[Greek] σχολάζω (scholazō), [Latin] vacantem, [Latin] revertere: to be at leisure, to devote oneself to, to have leisure, to take a holiday, to be vacant (of a house), to give oneself to prayer, to cease from labor, to be free from labor, to be unoccupied, to stand empty, to give time; 1Cor.7:5, Mt.12:44, Lk. 11:25
In Ephesus, Paul begins teaching in Tyrannus Hall (Acts.19:8-10)
Background Information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means to have leisure, to learn, or to have spare time. Greek Hellenism was thought to have begun around 700 B.C. Reading and writing were considered very necessary cultural values and criteria needed for participating in the political democracy (government). Greek education was primarily available to the wealthy and privileged citizens in society. This spare time was devoted to attaining a well-rounded education in various disciplines (sciences, arts, and sports). This learning provided the basis for the modern concepts of education (elementary, secondary, and higher education).
Old Testament: Interestingly, there is no corresponding term for the Greek scholazo in the Hebrew language. In fact, the ideas of leisure and learning take on completely different meanings in the Old Testament culture. Leisure is negatively equated with idleness. Learning, which applies to all people, should be devoted to learning the Law. Teaching was highly valued in communicating the Law’s teachings. The Hebrew sense of being empty involved being poor, being diminished, being lacking, and being vain.
Biblical scholar Marvin Wilson: “The Greeks learned in order to comprehend, while the Hebrews learned in order to revere” This statement briefly summarized who the Greeks and Hebrews viewed learning.
New Testament: This term is primarily used in the sense of giving time (devoting to) and being empty. Paul is exhorting the married people in Corinth to make time for prayer in exercising self-control. Scripture makes mention of an empty or vacant home. This may also imply that the residents are away pursuing some leisurely activity. Interestingly, the Greek term schole refers to a place where people spent their leisure time in a lecture or discussion.
Schole: For three months Paul debated theological issues in the synagogue in Ephesus. The Jewish opposition forced Paul and his disciples out of the synagogue. Paul rented a lecture hall from Tyrannus, a fellow Christian follower and school teacher. The workers took a break (leisure time) during the hot hours of the afternoon. Paul taught in the hall of Tyrannus from 10:00am to 4:00pm. Work, starting in the early morning, was usually completed by noon. Acts. 19:8-10 makes reference to these events in scripture.
Scripture:
“Do not deprive each other, except perhaps by mutual consent for a time, to be free for prayer, but then return to one another, so that Satan may not tempt you through your lack of self-control.” 1 Cor.7:4
Paul challenges the married people in Corinth to make time for prayer in order to remain faithful and chaste in the marriage relationships.
“Then it says, ‘I will return to my home from which I came. But upon returning, it finds it empty, swept clean, and put in order.” Mt.12:44
This refers to an empty home. In an indirect way, this may refer to people out about pursing a leisure activity
Conclusion:
Scholar, scholarly, school, scholastic, vacant, revert
Although considered an enlightened culture, the Greeks were not able to provide the pursuit of learning and education available for everyone. Evidently, this society consisted of “haves” and “have- nots”. Learning is first associated with leisure. We all have much to be thankful for the Greeks’ contribution toward learning.
It was interesting to discover that the Old Testament had a completely different attitude toward leisure and free time. Perhaps, a simpler rural lifestyle and work ethic contributed to everyone learning basic occupations and interests. Any other free time was devoted to the scriptures (Old Testament) and the Law. Even the Hebrew notion of emptiness has a negative sense. These qualities include idleness, vanity, worthlessness, diminishment, and lacking.
It is also quite interesting how leisure became tied to education. However, it seems that this is not the case in recent times. Education, often hectic, stressful, and time-consuming, has become far more important than just a leisurely pursuit. And this is not just an idle thought!