April 4,
2016
Apollos “had been
instructed in the way of the Lord” (Acts 18:25). The words “the way” are often
employed in the book of Acts as being synonymous with the way of salvation
through Jesus Christ (Acts 9:2; 16:17; 19:9, 23; 24:14). Preparing “the way of
the Lord” was the teaching work of John the Immerser (Isa. 40:3; Matt. 3:3). By
whom Apollos was instructed in the way of the Lord we are not told. It is easy
to conclude that John the Baptist was his primary instructor. It seems,
however, that Apollos had a better knowledge of the gospel than John since the
latter preached him as one yet to come and knew nothing of his crucifixion,
burial and resurrection.
It is also to be
noted that Apollos “taught accurately the things of the Lord” (Vs. 25). This
would suggest to us that he knew the Old Testament prophecies concerning the
Christ (Vss. 24, 28). It would also imply that his teaching was, to some degree
at least, in line with that of the apostles whose preaching largely centered
upon the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ (Acts 2:23, 36; 4:10; 1
Cor. 15:1-3).
Luke adds that
Apollos was “mighty in the Scriptures” (Vs. 24). This means that he could use
scriptural proofs effectively in his preaching. Not being divinely inspired, as
were the apostles, he had to rely on his study of the Old Testament prophecies
and types to prove to his auditors that Jesus was the Christ. Such a degree of
skill was rare in his day in view of the fact that textual accessibility was
limited and the ability to read was rare. This combination of skill and
learning enabled him to vigorously debate with the Jews in a public forum
“showing from the Scriptures that Jesus is the Christ” (Vs. 28).
The sum of Luke’s
expressions in verses 24-25 tells us of one that had many great qualities.
These commendations are accompanied by only one qualification – “though he knew
only the baptism of John” (Vs. 25). He was uninformed of the difference between
John’s immersion and that of the Great Commission preached by the apostles. It
was this limitation that was detected by the keen ears of Aquila and Priscilla
prompting them to take him unto them and teach him the way of God more
perfectly (Vs. 26).
Apollos did not
willingly neglect or oppose the Lord’s teaching on baptism in the name of the
Father, Son and the Holy Spirit (Matt. 28:19), and into Christ (Rom. 6:3-4) for
the remission of past sins (Acts 2:38). This was a serious deficiency in his
preaching, and one that could not be ignored for his own sake and for the sake
of those who heard him. Sometimes young preachers are full of zeal, but
evidence a lack of knowledge in some ways. Their preaching may reveal a mistake
in their thinking and application of the Scriptures. That fact also does not
necessitate criticism, open rebuke, or a public scolding so as to alienate him
or to put him on the defensive. Most preachers, like Apollos, will reflect an
honest heart and that quality alone makes them easily approachable in the event
that corrective discipline ever becomes necessary.
by Dennis
Gulledge
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