THERE IS ALWAYS ROOM FOR GROWTH AND LEARNING
SCRIPTURE:
“Meanwhile, a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was a learned man with a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures. 25 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. 26 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. 27 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. 28 For he vigorously refuted his Jewish opponents in public debate, proving from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Messiah.” (Acts 18:24—28)
OBSERVATION:
How beautiful it is when believers are teachable and willing to be guided and corrected by other believers. Apollos, a learned man with a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures who has been instructed in the way of the Lord and who taught Jesus accurately, had a teachable moment with Priscilla and Aquila.
Priscilla and Aquila heard Apollos speak with great fervor and accuracy about Jesus. Apollos was bold in confronting skeptics at the synagogue, but there seems to be a missing element in his ministry. Luke reported here that Apollos knew only the baptism of John. The baptism of John is for repented sinners who have accepted the kingdom’s message.
Priscilla and Aquila took Apollos, a fellow believer who was a Jew, and explained to him the WAY OF GOD MORE ACCURATELY. How can someone who is a learned person, with a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures, who has been instructed in the way of the Lord and taught Jesus ACCURATELY and yet need to be explained to the WAY OF GOD MORE ACCURATELY?
What Apollos lacked is not mentioned here. There is a hint. He only knew of the Baptism of John. It could be that he did not know of the baptism of the Holy Spirit. But since it’s not reported here why the need for him to be explained to the way of God more accurately, I learned Apllo’s attitude that I need to inherit. Teachability, Humility, and willingness to learn from others are admirable traits.
There is no harm in learning more and learning from others and peers. I must confess that without the help of others explaining to me more accurately the ways of God, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I must admit that sometimes my pride gets in the way. But a truly learned person is willing to learn more and accept the probability that they don’t know everything.
I also learned how wonderful Priscilla and Aquilla, when they heard Apollos, didn’t humiliate him by trying to teach him in public. They invited Apollos to their home and did the correction privately. What a beautiful picture where these believers see the lack in the other and do not seek a platform to show off their knowledge but take a loving approach to help better their fellow brothers.
Such maturity in Priscilla and Aquila of how they seek to bring forth correction or encouragement. We must never use an opportunity to embarrass another brother or sister when we see their need for accuracy. We should always speak to them in a manner that helps them grow and become more beneficial rather than trying to use their weakness to show off our pride. When we think we know everything, that is when we must realize we don’t know everything there is to know about things. Humility on both sides of the learned and the one giving the correction is a must and a necessary part of helping each other grow.
APPLICATION:
I am significantly impacted by the spirit in which Priscilla and Aquila helped Apollos to be more accurate. We are only sometimes 100% accurate about everything. We have our motives and intentions that sometimes render us inaccurate. However, today, I am reminded that the willingness to learn, to be humble, and to be teachable is a much-needed attitude in my life. I confess today that I sometimes think I know everything. How humbling to learn from Apollos the attitude that is needed for me to continue growing in God’s ways.
PRAYER:
Jesus, teach me humility and give me a heart that is teachable and willing to learn more accurately your ways from others. Please help me and open my eyes to see the fallacy of my pride in not allowing others to speak into my life. I pray that you continue to speak to me and lead me to those who can teach me more accurately about who you are. Give me an ear of a disciple and help me learn all I must learn to know you more. Amen!
