By David ReayThursday 29 Oct 2020LifeWords DevotionalsDevotionsReading Time: 2 minutes
Now a Jew called Apollos, a native of Alexandria and a gifted speaker, well-versed in the scriptures, arrived at Ephesus. He had been instructed in the way of the Lord, and he spoke with burning zeal, teaching the facts about Jesus faithfully, even though he only knew the baptism of John. This man began to speak with great boldness in the synagogue. But when Priscilla and Aquila heard him they took him aside and explained the Way of God to him more accurately. (JBP)
When it comes to grasping the Christian faith, none of us has got it just right. There are always gaps in our understanding, blind spots in our application of our understanding. We may know more than others, but that doesn’t make our knowledge complete. There is always more to learn.
A man called Apollos was a good example. He was an impressive advocate for the faith, but there were big holes in his understanding, though those gaps aren’t specifically described here. A reminder that a powerful and persuasive preacher can be a bit of a menace if they don’t have a reasonable grasp of their topic.
What is also instructive is that Priscilla and Aquila noted his deficiencies and took action. Not by public rubbishing, not by snide comments to third parties, not by stern rebuke. They had a quiet word to him, filling him in on what was lacking in his message. They didn’t see him as a threat or an adversary, but as a fellow Christian who needed a bit more instruction. And Apollos was happy to receive it, rather than assuming he knew it all.
And such instruction was given privately, without shame or embarrassment. No point scoring, just a process whereby a gifted man became better equipped to share the gift of the gospel of Jesus. Everybody wins.
Blessings
David