Folia Theologica 18. (2007)
László Boda: Whether John the Baptist Could Have Been Educated at Qumran? - Johs and Bannus
58 L. BODA The high probability of entry and temporary residence If John joined the Essenians at his age of about 12 - this is an assumption based on probability -, it could already be influenced by his own decision as well. Probably, he was more mature as compared to his age, as was also Jesus who, at his age of 12, made his decision for the Heavenly Father. Presumably, John delivered his small legacy to the competent representative of the community, according to the rules specified. According to the rules of sect, young boys at least 10 year old could only gain admission to study5. Those admitted could be educated for further 10 years with the Essenians before their decision whether they want to stay with the community as ordinary members or leave. Aged 20, they had to decide with the possibility of one year term of probation6. Thus, before the age of twenty, there was no problem whether they take an oath on joining the Sons of Zadok and, in a wider sense, on becoming registered members of Society of Aaronians . According to the provisions of the rules of sect, the applicant accepted definitely "shall become registered in his age of twenty ... as a member of the holy community"7. On the other hand, the time of preparation and education clearly raises the problem of meeting the "supervisor of education", that is, how was a student judged by the Essenian supervisor who was charged by the community of sect with taking care of him and his student fellows8. Obviously, already in his youth during the study, John appeared to be a developing "charismatic personality". The judgement of character, faculties and talents, respectively was 5 The grades of adulthood in Qumran were: 10 - 20 - 30 years 6 Cf. the role: “as he (the candidate) 20 years old is, he shall join the “registered” persons but it is for them forbidden to sexual approach to a woman” (Rules of the Community in the last days). I QS a I. 9. 7 The self-nomination of the Qumran Community was also “Community of sanctity” or “Corporation of the sanctity”, (cf. Roles of Community VIII. 21.). - Important summaries of the Scrolls of Qumran: Cross: The Library of Qumran, 1961. VERMES, The Dead Sea Scrolls in English, 1962 8 Code of Damascus, CD XIV 9. The most items of information can be obtain in this document of the Essenian sect considering also thequestion of the registration of the “novices” and of the method of education.
