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Taught More Accurately - Acts 19
Taught More Accurately - Acts 19
Apollos is an interesting example of the character of a man who is seeking truth.
He was from Alexandria in northern Africa – a bastion of Judaism in the first century. What should have come from all their studies – who the Christ is. This would be established 'from the scriptures' by ascertaining the proper fulfillment of the prophecies.
What he knew about Jesus is what John the Baptist had preached. Jesus is the Christ, the light of the world. He is the lamb of God that takes away sin. God had pointed this out dramatically when John baptized Jesus, declaring, "This is my Son". This would also include the commands of John to repent and be baptized.
What would be lacking is the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. What also would be different is the baptism 'in the name of Jesus for the remission of sins'. These things developed following the death of John.
Luke records that "He began to speak boldly in the synagogue, but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately" (Acts 19:26).
In one sense it appears that teaching him more accurately the way of truth would be a rather easy thing, and perhaps it was. Yet, with many people it would prove difficult. Apollos was well versed in the scriptures and was 'an eloquent' man in his teaching and preaching. Many such men are 'full of themselves.' This makes it difficult for them to learn from others. As Paul warned, "knowledge puffs up".
An opposite example towards learning and truth is found in John 9 and the blind man. He had been healed by Jesus and was then able to see. He showed where the Jewish leaders were wrong in their thinking about Jesus. His logic and arguments were unanswerable because he showed them the truth (cp. John 9:29-33). Their response? "They answered him, “You were born in utter sin, and would you teach us?” And they cast him out" (vs. 34). They were unwilling to be taught!
There is always room to grow. Yet, as we become puffed up with knowledge, we often begin closing our ears to others. The seeking of truth is about adjusting, changing, admitting. Sometimes it requires major changes in our thinking and lifestyle, at other times, as with Apollos, it may be more subtle. Yet it is always needed that we change.
If we are seeking truth, we must be willing to admit when we are wrong. Apollos did, can you?
Hugh DeLong
