The Pilgrim Path---Acts 18: 24 – 28

Now a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was an eloquent man, competent in the Scriptures. He had been instructed in the way of the Lord. And being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John. 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.

“THEY TOOK HIM ASIDE…”

The Holy Spirit paints a beautiful picture toward the end of Acts 18. We see a gifted Jewish teacher arrive at Ephesus (Apollos). He is impressive in his instruction concerning the Way of Jesus---but Dr. Luke notes, “Apollos only knew about the baptism of John.” Well, the couple we have met previously (Aquila & Priscilla) helping the Apostle Paul---realize they should give this fine man an “update” to his theological understanding. The glory and joy of the episode is that Apollos gladly and humbly receives their instruction---AND Priscilla and Aquila calmly and humbly provide it (probably in their home). Both parties lose themselves for the sake of the Gospel of Jesus Christ our LORD. It does not get any more gorgeous and God-glorifying. Think of the trauma and trouble that might have transpired---but none occurred. Thanks be to God!

From Simon Kistemaker: Notice, first, that the name Priscilla precedes that of her husband, Aquila. She and her husband taught the educated orator Apollos “the way of God,” a term that means “the Christian gospel and its application.” We imagine that Priscilla and Aquila showed Apollos the significance of God’s work that followed the resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ. Next, Apollos demonstrated remarkable restraint when he consented to come to the home of a tentmaker and his wife and to receive instruction not only from a humble craftsman but also from a woman. Apollos was knowledgeable about the Old Testament Scriptures, yet he lacked understanding of “the way of God.” In brief, Priscilla and Aquila taught this great preacher to teach the things concerning Jesus more accurately…Priscilla and Aquila had told Apollos about the spiritual growth of the church in Corinth. Together with the other believers in Ephesus, they encouraged him to visit the Christians in Achaia. They even asked the Corinthian believers to receive Apollos and welcome him as a Christian brother…

From Jonathan Edwards: Pride is the main handle by which Satan grabs hold of Christian persons and is the chief source of all the mischief that he introduces to clog and hinder the work of God.

From Wayne Mack: It is foolish to become proud because we have nothing to proud about apart from Christ. Any physical or spiritual blessings that we enjoy are directly from God’s hand; the only thing we can claim as our own is our sin.

HYMN

Savior, teach me, day by day

Love’s sweet lesson to obey;

Sweeter lesson cannot be,

Loving him who first loved me.

Teach me thus thy steps to trace,

Strong to follow in thy grace;

Learning how to love from thee,

Loving him who first loved me.

Jane E. Leeson, 1842

Grace and Peace in Jesus, the Only Redeemer of broken and wretched souls, Pastor Jason