By the mid-third century, have clear evidence that a Christian teacher like Origen could offer a complete philosophical education, which paralleled that which was offered in schools all over the Graeco-Roman world. Teaching and learning were characteristic of Christianity from the beginning. It is plausible to suggest that some early Christian communities were modelled largely on the Jewish synagogue, an organisation that had both religious and 'school'-like properties. Teachers, as well as prophets, have a prominent role in texts coming from the earliest churches, and a teaching function is assumed for bishops. Origen's love of philosophy, together with his conviction that philosophy was the foundation of true piety towards God, was what persuaded Theodore to stay in Caesarea and give up his homeland and friends, as well as his intended career. The contribution of Origen was to stimulate the development of a genuine intellectual tradition within Christianity. Scripture became the crown of his Christian paideia.