Overview

Allen Hilton examines how pagan critics ridiculed the early Christians for being uneducated, and how a few literate Christians took up pen to defend the illiterate members of their churches. Hilton sheds light on the peculiarity of this “defense”, in which the authors openly admit that the critics have the facts on their side, noting that the Book of Acts even calls two of its heroes, Peter and John, illiterates. Why did the authors of these biblical texts, intent on presenting Christianity in a positive light, volunteer such a negative detail? The answer to this question reveals a fascinating social exchange that first surrounded education levels in antiquity, and proceeded to make its way into the New Testament. This volume provides context for pagan education as opposed to early Christian illiteracy – touching upon the methods of ancient learning and the relationship between Christian and pagan schools – and analyses the ‘uneducated virtue’ of the Apostles. Hilton provides a useful window onto the social construction of ancient education and ushers readers into the everyday experience of ancient Christians, and those who disdained and defended them.

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9780567692511

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Reviews

Hilton’s book is a concise and well-written study of early Christian apologetic litera-ture and Luke-Acts… this is a fine monograph worthy of the attention of scholars interested in ancient education and the social dynamics of early Christianity. * Catholic Biblical Quarterly *

Hilton's book is a concise and well-written study of early Christian apologetic litera-ture and Luke-Acts... this is a fine monograph worthy of the attention of scholars interested in ancient education and the social dynamics of early Christianity. * Catholic Biblical Quarterly *

Author Information

Allen R. Hilton, a former Assistant Professor of New Testament at Yale Divinity School, USA, now consults with seminaries, churches, and corporations on team building across lines of political difference.

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