Now a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man and mighty in the Scriptures, came to Ephesus. This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things of the Lord, though he knew only the baptism of John. So he began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Aquila and Priscilla heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately.
Act 18:24-26
Please excuse my lame reference in the title to Rocky Balboa’s opponent Apollo Creed. It’s sometimes hard to hide being a child of the 80’s. 🙂 If nothing else, maybe the title will help you remember our topic today. As we encounter this Jew named Apollos in Ephesus, it’s worthy to note the creed by which he lived. What guided his actions? What goals motivated him from day to day? As we see what this man was made of, I think we’ll find an example worthy of us to follow.
1) He was fervent in spirit.
The Greek word translated “fervent” means to be hot or boil. It speaks of the zeal for God which Apollos possessed. I’m reminded of Psa 45:1 which explains how the psalmist felt as wrote the psalm and considered His Lord: “My heart is overflowing with a good theme…” The Hebrew word translated “overflowing” is much like the word “fervent” in our text. It means to boil or bubble up, to keep moving, to stir. Like the psalmist, Apollos could hardly contain himself when it came to the Lord–the word of God was bubbling over inside of him! He loved to study it and was driven to declare it which brings us to our next point…
2) He spoke and taught what he knew.
Preaching that word was no mere hobby for Apollos. His zeal for God and his love for His word prompted a sincere burden for souls around him. He had an earnest desire to help them understand the things of God. His passion was undeniable! He knew that God gives us what He does for us to share, not to hoard up for ourselves. Christ taught His disciples in Mat 10:8, “Freely you have received, freely give.” If Apollos got it from God, you were going to hear it!
3) He taught accurately.
This adverb “accurately” is important, and I wish all who taught the word of God today where likewise concerned about the accuracy of what they taught! To teach accurately does not mean a person has all the answers. Rather, it involves faithfully teaching all the Lord has revealed–not adding to it or taking away from it. (Rev 22:18-19) Such a person will give men the “whole counsel of God” as Paul said he did to the Ephesians in Act 20:27. Equally important in teaching accurately is being teachable yourself! Apollos was not puffed up with pride because of his knowledge. He was able to become a student if necessary as in Act 18:26 when Aquila and Priscilla “took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately.” 1Co 8:1-2 says, “Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies. And if anyone thinks that he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know.” Apollos knew that he always had more to learn and this realization kept him humble and able to be taught.
So, I hope the next time you hear Apollo Creed’s name you’ll think instead of Apollos’ creed. May we follow the godly principles that guided his life. I pray his zeal for God would inspire us to faithfully share all that God has revealed to us. I can assure you that if we will walk obediently in all the light we have, God will give us more light! He will teach us His ways “more accurately” so that we, like Apollos, may “speak boldly” His gospel to a lost world which needs it so desperately! (Act 18:26)
Jamie
Very good. I thank the Lord. May He burden us all to love the lost and pray for them. May He have mercy on them and open their ears and hearts to receive with saving faith the blessed Gospel of Christ. Love to all.