οἶκος; ancient greek word for house or household
What is in a name?
Well, a lot actually. Oikos is a Greek word that literally means a dwelling, specifically a house or home. The meaning can also refer to those living within a house: a household or family. Figuratively, it can mean a group of people: a spiritual house, community.
An example of each use:
Acts 2:46 Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house (oikos) to house (oikos), they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart,
Acts 16:31 They said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household (oikos).”
1 Timothy 3:15 … I write so that you will know how one ought to conduct himself in the household (oikos) of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth.
Thus, oikos is a fitting name for what we are seeking, which includes all three of these meanings. Our focus is on following Jesus in all of life. To do this we see oikos (homes) as key learning centers. And we understand that Biblical oikos (family) is a fundamental setting for living and growing as followers of Jesus. Finally, we seek to guide discipleship and Christian life in a way that builds up the oikos (church) of God. These things are what Oikos Bible Institute passionately desires to be about.
