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1. Paul in Anatolia - Apollos in Ephesus and Corinth (Acts 18: 23-28)
ACTS 18:23-28
23 Having spent some time there, he departed, and went through the region of Galatia, and Phrygia, in order, establishing all the disciples. 24 Now a certain Jew named Apollos, an Alexandrian by race, an eloquent man, came to Ephesus. He was mighty in the Scriptures. 25 This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, although he knew only the baptism of John. 26 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. 27 When he had determined to pass over into Achaia, the brothers encouraged him, and wrote to the disciples to receive him. When he had come, he greatly helped those who had believed through grace; 28 for he powerfully refuted the Jews, publicly showing by the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ.
Paul was like a father, who had begotten many children of the Spirit in numerous cities. He longed for them, and wished to see them going on in the faith. He did not rest long in Antioch, but was again soon on his way, crossing thousands of kilometers on foot over mountains and plains. He crossed dangerous rivers and knew what it was to be thirsty in the deserts. His heart drove him onward, to follow up the converts, to strengthen and enlighten them. He longed for them to become a light in the darkness by way of their practical love and abundant faith. Paul did not only go to the established churches, to humbly and reverently share in the rites of faith and communion with them. He also looked for individuals and those who were isolated, for all believers belong to one body, and none of them is better than the other.
Before he arrived in Ephesus, Apollos, a teacher who had believed in Jesus, appeared suddenly. He came neither from Jerusalem, nor from Antioch, but from Alexandria. This big city, situated on the Mediterranean Sea, was the second great city of its day, after Rome. It was a cultural center for Greek philosophy, better known at that time than Athens. In Alexandria, Philo, the famous philosopher, had endeavored to unify Greek culture with the wisdom of the Old Testament. It is probable that Apollos had acquired his knowledge through reading books, for he was an eloquent, fluent speaker, and had a thorough knowledge of the Holy Scriptures.
Apollos did not know the truth of the Holy Spirit´s indwelling his heart, but followed the way of John the Baptist. He had been baptized with water, repented of his sins, and was expecting the coming of Christ. He might have encountered Christians in Alexandria or in Jerusalem, and possibly heard from them that Jesus of Nazareth was the true Christ. Apollos penetrated deeply into the books of the Old Testament, and recognized in the person and works of Jesus the wonderful fulfillment of the Old Testament Messianic prophecies. He accepted His death on the cross, His resurrection from the tomb, and His ascension to heaven. He was expecting His coming again to set up His kingdom of peace on earth. Apollos had preached these Christians truths with enthusiasm, fervor and eloquence, even though he had not known the heart of salvation, nor had the Holy Spirit taken up residence in him. Despite this fact, the Spirit of the Lord had worked through him, just as he had worked in the prophets of the Old Testament. He was filled with the heart of John the Baptist. He had not yet been, however, born again of the Spirit and water.
When Aquila and Priscilla heard this young man preaching Jesus, speaking in the Synagogue of the Jews, their hearts were gladdened, for the Christian testimony was being strengthened. However, they soon found that this eloquent man, who spoke correct words in a wonderful style, was defective in his knowledge of Christianity. He had become a philosopher who believed in Christ, but was not a son of God filled with the Holy Spirit. So the two uneducated artisans invited the eloquent speaker to their house, and there taught him the facts of salvation more perfectly.
In these lessons we find four great facts:
First, Apollos, the bright young man of great intellect and learning, was humble, and glad to receive instruction from poor tentmakers.
Second, it appeared that simple ones, yet wise regarding the anointing of the Holy Spirit, could speak with more wisdom than the learned philosopher, who had believed in Jesus, but knew nothing of the Holy Spirit.
Third, Priscilla, the woman, was the primary speaker and impetus in this encounter, as her name is always mentioned first from now on. Indication is that a faithful woman can give a clear, effectual testimony.
Fourth, it is most probable that Apollos received the power of the Holy Spirit through these two tentmakers, as Paul himself had received the Spirit through a simple believer, Ananias, at Damascus. The Lord often uses those who are small and obedient to nullify those who are great and talented. Blessed is the church whose members are simple and faithful, who do not criticize the speaker before the hearers, or speak disparagingly of him to others, but invite him to their house to explain to him more correctly the truth of the Holy Spirit. From this conversation, between the two tentmakers and Apollos, it appears that Paul had taught his employers well during their time of handiwork together. They could pour more wisdom into Apollos than all books of philosophy ever could. Faith in the Holy Spirit is more powerful than all mind knowledge or burning enthusiasm.
We read that there were also many other brothers in Ephesus. It appears that Paul’s short service in Ephesus and Priscilla’s watering of the soil through her preaching had produced the start of the church there. It became well known to the other churches surrounding it on the Mediterranean Sea.
The brothers at Ephesus sent a letter of recommendation for Apollos to the church at Corinth, in order that they might receive him who, although dressed as a philosopher, had believed in Jesus, and who was able to prove from the Old Testament Scriptures that Jesus is the living Lord and Christ. Apollos did not leave Ephesus as he had entered it, relying on his mind and trusting in his repentance. He now built his preaching on grace alone. In Corinth he proved by this divine grace that Christ is the Savior, the Deliverer, the Mighty, Triumphant One. With his eloquence and learning Apollos could overcome the Jews, and many believed through him, coming to regard him as their spiritual father (1 Corinthians 1:12). At the same time, this preacher was a discomfort for the believers, for he did not officially join the group of churches connected with Jerusalem and Antioch, but remained separate. In spite of that, Paul considered him a brother in Christ, and accepted the gifts of Christ in him to strengthen the churches. So, dear brother, do not reject strange speakers and upright witnesses to Christ from other churches. Let them serve your group, so that you may be made complete in Christ’s perfection. Regarding those causing heresies in doctrine and division, however, you are commanded to not admit them into your fellowship.
PRAYER: We thank You, Lord, for You called ignorant believers to testify. We magnify You, because You directed one educated, yet repentant, to receive guidance from the simple, who went on to the fullness of Your grace. Give us courage, humility, and cooperation, so that we may perceive our church’s need of perfection, drawing from the help of faithful brethren from other churches.
QUESTION:
- What were the four great facts brought out by the meeting between Apollos and the laboring couple?