individuals can grow in their relationship with God.

The biblical model of a tutor emphasizes the importance of holistic development—intellectual, moral, and spiritual. It underscores the responsibility of those in teaching and mentoring roles to provide comprehensive guidance that prepares individuals for a life of faith and service.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

Statutes and Regulations of Serampore College
... 5. The management of the College, including its revenues and property, the choice
of Professor and Tutors, the admission of Students, the appointment of all ...
/.../smith/the life of william carey/ii statutes and regulations of serampore.htm

Appendix
... 3. And We do hereby ordain, grant and declare that the number of Professors, Fellows
or Student Tutors and Students, shall be indefinite and that the said ...
//christianbookshelf.org/smith/the life of william carey/appendix.htm

God's Offspring
... you heard read just now, 'that the heir, as long as he is a child, differs nothing
from a servant, though he be lord of all; but is under tutors and governors ...
/.../kingsley/sermons for the times/sermon xvi gods offspring.htm

the Nature of this Oversight
... If God must be searched after, in our search of the creature, (and we must affect
no separated knowledge of them) then tutors must read God to their pupils in ...
//christianbookshelf.org/baxter/the reformed pastor/section 1 the nature.htm

1 Cor. Iv. 10
... Ver.15. [4.] "For though," saith he, "ye have ten thousand tutors in Christ, yet
have ye not many fathers." He is not here setting forth his dignity, but the ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xiii 1 cor iv.htm

Luther -- the Method and Fruits of Justification
... Now I say, that the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant,
though he be Lord of all; but is under tutors and governors until the ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons volume i/luther the method and.htm

The Feeblest Essay in the Volume is the First. ...
... Gift of the Spirit. The world was once a child under tutors and governors
until the time appointed by the Father. Then, when the ...
/.../burgon/inspiration and interpretation/i the feeblest essay in.htm

Adoption --The Spirit and the Cry
... "Because ye are sons," means,"because the time appointed of the Father is come,
and you are of age, and no longer under tutors and governors. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 24 1878/adoptionthe spirit and the cry.htm

Preface.
... we confess, with deep regret, that there are many thoughtless tutors who seemingly
ignore the grave responsibility of their charge, and unwarrantably parade ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sainte-foi/serious hours of a young lady/preface.htm

Scientific Education: Notes of an After-Dinner Speech.
... Nay, I hear that some colleges have even gone so far as to appoint one, or, may
be, two special tutors for the purpose of putting the facts and principles of ...
/.../huxley/lay sermons addresses and reviews/iv scientific education notes of.htm

Tutors (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Tutors (2 Occurrences). 1 Corinthians 4:15 For though
you have ten thousand tutors in Christ, yet not many fathers. ...
/t/tutors.htm - 6k

Guardians (5 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Guardians (5 Occurrences). 1 Corinthians 4:15 For though
you have ten thousand tutors in Christ, yet not many fathers. ...
/g/guardians.htm - 8k

Guides (24 Occurrences)
... with him. (See NAS RSV). 1 Corinthians 4:15 For though you have ten thousand
tutors in Christ, yet not many fathers. For in Christ ...
/g/guides.htm - 13k

Governors (43 Occurrences)
... (WEB WEY ASV DBY YLT NAS RSV NIV). Galatians 4:2 But is under tutors and
governors until the time appointed of the father. (KJV WBS). ...
/g/governors.htm - 21k

Faculty (1 Occurrence)
... to whom are entrusted the government and instruction of a college or university,
or of one of its departments; the president, professors, and tutors in a ...
/f/faculty.htm - 8k

Tutored (1 Occurrence)

/t/tutored.htm - 6k

Tutor-slave (2 Occurrences)
Tutor-slave. Tutors, Tutor-slave. Twain . Multi-Version Concordance Tutor-slave
(2 Occurrences). ... (WEY). Tutors, Tutor-slave. Twain . Reference Bible.
/t/tutor-slave.htm - 6k

Begat (112 Occurrences)
... 1 Corinthians 4:15 For though ye have ten thousand tutors in Christ, yet 'have ye'
not many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I begat you through the gospel. (ASV). ...
/b/begat.htm - 31k

Children
... with her mother until her marriage. In wealthier families tutors were employed
(1 Chronicles 27:32). Schools for children are first ...
/c/children.htm - 62k

Nero
... His aunt, Domitia Lepida, now undertook the care of the boy and placed
him with two tutors, a dancer and a barber (Suetonius vi). ...
/n/nero.htm - 41k

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