The question of how well the disciples knew the scriptures is a complex one, and there isn't a single, definitive answer. It depends on which disciple you're talking about, and what aspect of "knowing the scriptures" you're focusing on. Here's a breakdown of different viewpoints and factors:
Arguments for Limited Scriptural Knowledge:
* Socioeconomic Background: Most of the disciples were Galilean fishermen or laborers. Formal education wasn't readily available to this class. Literacy rates were lower, and access to scrolls would have been limited.
* Oral Tradition Focused: Jewish tradition at the time relied heavily on oral transmission of knowledge. While they would have *heard* the scriptures read and discussed in synagogues, their knowledge might have been more based on memorization and storytelling rather than personal, in-depth study of written texts.
* Occasional Misunderstandings: The Gospels sometimes depict the disciples misunderstanding Jesus's teachings, even when those teachings are based on scriptural prophecies. This suggests a less-than-complete grasp of the prophetic connections. For example, they struggled to understand Jesus's predictions of his suffering and resurrection.
* Focus on Practical Life: Their daily lives revolved around fishing, farming, and trade. They likely dedicated less time to scriptural study compared to scribes, Pharisees, or temple priests.
Arguments for a Reasonable Level of Scriptural Familiarity:
* Synagogue Attendance: Regular attendance at the synagogue meant they would have been exposed to regular readings from the Torah and the Prophets. This provided a foundational understanding of Jewish history, law, and prophecy.
* Jewish Identity: As Jews, the scriptures were central to their identity and religious practices. Even without formal education, they would have been steeped in a culture where the scriptures were revered and frequently discussed.
* Jesus's Teachings: Jesus often interpreted and applied scripture in his teachings. He would have explained how the scriptures pointed to him, providing the disciples with a new understanding of familiar passages.
* Post-Resurrection Understanding: After the resurrection and the coming of the Holy Spirit, the disciples' understanding of the scriptures deepened significantly. They began to see how the entire Old Testament pointed to Christ, and they used scripture extensively in their preaching and teaching. (Luke 24:45 suggests Jesus "opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.")
* Peter's and John's Use of Scripture: In the book of Acts, Peter and John, among others, demonstrate a knowledge of scripture in their sermons and debates. While their interpretations might be Christ-centered and revolutionary, they show a familiarity with the texts.
* Matthew's Scriptural Emphasis: The Gospel of Matthew, traditionally attributed to the disciple Matthew, is filled with Old Testament references and fulfillments, suggesting that at least *some* disciples were keenly aware of the prophetic connections.
Nuances and Considerations:
* Different Disciples, Different Levels: It's likely that some disciples were more knowledgeable than others. Matthew, being a former tax collector, might have been more literate and educated than some of the fishermen.
* Progressive Understanding: Their understanding of scripture evolved over time, especially after being with Jesus and experiencing the resurrection. What they knew at the beginning of Jesus's ministry was likely different from what they knew at the end, and vastly different after Pentecost.
* Purpose of the Gospels: The Gospels aren't designed to give us a comprehensive biography of each disciple's scriptural knowledge. They focus on their relationship with Jesus and their role in establishing the early church.
* Inspiration: Ultimately, Christian theology holds that the Holy Spirit guided the disciples in their understanding and application of scripture, particularly in the writing of the New Testament.
Conclusion:
While the disciples likely weren't highly educated scriptural scholars in the traditional sense before following Jesus, they possessed a foundational understanding of Jewish scriptures and traditions. Their exposure to synagogue readings, cultural immersion in Jewish life, and, most importantly, their direct instruction and guidance from Jesus Christ, developed and deepened their understanding considerably. Further, after the resurrection of Jesus, their understanding of scripture was greatly enhanced. Their knowledge may not have been academic, but it was practical, transformative, and divinely inspired.