What is the meaning of Acts 18:25? He had been instructed in the way of the Lord Acts 18 presents Apollos as a man already shaped by solid teaching. “The way of the Lord” speaks of the path of salvation and obedience revealed in Jesus. • Acts 9:2 refers to early believers as belonging to “the Way,” confirming that Apollos had been schooled in genuine Christian truth. • John 14:6 records Jesus saying, “I am the way and the truth and the life,” showing that the “way” focuses on Christ Himself. • Isaiah 40:3 foretold “Prepare the way for the LORD,” a prophecy fulfilled first by John the Baptist and then by Christ’s ministry. Apollos hadn’t pieced everything together yet, but the instruction he had received was sound, pointing him in the right direction and grounding him in Scripture’s promises. and was fervent in spirit This phrase highlights his inner fire. God prizes a heart ablaze for truth. • Romans 12:11 urges believers, “Do not let your zeal subside; keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.” Apollos embodied that command. • Jeremiah 20:9 shows the prophet feeling a “burning fire” in his bones when he tried to keep silent. Apollos felt a similar compulsion. • Acts 17:16 notes Paul’s spirit was “provoked” in Athens; true servants of God cannot remain indifferent. Fervor makes learning effective: truth settles deeper when the heart is eager. Apollos’ enthusiasm prepared him for further correction without pride. He spoke and taught accurately about Jesus Even with incomplete knowledge, Apollos communicated what he knew with precision and faithfulness. • Luke describes him as “powerful in the Scriptures” (Acts 18:24), showing disciplined study. • Acts 2:36 had earlier proclaimed, “God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.” Apollos echoed that core gospel fact. • 1 Corinthians 3:6 records Paul saying, “I planted the seed and Apollos watered it,” confirming that his teaching was trustworthy enough to nurture believers. Accuracy matters; it guards listeners from error and honors the God who “cannot lie” (Titus 1:2). Apollos’ example urges us to handle Scripture carefully, never twisting or trimming its message. though he knew only the baptism of John Here is the limit in his understanding. John’s baptism called people to repentance, preparing them for Messiah, but it stopped short of the full New-Covenant reality. • Matthew 3:11 records John declaring, “I baptize you with water for repentance, but after me comes One who is more powerful … He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” • Acts 19:1-7 shows disciples in Ephesus who, like Apollos, had received only John’s baptism; once they heard the full gospel, they were baptized “in the name of the Lord Jesus” and received the Spirit. • Luke 7:29-30 notes that some “acknowledged God’s justice, having been baptized with John’s baptism,” yet others rejected it—affirming that John’s ministry was authentic, though preparatory. Apollos preached accurately up to the light he possessed. God then sent Priscilla and Aquila (Acts 18:26) to fill in what was missing, illustrating how the body of Christ works together to bring believers to maturity. summary Acts 18:25 sketches a believer both passionate and teachable. Apollos had solid instruction, holy zeal, and accurate doctrine, yet he still needed growth. His story exhorts us to: • Value trustworthy teaching rooted in Scripture. • Maintain spiritual fervor, letting truth ignite our hearts. • Handle the gospel with accuracy, refusing compromise. • Remain humble and open to fuller understanding as the Lord provides more light. God used Apollos mightily once his knowledge was completed, proving that wholehearted devotion, sound doctrine, and a teachable spirit make a powerful combination for advancing the kingdom. |
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