How can we become "mighty in the Scriptures" like Apollos in Acts 18:24? Apollos: A Snapshot of Scriptural Might “Meanwhile a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was a learned man with a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures.” (Acts 18:24) What Set Apollos Apart • Learned—he paid the price of diligent study • Thorough—he grasped the entire sweep of God’s revelation • Eloquent—able to communicate truth clearly (v. 25) • Fervent—his heart burned as brightly as his intellect (v. 25) • Teachable—he welcomed help from Priscilla and Aquila (v. 26) Laying the Foundation: Love and Honor the Word • Psalm 119:97: “How I love Your law! All day long it is my meditation.” • 2 Timothy 3:16-17: “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work.” Practical Steps to Grow Mighty in the Scriptures 1. Read Widely and Repeatedly – Cover the whole canon each year or two; context guards against error (Acts 20:27). 2. Study Deeply – Use word studies, cross-references, and historical background (Nehemiah 8:8). 3. Memorize Purposefully – Hide key passages in your heart for instant recall (Psalm 119:11). 4. Meditate Daily – Mull over the text until it shapes thinking and conduct (Joshua 1:8). 5. Apply Obediently – “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only” (James 1:22). 6. Teach Others Regularly – Explaining truth seals it in your own soul (2 Timothy 2:2). 7. Stay Teachable – Welcome correction like Apollos; humility preserves accuracy (Proverbs 9:9). 8. Rely on the Spirit – “The Helper…will teach you all things” (John 14:26); illumination is essential. Guarding Doctrine and Life • 1 Timothy 4:16: “Pay close attention to your life and your teaching. Persevere in these things, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.” • Acts 17:11—The Bereans examined “the Scriptures every day to see if these teachings were true.” Engaging in the Fellowship of the Word • Meet with others for corporate study (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Invite seasoned believers to sharpen your understanding (Proverbs 27:17). • Serve in settings that stretch your grasp of Scripture—small-group leading, evangelism, missions (Acts 18:27-28). Pressing On to Maturity • Hebrews 5:14: “Solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained their senses to distinguish good from evil.” • Philippians 3:16: “Let us live up to what we have already attained.” The Expected Outcome • Conviction that withstands opposition (Titus 1:9). • Clarity that refutes error and encourages saints (Acts 18:28). • Christlike character that authenticates the message (Colossians 3:16-17). Walk Apollos’ path—immerse yourself in God’s inspired Word, lean on the Spirit, and pour the truth into others. Over time, you too will be “mighty in the Scriptures.” |
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