Topical Encyclopedia The apostles of Jesus Christ, particularly the original twelve, are often described as "unlearned" or "unschooled" men. This characterization is primarily derived from the account in the Book of Acts, where Peter and John are described as "unschooled, ordinary men" (Acts 4:13). This description highlights the remarkable nature of their ministry and the divine empowerment they received to spread the Gospel.Background and Occupations The apostles came from various backgrounds, with many of them engaged in humble professions. Peter, Andrew, James, and John were fishermen by trade (Matthew 4:18-22). Matthew was a tax collector (Matthew 9:9), a profession often despised by the Jewish community. The Gospels do not provide detailed educational backgrounds for the apostles, but their professions suggest they were not formally educated in the rabbinical schools of their time. Perception by Jewish Leaders The Jewish leaders, particularly the Sanhedrin, perceived the apostles as lacking formal education. In Acts 4:13, after Peter and John healed a lame man and boldly proclaimed the resurrection of Jesus, the Sanhedrin was astonished by their confidence and noted that they were "unschooled, ordinary men." This observation underscores the leaders' surprise at the apostles' ability to articulate profound theological truths and perform miracles, despite their lack of formal training. Divine Empowerment The apostles' effectiveness in ministry, despite their lack of formal education, is attributed to the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. Jesus promised His disciples that the Holy Spirit would teach them all things and remind them of everything He had said to them (John 14:26). This divine empowerment enabled them to preach with authority and perform signs and wonders, validating their message and mission. Wisdom and Understanding The apostles' wisdom and understanding were not derived from human institutions but from their close relationship with Jesus and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. In 1 Corinthians 1:27, Paul writes, "But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong" . This principle is evident in the lives of the apostles, who, despite their humble origins, were used mightily by God to establish the early Church. Impact on the Early Church The apostles' lack of formal education did not hinder their impact on the early Church. Instead, it served to magnify the power of God working through them. Their teachings, preserved in the New Testament, continue to be foundational for Christian doctrine and practice. The apostles' reliance on divine wisdom rather than human knowledge serves as a testament to the transformative power of the Gospel and the work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers. Conclusion The apostles' status as "unlearned men" highlights the extraordinary nature of their calling and mission. Their account is a powerful reminder that God often chooses the humble and the lowly to accomplish His purposes, demonstrating that true wisdom and understanding come from Him alone. Torrey's Topical Textbook Acts 4:13Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marveled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Apostles Chosen The Training of the Twelve 1 Cor. I. 10 The Disciples as Scribes. Objections to Genuineness. The Church Triumphant The Answer to the Effect that Bad Men Cannot Possess True ... Although, Even if There Went Before no Testimonies Concerning ... The Foundation of the Church among the Jews The Wisdom of God in the Means Used to Propagating the Gospel. Resources What is an apostle? | GotQuestions.orgIs apostolic succession biblical? | GotQuestions.org What is apostolic doctrine? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Apostles: A Title Distinguishing the Twelve Disciples Apostles: Authority of Commission of, Above Apostles: Duties of Commission of, Above, Apostles: Fail to Comprehend the Nature and Mission of Jesus Apostles: Miraculous Power Given To Apostles: Moral State of, Before Pentecost Apostles: Slow to Receive Jesus, As Messiah The Apostles were Hated by the World The Apostles were not of the World The Apostles were Unlearned Men The Apostles: Called by Christ The Apostles: Called by The Holy Spirit The Apostles: Christ Always Present With The Apostles: Christ Pre-Eminently Called "The Apostle" The Apostles: Empowered to Work Miracles The Apostles: Equal Authority Given to Each of The Apostles: Guided by the Spirit Into all Truth The Apostles: Humility Urged Upon The Apostles: Instructed by the Spirit to Answer Adversaries The Apostles: Mutual Love Urged Upon The Apostles: Ordained by Christ The Apostles: Persecutions and Sufferings of The Apostles: Received Their Title from Christ The Apostles: Saw Christ in the Flesh The Apostles: Selected from Obscure Stations The Apostles: Self-Denial Urged Upon The Apostles: Sent First to the House of Israel The Apostles: Sent to Preach the Gospel to all Nations The Apostles: Specially Devoted to the office of the Ministry The Apostles: The Holy Spirit Given To The Apostles: Warned Against a Timid Profession of Christ The Apostles: Witnesses of the Resurrection and Ascension of Christ Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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