In what ways can we strengthen our understanding of Scripture like Apollos? Apollos Shows the Way “For he powerfully refuted the Jews in public debate, proving from the Scriptures that Jesus is the Christ.” (Acts 18:28) Why His Example Matters • Scripture, taken as the inerrant, literal Word of God, was Apollos’s sole authority. • His grasp of the written Word equipped him to explain and defend the gospel with clarity and confidence. Four Habits That Deepen Our Understanding 1. Live in the Text Daily • Ezra “had set his heart to study the Law of the LORD” (Ezra 7:10). Make deliberate, consistent time for reading and meditation. • Read entire books, not just isolated verses, so context frames every passage. • Use a reading plan that cycles through all of Scripture each year; breadth guards against narrow, pet doctrines. 2. Handle the Word with Precision • “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God… rightfully handling the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15) • Observe—Interpret—Apply: – Observe: note repeated words, historical setting, literary flow. – Interpret: ask what the passage meant to its first audience; honor literal grammar and historical context. – Apply: translate timeless truth to present life without diluting or allegorizing the text. • Cross-reference: compare Scripture with Scripture (Acts 17:2–3; Luke 24:27). 3. Welcome Further Instruction • Apollos “was mighty in the Scriptures,” yet he still received guidance from Aquila and Priscilla (Acts 18:26). • Seek mature teachers, solid commentaries, and church fellowship that uphold biblical authority. • Test every teaching against the plain meaning of Scripture (Acts 17:11). 4. Speak and Serve from What You Learn • “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another.” (Colossians 3:16) • Teaching, counseling, and everyday conversations cement what we study; articulation sharpens understanding. • Like Apollos, use Scripture to point decisively to Christ, maintaining confidence that every promise and prophecy is fulfilled literally in Him. Putting It Into Practice • Set aside an unhurried block of time each day for inductive Bible study. • Keep a journal of observations and cross-references. • Memorize key passages to strengthen recall during conversation or challenge. • Participate in a Bible-saturated local church where exposition and accountability flourish. Outcome to Expect As these habits shape heart and mind, we will, like Apollos, powerfully “prove from the Scriptures that Jesus is the Christ,” grounded in the clear, literal truth God has given. |
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