Found Wanting

The time between Paul's third missionary journey and the second there is a brief interlude. Suddenly there is the meeting of Apollos, John the Baptist disciple with Priscilla and Aquila , disciples of Christ. Apollos who had been baptized by John the Baptist and probably seen the the fulfillment of the Messiah in Jesus was preaching a message that was anachronistic to the one that the disciples of Christ were currently preaching (Acts 18: 24-28). Had Apollos not understood the role of the Holy Spirit after the resurrection of Christ? Did he know about the gifts of the Holy Spirit? Was he preaching purely a message of repentance and preparation for the coming of the Messiah? The story here is unclear what he said inaccurately.

When Priscilla and Aquila heard Apollos speak they realized that he was not entirely accurate. So they politely called him aside and made him understand the gospel message and enlightened him maybe on the role of the Holy Spirit during and after baptism. Here we see the pearls of spiritual knowledge that Paul had bestowed upon the couple now was passed on to another who could powerfully communicate it to those who were willing to hear and receive the gospel message. Do we show the same courtesy to other believers who have a different or an inaccurate point of view? Did Apollos have a problem learning from a couple who were not really educated but tradespeople? Do we know of someone who is in need of spiritual help? Can we ever claim to say we have fully understood the message of the gospel?

We have all on occasion met people who have a very charismatic personality, that draws people to them. Anything they say seem to touch the hearts and minds of those they interact with. Apollos was one of those people with the gift to teach and preach effectively. His burning enthusiasm to spread the message made him speak boldly and eloquently on the scriptures.