Illiterate apostles: uneducated early Christians and the literates who loved them - volume 541

Pagan critics ridiculed the early Christians for being uneducated.

We know this, because a few Christians took up pen to defend the uneducated members of their churches.

Peculiarly, though, in their 'defense' these authors openly admit that the critics have the facts on their side.

The Book of Acts even calls two of its heroes, Peter and John, illiterates.

Why did these authors, intent on presenting Christianity in a positive light, volunteer such a negative detail?

The answer to this question reveals a fascinating social exchange that surrounded education levels in antiquity and made its way into the New Testament Book of Acts.