This post by christinecoltman was originally published at GRACE PLACE
SETTING THE STORY STRAIGHT
Acts 18 v 24 – 19 v 10
While Paul continued on his travels, Luke allows us to stay behind in Ephesus and gives us a fascinating glimpse into what was going on in other circles during this exciting time of growth for the Christian church. He tells us about the origins of Apollos, a preacher who would go on to become as beloved as Peter and Paul amongst the early church.
Apollos was a passionate and knowledgeable teacher who loved God, but his understanding of Jesus as the risen and ascended Saviour was incomplete, until a godly couple, Priscilla and Aquila, corrected and mentored him. It is a beautiful study in godly discipleship.
Read Acts 18 v23-28. Put yourself in the shoes of each character for a moment. Think about who you relate to, and how might each of them have felt at various points during this story.
- Why did Priscilla and Aquila correct Apollos (v25)?
- Apollos clearly took on board everything they said and was willing to learn from them. We can glean this from the fact that the church then gladly sent him to Achaia. Therefore, what characteristics does Apollos demonstrate in his response to Priscilla and Aquila’s correction?
- What is the result of all this (v28)?
- Can you think of a time when someone has corrected your understanding of God? How did you respond and what was the result?
- Priscilla and Aquila were humble tent makers, yet they did not baulk at this opportunity to clearly teach the gospel to this learned young man. What does this show us about the role of church community in growing and teaching disciples?
- Is there anyone for whom you could serve as a Priscilla?
- How are all three characters reflecting Ephesians 4 v 1-6?
Read Acts 19 v1-10
Paul then returns to Ephesus, where he meets twelve men, who had likely been disciples of Apollos before he received further teaching from Priscilla and Aquila. As we have just read, something important had been lacking in Apollos’ original understanding of the gospel, and this is evident in this group of men. Paul immediately asks them, ‘Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you first believed?’ (V2).
- Why do you think this was his first question to these disciples?
- What does it suggest about the role of the Holy Spirit in following Jesus?
- These disciples were still waiting for the coming Saviour that John the Baptist had taught about. Paul clearly explains that that this Saviour has now come in Jesus. What is the result of the men hearing this good news (v5-6)? How do you think they felt?
- How does this story compare to ways people today might follow partial truths about God without knowing the full gospel? How could you lovingly, but firmly, correct them?
- The disciples most likely then followed Paul as he moved from the synagogue to the lecture hall. What was the result of Paul’s faithful preaching of the gospel (v10)?
In both stories, people needed to understand that Jesus is the Saviour who had already died, risen and ascended into heaven, leaving with his believers the gift of the Holy Spirit. Full understanding of this wonderful truth led to changed lives and exciting gospel expansion.
PRAY
- Confess times when you have not been open to godly rebuke, or when you have shied away from correcting others in Christ.
- In John 16 v 7 Jesus said it was better for him to leave so the Holy Spirit could come. Many of us struggle to believe that the Spirit’s presence is better than having Jesus physically here. Ask God to help that truth change our daily lives.
- Thank God that as Christians today, there is nothing we are still waiting for – in Jesus we have it all, and our future is secure in Him!