Acts 18:25 This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John.

What makes a true gospel preacher? Many today think that he is someone who has completed a degree in a bible college, better still if he has a PH.D in Theology; such a man would be mighty in the scriptures. He must also be eloquent, diligent, and fervent in spirit. To many, this man knows the truth from error. But that’s not so!

Apollos fit all the descriptions mentioned above. He was eloquent, mighty in the scriptures, instructed in the way of the Lord (in today’s term, a graduate from a bible university), fervent in spirit, and a great teacher. Yet, in spite of all these impressive credentials, he still did not get his doctrine right. His knowledge about Christ was not complete and he knew only the baptism of John. He had not heard about Christ’s baptism (Mark 16:16).

Fortunately, Aquila and Priscilla heard him and took him aside, corrected him, and taught him the word of God more accurately (Acts 18:26). We are glad to see the humility of this man Apollos. He wasn’t puff up because he was already a great speaker and one mighty in the scriptures. He was attentive to the teachings of this fine Christian couple and accepted their teaching and explanation of the scriptures. How different it is with today’s many charismatic preachers who think they know everything and refuse to learn and come to the knowledge of the truth.

What can we learn from the encounter of Aquila, Pricilla, and Apollos?

1. ONE MAY BE MIGHTY IN THE SCRIPTURE BUT STILL BE IGNORANT OF ESSENTIAL TRUTHS. Apollos knew much of what God’s word said “concerning Jesus,” but He did not yet know the gospel of Christ. Without the gospel of Christ, salvation is not possible (Romans 1:16). Apollos’ knowledge was an important asset. But until he obeyed the gospel, he was lost.

Every preacher should be properly instructed. A small degree of knowledge is not sufficient for a preacher of the Gospel. A good gospel preacher is good because he keeps learning and keeps improving. A good preacher is always hungry and thirsty for righteousness (Matthew 5:6). His knowledge consists in being well instructed in the things concerning the kingdom of heaven. He preaches the word of God and not the wisdom of men.

2. PRIVATE BIBLE STUDIES ARE IMPORTANT. Aquila and Priscilla took Apollos aside and taught him the word of God more accurately. More conversions are being done because of private and personal bible studies than over the pulpit preaching. Such small group setting enables the unbeliever to feel more comfortable and at ease. There is no teacher and student relationship but just friendship. The setting is conversational and cordial. The unbeliever is at ease to ask questions and the lessons are less structured than in a bible class. Christ did a private study with Nicodemus too (John 3:1-5).

3. THE STUDENT MUST SOON BE A TEACHER. Apollos learned the new truth and he went about delivering it to others (Acts 18:28). He could not remain silent. He became a passionate missionary and preached the gospel wherever he went (verse 27-28). He used his knowledge and his education for the service of the Lord. He must have made a deep impact in Corinth because some of the Christians there named themselves after him (1 Corinthians 1:12).

Apollos has the humility and desire to learn more. Even though a skillful speaker and a scholar, he was ready to learn more about Jesus. Aquila was always ready to teach an erring brother. They provide great examples and lessons for us to follow. Be a teacher and a student at the same time!

Jimmy Lau

Psa 119:97  Oh how love I thy law! It is my meditation all the day.