What does Acts 18:26 teach about correcting others with love and humility? Setting the Scene “Apollos… spoke boldly in the synagogue. But when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained the way of God to him more accurately.” (Acts 18:26) Key Observations • Apollos was gifted, eloquent, and passionate, yet incomplete in his understanding. • Priscilla and Aquila did not embarrass him publicly; they “took him aside.” • Their aim was clarity—“explained the way of God more accurately,” not to win an argument. • The outcome (v. 28) shows Apollos received the correction and became even more effective. Correcting with Love • Private restoration: “took him aside” mirrors Matthew 18:15—address privately first. • Gentle speech: Proverbs 15:1, “A gentle answer turns away wrath.” • Relationship priority: They welcomed Apollos, signaling acceptance before instruction. • Goal of edification: Ephesians 4:15, “speaking the truth in love…we will grow.” Correcting with Humility • Shared learner mindset: Aquila and Priscilla approached as fellow disciples, not superior critics (Galatians 6:1). • Focus on Scripture, not personal opinion: 2 Timothy 3:16 reminds that Scripture, not ego, corrects. • Respect for gifting: They recognized Apollos’ strengths and built on them rather than tearing down (1 Corinthians 12:4-6). • Dependency on God’s grace: 2 Timothy 2:24-25—“the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind…gently instructing,” trusting God to grant repentance. Practical Takeaways • Pause and invite: “Can we talk privately?” preserves dignity. • Lead with affirmation: Note what the other person does well. • Use Scripture as the standard, not personal preference. • Speak calmly and briefly; let questions draw out discussion. • Pray for receptive hearts before and after the conversation (Colossians 4:6). Fruit of Loving, Humble Correction • Strengthened unity (Philippians 2:1-2). • Sharper doctrine and witness (Titus 1:9). • Mutual spiritual growth—both the corrector and the corrected mature in Christ (Proverbs 27:17). Acts 18:26 models correction that protects dignity, aims for clarity, and relies on grace—love and humility working hand in hand to build up the body of Christ. |
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