Acts 18:12-28 Our Gifts from God

You are a gift from God!

I’m serious. Each and every one of us is a gift from God. In addition, God has given each of us different gifts. He wants us to use these gifts to do his work in our world. With these gifts we can do mighty things.

Many believers seek to be mighty in worldly things, but few want to be mighty in the Scriptures. Apollos was an exception. He was mighty in the Scriptures. We learn about Apollos in a portion of the reading we heard from the Book of the Acts of the Apostles.

Apollos was a gifted speaker with a thorough knowledge of the Old Testament and the baptism of John. He had heard about Jesus and the arrival of the Holy Spirit from Jews returning from Pentecost, but he did not have the complete story. He did not know that Christian baptism differs from the baptism of John. Christian baptism symbolizes the believer’s union with Christ in his death, burial resurrection, new life and unity in the kingdom of God. Apollos was well qualified, but he lacked one important qualification. He did not have the experience of the grace and power of the indwelling Lord. This weakness prompted Priscilla and Aquila to use their gifts to teach him privately and give him a more accurate picture of God. 

When Apollos used the knowledge he already had, God sent him additional knowledge. He was also fervent in spirit, meaning he was “boiling hot.” This is an amazing combination of qualities to find in one person. It was no wonder that Apollos made an impact in the early church. When he left Ephesus and sailed across to Corinth, he received a letter of commendation and introduction to the church.

When Priscilla and Aquila taught Apollos, he graciously accepted what they taught. He knew that although he was faithful, he had more to learn. He showed spiritual maturity. Apollos humbly accepted the gentle correction and understanding that Aquila and Priscilla offered. Ministers today need to come to the same realization. I have come to the same realization. Every time I prepare a message, I learn new things.

Paul made disciples, Apollos defended the faith and Aquila and Priscilla deepened the understanding of others. God has gifted all of his people differently so that together they might work in unity for the sole purpose of the Gospel.

 

Bibliography

1.      Jeremiah, David: The Jeremiah Study Bible, New King James Version (Brentwood, TN: Worthy Publishing; 2013; pp. 1518-1519)

2.      Swindoll, Charles R.: Swindoll’s Living Insights on Acts (Carol Stream, Illinois: Tyndale House Publishers Inc., 2016, pp. 366-370)