John 7:15

How knoweth this man letters?

Jesus had never studied in the great Jewish schools of theology. In the preceding generation Hillel had presided over the school or university in which all who became doctors of the law were expected to take their course. At this time Gamaliel,. disciple of Hillel, had succeeded him in the supervision of this renowned school. Here "letters," the written law, and the unwritten interpretations and traditions, were made the subjects of study. No person was expected to become. rabbin,. public teacher of the synagogue or temple, until he had passed regularly through such. course. Yet Jesus, who had never learned of any of the doctors, never attended any of the rabbinical schools, now stood forth publicly in the temple as. teacher of religion. The Jews "marvelled" at this, but their question implies more. They question the right of one who had not. Doctor's diploma to appear thus as. public teacher.