Journal Acts 18 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation and notes are mine)
Scripture: Now a Jew named Apollos (a native of Alexandria (Egypt)) came to Ephesus.
He was an eloquent man, competent in the Scriptures. He had been instructed in the way of the Lord.
And being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus—though he only knew the baptism of John.
He began to speak boldly in the synagogue, but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately.
And when he wished to cross to Achaia, the brothers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples to welcome him. When he arrived, he greatly helped those who through grace had believed, for he powerfully refuted the Jews in public showing by the Scriptures that the Christ was Jesus. (Acts 18:24-28)
Observation: Are there guys like Apollos in our midst today?
Much more importantly, are there couples like Priscilla and Aquila?
Application: Knowing and doing; education and action; knowledge and application. Where is the place in the local church for theological expertise?
Apollos arrives from Egypt to Ephesus and goes to the local synagogue. He displays obvious competence in the Scriptures and accurately teaches about Jesus and the Way.
Even with this obvious competence, Apollos only comes from it knowing only the baptism of John—understood broadly as a baptism of repentance only.
Still, results are evident and measurable.
Priscilla and Aquila see this guy, perhaps they sit in the bleachers hearing him fervently preach, teach, and speak about Jesus and the Way. Still, something is off, not big, no great deviance, but off just the same. So, what do they do? And how does Apollos handle it?
It takes great composure to take someone who is speaking publicly with renown and results aside to say, “I have something you should add…” and then to explain themselves with humble authority. Perhaps the card added to Apollo’s deck was the Grace card.
It takes as much or more composure to receive such adjustments (correction is too blunt a word) with humility. Apollos did and increased in such competence that the report from Luke was, “…he greatly helped those who through grace had believed, for he powerfully refuted the Jews in public showing by the Scriptures that the Christ was Jesus…”
I don’t wonder if there are Apollos’ around, I wonder if there are Priscilla and Aquila around?
And the Apollo’s that are around, are they humble enough to sit receptively to hear others?
Prayer: Father, the tussle between knowing and doing is strong. To “do” well and with competence I think takes knowledge, mature knowledge—knowledge that is supported by experience. This sounds like I am reasoning in circles.
If there are Priscillas and Aquilas in the midst of this local church, thank you and reveal them if you will.
AMEN.
Ricky Two Shoes