Lexical Summary agrammatos: Unlettered, illiterate, uneducated Original Word: ἀγράμματος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance unlearned. From a (as negative particle) and gramma; unlettered, i.e. Illiterate -- unlearned. see GREEK a see GREEK gramma NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom alpha (as a neg. prefix) and graphó Definition without learning, unlettered NASB Translation uneducated (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 62: ἀγράμματοςἀγράμματος, (γράμμα), illiterate, without learning: Acts 4:13 (i. e. unversed in the learning of the Jewish schools; cf. John 7:15 γράμματα μή μεμαθηκώς). Topical Lexicon Scriptural SettingThe term appears once in the New Testament: “When they saw the boldness of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they marveled and took note that these men had been with Jesus” (Acts 4:13). The Sanhedrin expected authoritative teachers to be formally trained in the rabbinic schools that surrounded the Temple precincts. Discovering that the apostles had no such schooling heightened the leaders’ astonishment at their courage, clarity, and grasp of Scripture. Sociocultural Background First-century Judaism prized literacy for reading the Law, yet advanced study was generally confined to a minority—scribes, Pharisees, and priests. Formal training included memorization of Torah, mastery of oral traditions, and dialectical debate. Those outside these circles were labeled “unlettered.” Luke’s use of the word therefore underscores a social divide between institutional scholars and common laborers such as fishermen from Galilee. Greco-Roman society held a parallel distinction between rhetorically trained elites and the “private individual” (idiōtēs). Luke combines the two notions (Acts 4:13) to show that Peter and John possessed neither academic credentials nor civic standing. Theological Implications 1. Divine initiative. Acts 4:13 echoes a recurring biblical pattern in which God chooses instruments the world deems insignificant—Moses the shepherd (Exodus 3), David the youngest son (1 Samuel 16), Amos the herdsman (Amos 7:14-15), and later the apostles themselves. 2. Power of the Holy Spirit. The leaders “marveled” not at erudition but at Spirit-empowered boldness (Acts 4:8, 31). The event illustrates Jesus’ promise: “the Holy Spirit will teach you at that moment what you should say” (Luke 12:12). 3. Authenticity of witness. Their perceived lack of schooling heightened the credibility of their testimony to the Resurrection; they clearly had no political or academic platform to protect. 4. Unity of Scripture. The episode anticipates Paul’s teaching: “God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise” (1 Corinthians 1:27). The canon consistently affirms that saving knowledge comes from revelation, not human achievement. Ministry Applications • Lay participation. The passage legitimizes vibrant witness and teaching by believers without formal theological degrees, encouraging the development of lay ministries, house churches, and mission movements. • Humility for scholars. Academic study is valuable (Paul was rabbinically trained), yet Acts 4:13 reminds every teacher that spiritual authority rests on union with Christ, not credentials. • Discipleship focus. The council “took note that these men had been with Jesus.” Time spent in Christ’s presence—prayer, obedience, and fellowship—is the indispensable foundation for fruitful service. • Bold evangelism. The apostles spoke publicly despite threats (Acts 4:18-20). Modern believers, whatever their education, find precedent for courageous proclamation even under opposition. Connections within Scripture John 7:15—The Jews ask of Jesus, “How does this man know such teachings without having studied?” A similar astonishment greets One who lacked formal rabbinic training yet taught with authority, foreshadowing His disciples’ ministry. Luke 10:21—Jesus rejoices that the Father has “hidden these things from the wise and learned and revealed them to little children.” 2 Corinthians 3:5—“Not that we are competent in ourselves... but our competence comes from God.” James 1:5—Encouragement for believers to seek wisdom directly from God, who “gives generously to all without finding fault.” Historical Echoes in Church History • The early monastic movement drew illiterate peasants into lives of fervent prayer, producing missionary endeavors like those of Columba and Boniface. Practical Lessons for Today 1. Christlike character and Spirit-filled boldness outweigh academic pedigree. Acts 4:13 therefore stands as a perpetual reminder that God delights to display His wisdom through vessels the world regards as “unlettered,” magnifying His grace and ensuring that “the surpassing power is from God and not from us” (2 Corinthians 4:7). Forms and Transliterations αγραμματοι αγράμματοί ἀγράμματοί agrammatoi agrámmatoíLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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