[Greek] ἰδιώτης (idiōtēs), [Latin] idiota: private individual, layman, simpleton, rustic, bumpkin, outsider, alien, outsider, unskilled person, simple person, commoner; Act.4:13, 2Cor.11:6, 1Cor.14:16, 1Cor. 14:23-24
Ancient Greek farmers (idiotai) living a simple life
Background Information:
Greco-Roman culture: This term means a private individual, laymen, unlearned person, outsider and alien. Interestingly, this meaning never takes on the sense of ignorance or stupidity. Instead, only a subtle stigma is attached to this person. Participation in the local community and government was viewed as a highly favored value for the individual. Those, who shunned participation in the community and who kept to themselves, were deemed unfit for office. These people were viewed as not having the “brains” to carry out this function.
Old Testament: This term has the sense of private citizen, layman, and common man. Upon considering being King Saul’s son-in-law, David mentioned he was a poor and insignificant man (1 Sam.18:23). As Moses was the meekest man on earth, God chose to speak to him. God speaks plainly and not in riddles to Moses (Num.12:8).
New Testament: This term takes on the general sense of being uneducated or lacking something. The disciples are seen as simple and uneducated followers. Paul acknowledges that he does not have the skills of eloquent speaking. Reference is made to those who do not have the gifts of tongues and the gifts of interpreting tongues.
Scripture:
“Observing the boldness of Pete and John and perceiving them to be uneducated, ordinary men, they were amazed, and they recognized them as the companions of Jesus.” Act.4:13
The Sanhedrin, recognized that Peter, a simple fisherman, performed this act. This was why they were amazed.
“Otherwise, if you pronounce a blessing with the Spirit, how shall one who holds the place of the uninstructed say the “Amen” to your thanksgiving, since he does not know what you are saying?” 1 Cor.14:16
These uninstructed people are the uninitiated inquirers or catechumen. They lacked this knowledge.
“Even if I am untrained in speaking, I am not so in knowledge; in every way we have made this plain to you in all things.” 2 Cor.11:6
Paul acknowledges that he is deficient in rhetorical abilities. However, God has revealed the truth to Paul.
Conclusion:
Idiot, idiocy
It was interesting to discover that this term did not originally have the meaning of a fool or imbecile. This person was essentially a simple private laymen. The Roman-Greco value of participation in community affairs/government had defined this private person in a negative way.
Interestingly, this Greco-Roman belief system really was not a hindrance to the growth of Christianity. In fact, Jesus welcomed and identified with the simple person/layman. The disciples are such examples. It was then over time, that this term took on its very negative sense.