Topical Encyclopedia
The term "unlearned" in the Bible often refers to individuals who lack formal education or training, particularly in religious or scriptural matters. This concept is significant in understanding the dynamics of early Christian communities and the spread of the Gospel.
Biblical References:1.
Acts 4:13 · "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." This passage highlights the astonishment of the Jewish leaders at the confidence and wisdom of Peter and John, despite their lack of formal education. Their boldness is attributed to their time spent with Jesus, emphasizing the transformative power of discipleship over formal learning.
2.
2 Peter 3:16 · "He writes this way in all his letters, speaking in them about such matters. Some parts of his letters are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction." Here, the term "ignorant" can be understood as "unlearned," referring to those who lack understanding and twist the Scriptures. This serves as a warning against misinterpretation and underscores the importance of sound teaching.
Theological Implications:The concept of being "unlearned" in the Bible does not necessarily carry a negative connotation. Instead, it often highlights the accessibility of the Gospel to all people, regardless of their educational background. The early Christian movement was marked by the involvement of individuals from diverse social and educational standings, demonstrating that the message of Christ transcends human qualifications.
Role in Early Christianity:The early church was composed of a wide range of individuals, including those who were considered unlearned by societal standards. The apostles themselves, many of whom were fishermen and tradesmen, were empowered by the Holy Spirit to preach and teach with authority. This phenomenon is a testament to the belief that divine wisdom and understanding are gifts from God, not limited to the educated elite.
Practical Application:For contemporary believers, the notion of being "unlearned" serves as a reminder that God equips those He calls, regardless of their educational background. It encourages humility and reliance on the Holy Spirit for understanding and teaching. It also challenges the church to be inclusive and supportive of all members, recognizing that spiritual insight and leadership can come from unexpected places.
Conclusion:The biblical perspective on the unlearned emphasizes the power of God to use anyone for His purposes, highlighting the importance of faith, obedience, and the transformative impact of a relationship with Christ.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
a.) Not learned; untaught; uneducated; ignorant; illiterate.
2. (a.) Not gained by study; not known.
3. (a.) Not exhibiting learning; as, unlearned verses.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
UNLEARNEDun-lur'-ned:Acts 4:13 for agrammatos, literally "illiterate." But nothing more than "lacking technical rabbinical instruction" seems to be meant (compareJohn 7:15).1 Corinthians 14:16, 23, 24 for idiotes, "private person," the Revised Version margin "he that is without gifts," correctly expresses the sense ("unbeliever" is hardly in point); also the King James Version,2 Timothy 2:232 Peter 3:16 (the Revised Version (British and American) "ignorant").
Greek
261. amathes --unlearned...unlearned. Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: amathes Phonetic Spelling:
(am-ath-ace') Short Definition:
unlearned, ignorant Definition:
unlearned...2399. idiotes -- a private or unskilled person
... ignorant, rude,unlearned. From idios; a private person, ie (by implication) an
ignoramus (compare "idiot") -- ignorant, rude,unlearned. see GREEK idios....
521. apaideutos -- uninstructed
...unlearned. From a (as a negative particle) and a derivative of paideuo; uninstructed,
ie (figuratively) stupid --unlearned. see GREEK a. see GREEK paideuo....
3516. nepios -- an infant, fig. a simple-minded or immature person
... person. Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: nepios Phonetic Spelling:
(nay'-pee-os) Short Definition: an infant, child,unlearned Definition:unlearned...
62. agrammatos -- without learning, unlettered
...unlearned. From a (as negative particle) and gramma; unlettered, ie Illiterate --
unlearned. see GREEK a. see GREEK gramma. (agrammatoi) -- 1 Occurrence....
Library
But they were Written byUnlearned and Ignorant Men...
... Book I. 58 But they were written byunlearned and ignorant men? But they
were written byunlearned and ignorant men, and should...
Petilianus Said: "If Paul Uttered These Words to theUnlearned and...
... Book II. Chapter 42. " 99. Petilianus said: "If Paul uttered these
words to theunlearned and to the? "99. Petilianus said...
For if He Answers, as one who isUnlearned and Ignorant of...
... Chapter VIII. For if he answers, as one who isunlearned and ignorant
of philosophy? For if he answers, as one who isunlearned...
The Disciples as Scribes.
... what is said in the Acts of the Apostles thus, "Now when they beheld the boldness
of Peter and John, and perceived that they wereunlearned and ignorant men...
But Now I Will Proceed with what I have Begun...
... if you know with whom it is. Said I not a little above, that we were in
search of it asunlearned men? But if from the very force...
Although, Even if There Went Before no Testimonies Concerning...
... seized, bound, scourged, smitten with the palms of the hand, reviled, crucified,
slain: His disciples, (whom He chose common men, andunlearned, and fishermen...
1 Cor. xiv. 20
... Ver.23. "If therefore the whole Church be assembled together, and all speak with
tongues, and there come in menunlearned or unbelieving, will they not say...
1 Cor. Ii. 1, 2
... Wherefore also in a former passage, shewing that it was His work which had been
done, His will that the word should be preached in anunlearned manner, he said...
Courage
... COURAGE. Chester Cathedral, 1871. Acts 4:13, 18-20. "Now when they saw the boldness
of Peter and John, and perceived that they wereunlearned and ignorant men...
Treatise on Good Works
... and daily hear many people, who think slightingly of my poverty, and say that I
write only little pamphlets and German sermons for theunlearned laity, this...
Thesaurus
Unlearned (7 Occurrences)... 2. (a.) Not gained by study; not known. 3. (a.) Not exhibiting learning; as,
unlearned verses. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia.
UNLEARNED.
...Unbelieving (22 Occurrences)
... 1 Corinthians 14:23 If therefore the whole assembly is assembled together and all
speak with other languages, andunlearned or unbelieving people come in, won...
Ignorance (27 Occurrences)
... Acts 17:23, the Revised Version (British and American) "in ignorance"; 1 Timothy
1:13); idiotes, translated "ignorant" (Acts 4:13), "unlearned" (1 Corinthians...
Understood (63 Occurrences)
... (WEY). Acts 4:13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and had perceived
that they wereunlearned and ignorant men, they marveled....
Understand (208 Occurrences)
... 1 Corinthians 14:16 Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that
occupieth the room of theunlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing...
Unlawlessness (1 Occurrence)
Unbelievers (9 Occurrences)
... 14:23 If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak
with tongues, and there come in those that areunlearned, or unbelievers...
Understandeth (24 Occurrences)
... 1 Corinthians 14:16 Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that
occupieth the room of theunlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing...
Unstable (8 Occurrences)
... 3:16 As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are
some things hard to be understood, which they that areunlearned and unstable...
Uneducated (1 Occurrence)
... Acts 4:13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and had perceived
that they wereunlearned and ignorant men, they marveled....
Resources
What is the doctrine of the perspicuity of Scripture? Is the Bible perspicuous? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is prophetic ministry? | GotQuestions.orgUnlearned: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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