# Not A Poor Fisherman John's familial background and personal profession provide interesting insight into his socioeconomic status. Contrary to a common assumption that he was a poor fisherman, evidence suggests that John's family was more economically stable. The Gospels inform us that John, along with his brother James, were partners with Simon Peter in a fishing business ([Luke 5:10](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/LUK.5.10)). Moreover, the family owned a boat ([Mark 1:20](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/MRK.1.20)), which was a substantial asset in the context of the 1st-century fishing industry. Notably, the family employed hired servants, as mentioned in [Mark 1:20](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/MRK.1.20), which further indicates their relative wealth. The fact that they were able to maintain employees suggests that their fishing business was large enough to require additional labor and profitable enough to sustain the costs. ## John's Literacy: Being an ex-fisherman does not preclude John from having literacy skills. It is plausible that John could have learned to read and write later in life. The Gospel of John demonstrates a deep understanding of Jewish scriptures, rituals, and societal structures, which implies a degree of education. Moreover, the fact that John was chosen as one of the twelve apostles suggests that he had a capacity for learning and leadership. In the diverse cultural landscape of 1st-century Palestine, where Greek, Aramaic, and Hebrew were used, there were opportunities for individuals like John to acquire literacy. Furthermore, the influence and resources of the early Christian community, which valued the written transmission of Jesus' teachings, could have provided additional motivation and support for John to learn to read and write. ## John's Access to Caiaphas Courtyard: John's access to Caiaphas' courtyard, as indicated in [John 18:15-16](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/JHN.18.15-16), provides an interesting glimpse into his social connections. Caiaphas was the high priest at the time, and his courtyard would have been a restricted area, not accessible to the general public. The fact that John had access suggests he had connections with influential people in Jerusalem's religious hierarchy. One possible explanation could be that John's family had connections in high places, perhaps as a result of their business ventures. It's also worth noting that religious leaders, like rabbis, sometimes engaged in trades or occupations. For example, the Apostle Paul, a Pharisee trained under the respected Rabbi Gamaliel, was known to be a tent-maker ([Acts 18:3](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/ACT.18.3)). This dual role of religious teacher and tradesman could provide opportunities for interaction and networking among different social classes. If John, or his family, had such connections, it would explain his access to Caiaphas' courtyard. This network could have also facilitated John's exposure to religious teachings and scriptures, further contributing to his literacy and education ([[Manning2020-el]]). John's background as a fisherman, often associated with modest means, is challenged by biblical references indicating his family's relative wealth, such as owning a boat and employing servants. John's literacy, while not common for fishermen, could have been acquired later in life, spurred by his apostolic role and the early Christian community's emphasis on written teachings. His socio-economic status and potential connections in Jerusalem's religious hierarchy, inferred from his access to the high priest Caiaphas' courtyard, could have also facilitated opportunities for education and networking. Even within religious circles, leaders often held trades, exemplified by Apostle Paul, which allowed interaction across social classes and could have influenced John's exposure to religious teachings.