What is the meaning of Acts 18:26? He began to speak boldly in the synagogue • The “he” is Apollos, a gifted Jewish believer from Alexandria (Acts 18:24-25). His boldness shows sincere conviction; like Peter and John earlier, he “could not stop speaking about what [he had] seen and heard” (Acts 4:20). • Bold proclamation is encouraged in Scripture (Acts 4:31; Ephesians 6:19), yet boldness alone is not the final measure of truth. Apollos knew “only the baptism of John” (Acts 18:25), so his understanding of Christ’s finished work was partial. • Application: zeal is valuable, but it must rest on complete gospel truth (Romans 10:2-3). God often pairs courage with ongoing learning to protect the church from error. Priscilla and Aquila heard him, and took him aside • This married ministry team had worked with Paul (Acts 18:2-3) and hosted a house church (1 Corinthians 16:19). When they recognized gaps in Apollos’s message, they acted lovingly, not publicly shaming him. • Their private approach models Galatians 6:1—“restore him gently”—and 2 Timothy 2:24-25—“the Lord’s servant must… be gentle, able to teach.” • God often uses ordinary believers, not just apostles, to safeguard doctrine. Hospitality and quiet conversation can shape future leaders more effectively than public confrontation. They explained the way of God more accurately • “The way” refers to the full gospel: Christ’s death, resurrection, ascension, the coming of the Spirit, and believer’s baptism into Christ (Acts 2:38; Romans 6:3-4). • Apollos accepted correction, showing true humility (Proverbs 9:9). His subsequent ministry in Achaia proved fruitful, “greatly helping those who had believed” (Acts 18:27-28). • Accuracy matters. Paul later encountered disciples who, like Apollos, knew only John’s baptism; they received the Holy Spirit after hearing the complete message (Acts 19:1-6). Right doctrine fuels right living and effective witness. summary Acts 18:26 illustrates how God weaves together courage, humility, and community to advance the gospel. Apollos’s bold preaching needed fuller content; Priscilla and Aquila supplied it through gracious, private instruction. The passage teaches that fervor must be partnered with accuracy, correction should be delivered with gentleness, and every believer—man or woman, layperson or leader—has a role in safeguarding and spreading the truth. |
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