‎[Greek] γυμνάζω (gymnazō), [Latin] exercere, [German] traineren, [French] pratiquer

‎[Greek] γυμνάζω (gymnazō), [Latin] exercere, [German] traineren, [French] pratiquer: to discipline oneself, to train, to exercise, to exercise naked; 1Tim. 4:7, Heb.5:14, Heb.12:11, 2Pet.2:14

“Bikini Girls”: A 4th century mosaic at Piazza Armerina, Sicily

Background Information:

Gymnasium:

1. The gymnasium in ancient Greece functioned as a training ground or facility for male competitors in public games.
2. Physical training and the maintenance of health and strength were part of the children’s education. This was also a place for socialization and intellectual pursuits.
3. Athletes competed nude, a practice which was said to encourage appreciation of the male body.
4. With the exception of Sparta, women’s work tasks sufficed for their “exercise”. Women were banned from attending the Olympics. Some scholars suggest that virgin girls could attend these events.

Female athletes:

1. After the classical period, attitudes toward female sport changed significantly.
2. It was until the early Roman period that women could compete in combat sports, track and field, and equestrian events.
3. Sparta developed its state program of physical education, exercise, dancing and running. The purpose of this system was to produce beautiful, fit and well-socialized brides and mothers who could produce offspring.
4. Women sponsored gymnasia and athletic events were created. The Roman emperors allowed female athletes to perform before the Roman audience.

New Testament: This term means to train and to exercise.

1. Paul presents the Christian as a runner who needs discipline in order to run the race (Christian life).
2. Under the influence of Hellenism, this term occurs in a figurative sense.
3. Training and discipline are needed to discern good (and bad), to develop devotion, and to develop righteousness.
4. The heart can also be trained (conditioned) by sin.
5. This term conveys the Greek Hellenistic idea of a sound body (and mind), harmony, and perfection.

Scripture:

“Their eyes are full of adultery and insatiable sin. They seduce unstable people, and their hearts are trained in greed.” 2Pet.2:14

False teachers denounced (2Pet.2:11-16):

1. They are bold and arrogant, not afraid to revile glorious beings.
2. They revile things that they do not understand. In their destruction they will also be destroyed.
3. They revel in their deceits while carousing with you.
4. Their eyes are full of adultery and insatiable for sin.
5. They seduce unstable people and their hearts are trained in greed.
6. They are abandoning the straight road, they have gone astray.

Heb.12:11: “At the time, all discipline seems a cause not for joy but for pain, yet later it brings the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who are trained for it.” (Discipline may cause discomfort at first. However, the end result will be worth it.)

1Tim.4:7: “Avoid profane and silly myths. Train yourself for devotion.” (Paul makes reference to the Christian as an athlete. Like the athlete, one must train in order to be fit for devotion.)

Conclusion:

Gym, gymnasium, gymnastics, exercise, train, training, practice

It was interesting to discover that this term is used in the physical, educational, and social formation of the young boy. “Well-rounded (-cyclo-) education” (-paedia) or “training in a circle” becomes the precursor to the modern word encyclopedia.

This term is used sparingly in a military context during the Old Testament culture. Paul presents the Christian as one who runs the race (Christian life). As with physical conditioning, one must also train and exercise one’s moral conditioning and character.

Update:  False teachers (Cardinals, bishops, and priests) who ACTIVELY and TACITLY fail to point out sin (and sinful behavior)==> let’s just say that this will NOT end well for them at the judgment before God!

Like the false teachers, the secular culture can also revile things they do not understand==>Christian values and morals.

The Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony coordinators and producers were trained in carrying out their agenda for all to see. “Go woke and go broke.” Do not be surprised if this Olympics loses money. They were inserting deities of debauchery at the Last Supper.

We have been getting several responses (reasons) and “non-apology” apologies from the Olympic Opening Ceremonies coordinators: “We didn’t mean to offend.” “We intended to offend.” “We just wanted to show inclusion.” “We have the right to do what we want.” “Art is meant to offend.”  “You all are playing the victim card.” “It’s not really the Last Supper.” (This illustrates the WIDE DIFFERENCE IN VALUES between Christian values and secular values.)

For those clergy who have been trained in giving weak or no responses: Don’t be surprised that they are fearful and afraid of being cancelled or being seen as criticizing the LGBTQ identity groups. We can only hope in the future that they will grow a spine in speaking out.   

This continues the pattern of the collision of cultures (between Christianity and the secular world): Los Angeles Dodgers Pride Event celebration, scandalous transgender funeral Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Fiducia Supplicans, drag queens at childrens’ events, Paris Olympics Opening Ceremonies, etc. (What will be the next scandalous event?)

It is interesting to note that the Greek term gymnos means naked, poorly clothed, and easily known. That’s the naked truth!