September 26, 2019
Acts 18:23-28 (NIV)
After spending some time in Antioch, Paul set out from there and traveled from place to place throughout the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples.
Meanwhile a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was a learned man, with a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures. He had been instructed in the way of the Lord, and he spoke with great fervor and taught about Jesus accurately, though he knew only the baptism of John. He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately.
When Apollos wanted to go to Achaia, the brothers and sisters encouraged him and wrote to the disciples there to welcome him. When he arrived, he was a great help to those who by grace had believed. For he vigorously refuted his Jewish opponents in public debate, proving from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Messiah.
CONSIDER THIS
Apollos impressed people. He had a good resume.
- He was an Alexandrian Jew.
- He was a learned man
- He had a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures.
- He had been taught the “way of the Lord.”
- He spoke with great fervor and acclaim.
- He taught about Jesus accurately.
- He brought bold preaching to the synagogue.
He had one glaring liability. He only knew the baptism of John. My sense of the text is Apollos did not know or had not yet encountered the Holy Spirit.
If we are missing a living experience of the Holy Spirit, all the qualifications in the world will not matter. You can be impressive, a great “communicator,” a sought after speaker and still miss the mark. When you think about it, one through seven above are all qualities or qualifications within our own sphere of control. The Holy Spirit will be controlled by no one.
The good thing is we don’t have to choose one or the other. One through seven are important. The Holy Spirit is essential.
Thank God for the Priscillas and Aquillas who will quietly pull us aside, invite us into their home and explain the ways of God to us more adequately.
THE PRAYER
COME HOLY SPIRIT!
THE QUESTION
What is the nature or quality of your relationship with the Holy Spirit? Want to grow in a deeper way?
For the Awakening,
J.D. Walt
Sower-in-Chief
seedbed.com
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One Response
I’ve been reading this for about two years now. It is always very meaningful to me and I appreciate your perspective. I’m 64 years old and hope to be maturing in Christ. I’m also enjoying the ministry of Timothy Tennent who I met on this site. Thank you for all you have shared with us.