Some scholars suggest that certain verses in the Book of Acts indicate that the disciples of Jesus may not have been highly literate or formally educated.In [Acts 4:13](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/ACT.4.13) and [Acts 4:23](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/ACT.4.23), Peter and John are described as "unschooled" (**ἄγραμματοι**, *agrammatoi*) or "uneducated" (**ἰδιῶται**, *idiōtai*), indicating a lack of formal training. This suggests that they were not educated in advanced learning at Hebrew schools, such as under the mentorship of someone like Gamaliel, as Paul was (see [Acts 5:34-39](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/ACT.5.34-39); [Acts 22:3](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/ACT.22.3)). ## There is evidence that the Disciples were able to read and write > [!info] **Jewish Boys Grew Up Learning To Read** > ![[Jewish Boys Grew Up Learning To Read]] > > [!NOTE] **Literacy In The First Century Wasn't Rare.** > > ![[Literacy In The First Century Was Not Rare]] > > [!tip] **John Probably Wasn't Unschooled** > > ![[Socioeconomic Status Of John]] The question of whether the disciples of Jesus were illiterate has been a subject of debate among scholars. Some scholars argue that certain passages in the Book of Acts, such as [Acts 4:13](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/ACT.4.13) and [Acts 4:23](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/ACT.4.23), suggest that the disciples, particularly Peter and John, lacked formal education and were considered unschooled or uneducated. However, evidence contradicts this notion. Jewish boys in that time period received education that emphasized the understanding of laws and commandments from an early age, and parents played a crucial role in their education. Education was widespread during the Hellenistic and early Roman periods, with a high literacy rate, and elementary schools were open to both boys and girls. There are inscriptions and historical references that indicate a literate society, and prominent biblical figures exhibited literacy. John, often associated with being an illiterate fisherman, had a family that owned a boat and employed servants, suggesting relative wealth and success in the fishing business. Overall, the evidence suggests that while some disciples may not have received formal higher education, they were likely literate and had access to education and learning opportunities.