Jesus did not oppose education. The highest culture, if sanctified by the love and fear of God, receives his approbation. An objection is sometimes brought against education because Jesus chose ignorant fishermen for his disciples. But these men were subject to his refining influence for three years, and the Saviour was the most perfect educator the world has ever known. The Prince of Life did not choose the learned lawyers, the scribes and elders, for his disciples, because they would not follow him. Therefore he chose the humble peasants for his helpers. The rich and educated among the Jews were exalted by their own worldly wisdom and self-righteousness, and felt all-sufficient in themselves, realizing no special need of a Redeemer. Their characters were fixed, and they would not receive the teachings of Christ. But the humble fishermen were rejoiced to be connected with the Saviour, and become co-laborers with him. {2SP 186.1}

Jesus havde ikke noget imod lærdom. Den ypperligste dannelse er behagelig for ham, når den bliver helliget ved gudsfrygt og kærlighed. Man fremfører undertiden som en indvending mod læren, at Jesus valgte uvidne fiskere til sine disciple. Men disse mennesker var under hans forædlende indflydelse i tre år, og Frelseren var den fuldkomneste lærer, som verden nogensinde har kendt. Livets fyrste valgte ikke de lærde lovkyndige, skriftkloge og farisæer til sine disciple; thi de ville ikke følge ham. Men han valgte ydmyge mennesker, som var i en ringe stilling i livet. De rige og lærde blandt jøderne var ophøjede i deres egne tanker på grund af deres verdslige visdom og egenretfærdighed. De stolede på sig selv og følte ingen trang til en forløser. Deres tanker var allerede fuldt udviklet, og de ville ikke antage Kristi lære. Men de ydmyge fiskere glædede sig ved at komme i forening med Frelseren og blive hans medarbejdere.