Day 265: Acts 18:24–28

Being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught the things about Jesus accurately, although he knew only John’s baptism (v. 25).

We now get to discover one reason why God did not lead Paul to remain in Ephesus. A Jew named Apollos came there. He was a powerful, passionate preacher with a thorough knowledge of the Scripture. So while Paul may not have known it, his void left an opening for a dazzling preacher. When we can’t say no even when God does not give His approval, two unfortunate repercussions often result: we don’t do a good job and we don’t leave an opening for God’s chosen person to fill.

But the account of Apollos gives us one more lesson before we move on. He traveled to Achaia to preach. Corinth was the capital of Achaia, so he walked into exactly the same audiences the apostle Paul had. Initially Apollos only knew part of the gospel. But “after Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him home and explained the way of God to him more accurately” (Acts 18:26 hcsb). With his newfound knowledge, Apollos preached the same kind of message but with his own style.

We get a good glimpse into human nature as Paul later addressed the believers in Corinth. They responded to those who came and preached to them by forming warring camps. The people then reacted much like we react today. We tend to compare Christian leaders and fall into camps behind our choices. We must make a concerted effort to avoid doing so. Each of us could cite an example, but every branch of in-depth Bible study has loyal supporters who swear by that particular method or teacher. Some would rather fight than switch.

God is wooing people to His table for the meat of His Word like never before. He is joyfully using many different methods and styles to accomplish His goal of equipping His church to be effective and holy during difficult days. God has raised many fine teachers and preachers for our day. Let’s reap the benefit of as many as possible and value their contributions whether they are magnetic like Apollos, analytical like Luke, forthright like Paul, or warm like Priscilla and Aquila. Paul’s style may have been one reason some of the Corinthians preferred Apollos: Paul didn’t mince words. But his answer to those who were camping around certain speakers? “Oh, grow up!” (see 1 Cor. 3:3–4).