Origin of Schools by G. H. Baber

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 6, 1906

Origin of Schools

By G. H. Baber

DENOMINATIONAL, public, and private schools of to-day are made necessary by the failure of parents to do their whole duty by their children. We are not qualified to teach our children because our parents failed to teach us.

It is interesting to note that the word “school” is used but once in the entire Bible. It occurs in Acts 19:9, speaking of the work of one Tyrannus. This man was probably a liberal-minded teacher of Greek philosophy. He allowed Paul the privilege of disputing in his audience chamber “by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus.” The definition of this word “school,” the only one in all the Bible, is “loitering (as a withholding of one's self from work), or leisure, i. e. (by implication) a ‘school’ (as vacation from physical employment).” See Strong’s Greek Dictionary of the New Testament. It would appear that the greater part of our youth seem to be conscientiously impressed with the importance of being true to the Greek definition. But we need not wonder—like teacher, like pupil. Pagan seed has been sown, and we should not wonder that the harvest is pagan also. “The Greeks were the first to develop a science of education distinct from ecclesiastical training.” The question that concerns us is, Are we following the Greeks or the schools of the prophets?

While the word “school” is used but once in the Bible, the word “teach” abounds from Exodus to Revelation. The first use is in Ex. 4:12, where the Lord told Moses that he would be with his mouth and teach him what he should say. As the fulfilment of this promise was the secret of Moses’ success, even so it will be to-day with all who are taught of the Lord. May he be with the mouth of every teacher, and teach him what he should say. G. H. BABER.