Acts 18:26–28 — 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.
Read the whole story: Acts 18:24–28.
Connection to the sermon: 1 Corinthians 11:1.
You hear the passage announced and recognize it immediately. You’ve studied it before. You know the main point, remember an illustration someone once used, and can already think of a person who needs to hear it. It’s possible to know a passage well enough to explain it while no longer expecting God to teach you through it. Apollos had considerable knowledge. Luke describes him as eloquent and competent in the Scriptures. He was fervent in spirit and taught accurately about Jesus. This was a gifted, serious man whose ministry had some very real strengths. But his understanding was incomplete. Luke tells us that he knew only the baptism of John.
Priscilla and Aquila heard him speaking in the synagogue and recognized that he needed further instruction. They were discerning enough to not confuse his ability with complete understanding. But they also didn’t treat what he lacked as a reason to dismiss everything good about his ministry. So they took him aside and explained the way of God more accurately. Luke doesn’t give us a dramatic account of that conversation. We’re not told what questions Apollos asked or how long they spoke. But the next scene shows him encouraged by the believers, welcomed in Achaia, and becoming a great help to those who had believed through grace. A man who could teach others still had something to learn.
This would be a good thing for us to recognize before gathering for worship this morning. Years of Christian experience don’t bring us to a point where we’ve outgrown instruction. Neither does a ministry role, a theological education, or the ability to answer someone else’s questions. And this is just as much a reminder I need, even as a pastor. Teaching Scripture doesn’t place me beyond its correction. The Jesus I proclaim continues to teach me through His Word and through people whose gifts differ from mine.
Look at the generosity of God in this story. He gives Apollos ability and zeal. He places Priscilla and Aquila where they can hear him and help. Other believers encourage his next step, and a congregation elsewhere receives the benefit. The risen Jesus is building His church through gifts no single person possesses alone. Nobody in this narrative has to be everything. Apollos doesn’t have to know everything already. Priscilla and Aquila don’t need to know everything to make a lasting contribution. And the purpose of all that help is wonderfully clear: Apollos shows from the Scriptures that Jesus is the Christ. The attention moves toward the Savior God promised, the One whose death and resurrection have secured our reconciliation with Him.
This is where faithful Christian example leads. When Paul says to imitate him as he imitates Christ, he invites people into a life directed toward Jesus. And being teachable belongs to that life. So arrive for worship this morning expecting to receive from the Spirit. Listen when a familiar passage is read and ask where its truth needs to reach a decision, habit, or relationship you’ve kept outside its influence. We gather as people Christ has redeemed and is still forming. There is freedom in admitting that we have more to learn, and there is beauty in discovering that He has given us one another to help. You can help others follow Jesus while remaining willing to learn.
Head: Christ strengthens His church through believers who both offer their gifts and receive help from others.
Heart: Where has familiarity or experience or position made me less willing to be taught?
Hands: Talk with someone at church whose age or life experience differs from yours. Ask what God has been teaching them through His Word, and listen with an expectation that you have something to learn.
Prayer: “Lord Jesus, thank You for giving Your church people whose gifts and understanding help us grow. Give me humility to receive instruction and gentleness when I can help someone else. As we gather today, turn our attention toward Your beauty and make us more faithful in following You. Amen.”
-PK