852. Position of Teacher and Scholar

From: Manners and Customs of the Bible By: James M. Freeman

• 1 min. read • grade level: 11

Acts 22:3³I am verily a man which am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God, as ye all are this day. (Acts 22:3). Brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers.

In Jewish schools the master sat on a high chair, the elder pupils on a lower bench, and the youngest on the ground. The general custom at present in the East is for the teacher and pupils to sit upon the ground, and, according to Maimonides, this was once the ancient practice. The custom probably varied at different periods, but in either case the pupils were literally “at the feet” of their instructor. This is referred to in Luke 10:39³⁹And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word. (Luke 10:39), where we are told that Mary “sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word.”

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