Scripture:
Acts 18:26
He began to speak boldly in the synagogue, but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him and explained to him the way of God more accurately.
Observation:
Apollos was a passionate and gifted preacher. He was effective and spoke the truths of Jesus accurately. However he was not in total understanding of the Spirit. So Priscilla and Aquila took him aside privately and shared with him the truth of the the baptism of the Spirit (indwelling) instead of the baptism of John. (repentance). He received it and was better for it.
Application:
Couple things…
Apollos was teachable even though he was an effective communicator. Many preachers get stuck in their ways and in their grasp on theology that they are closed off to correction or suggested alterations.
Priscilla and Aquila handled this right. They took him aside, identified themselves as followers of Christ and presented information and doctrine he was unfamiliar with. We know that historically, Apollos responded and becomes an integral part of the church’s growth and leadership.
Preachers need to be humble and teachable and mature listeners must be humble and caring. If these factors were not in play, this could have gone down quite differently.
Prayer:
Father keep me humble and teachable. May your truth be my pursuit. May I keep growing as a leader and preacher for the ultimate goal of kingdom expansion.