More Light for a Trumpet
Acts 18:24-28
October 5, 1997
It is too easy to presume that we understand the most important truths of the faith. Just because we attend church or grow up in a Christian home or attend seminary or read a few books, we must never deceive ourselves into thinking we need no more light (= truth, revelation through the Scripture). God graciously brings along His instruments so that they might understand and proclaim His truth accurately and passionately.
I. Preparation
1. Background
Apollos (Apollonius) was from Alexandria, Egypt, which had a large Jewish population. It was the home of the LXX 200 years earlier. Philo, who struggled to interpret the Old Testament allegorically as he sought to reconcile it with Greek philosophy, was his contemporary.
Well-taught in the Scriptures.
Perhaps someone traveling to Alexandria from Jerusalem or another place proclaimed the gospel to him. By proclaiming "accurately the things concerning Jesus," he evidently understood the death and resurrection to some degree.
The influence of our background often aids our effectiveness.
E.g. MLJ medical training; George Whitefield hearing traveling actors at Bellstan in Gloucester.
2. Education
Eloquence conveys both the ability to speak and a "learned" condition. Alexandria was one of 3 universities in the ancient world, along with Tarsus and Athens. Large library - learned to reason with the Scriptures.
3. Natural abilities
Endowed with oratorical skills which he honed; e.g. William Carey's affinity for learning languages.
II. Correction and Instruction
1. Room to improve
"Accurate," yes; but incomplete: work of the Spirit in regeneration; commission given by Christ to the church; indwelling of the Holy Spirit, here only John's baptism. It is the person who thinks he cannot improve his understanding who is in greatest danger. Many people know a lot about the Bible, but they don't understand truth. As long as they hang on to their rote knowledge as substantial, they will fail in the matter of truth.
Truth is essentially the working out of the many doctrines in God's Word. There is a flip side to this when a person can learn doctrines but be deficient in their harmony and application to life.
2. Teachable
He listened attentively! This is one of the greatest needs among Christians: to maintain a teachable spirit.
a. You know you've not arrived.
b. You know that the Lord is ever teaching you through various people and means.
c. You know that it takes time to grapple with truth and to absorb it in life-changing experience.
d. You know that pride can be your biggest obstacle to true understanding.
e. You know that understanding truth is liberating.
f. You know that there is a harmony to God's truth throughout the Scripture.
3. Willing, conscientious teachers
No arrogance on Aquilla and Priscilla's part. They had a genuine desire to further God's kingdom and knew that this is not done apart from truth.
a. Discretion in counseling him privately
b. Building on what he already understood
c. Passion for Biblical accuracy
d. A concern for content, the "Way of God"
1. Recognized by the body (v. 27)
a. Helped the brethren v. 27
b. Refuted the skeptical Jews v. 28
2. Bold in ministry (v. 28)
Attention not drawn to him but to Christ!
Permissions: You are permitted and encouraged to reproduce and distribute this material in any format provided that you do not alter the wording in any way and you do not charge a fee beyond the cost of reproduction. For web posting, a link to this document on our website is preferred. Any exceptions to the above must be explicitly approved by South Woods Baptist Church.
Please include the following statement on any distributed copy:
Copyright South Woods Baptist Church. Website: www.southwoodsbc.org. Used by permission as granted on web site. Questions, comments, and suggestions about our site can be sent here.
Copyright 2008, South Woods Baptist Church, All Rights Reserved