EDUCATING APOLLOS

     “He [Apollos] was a Jew, born in Alexandria, Egypt, and a terrific speaker, eloquent and powerful in his preaching of the Scriptures. He was well-educated in the way of the Master and fiery in his enthusiasm. Apollos was accurate in everything he taught about Jesus up to a point, but he only went as far as the baptism of John…When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and told him the rest of the story.

     “When Apollos decided to go on to Achaia province, his Ephesian friends gave their blessing and wrote a letter of recommendation for him, urging the disciples there to welcome him with open arms. The welcome paid off: Apollos turned out to be a great help to those who had become believers through God’s immense generosity. He was particularly effective in public debate with the Jews as he brought out proof after convincing proof from the Scriptures that Jesus was in fact God’s Messiah”  (Acts 18:24-28, The Message).

     In Acts 18, there was a powerful preacher outside of the apostles’ clique. Instead of criticizing his deficient knowledge, they labored with him until he had a better understanding of the Gospel. They sent letters recommending him to other churches. The believers were blessed and opponents were publicly refuted. Everyone benefited from Priscilla and Aquila’s effort to reach a preacher. 

     

   Although Jesus made exclusive claims regarding His saving power, as in John 14:6, He didn’t grant exclusive rights to anyone to preach His gospel. On the contrary, Mark 9:38-39 records that Jesus rebuked His disciples for telling someone not to preach in His name.

     

    Go back in Adventist history and you will find that our denomination was founded by “first-day” preachers. That’s what Joseph Bates and James and Ellen White were. Out of their love for God and their anticipation of Christ’s return, they accepted the Sabbath truth after much study. But someone had to teach them.

     
     Apollos needed Priscilla and Aquilla. The Ethiopian treasurer needed Philip. Cornelius the centurion needed Peter. The Whites needed Joseph Bates. Bates needed Frederick Wheeler. Wheeler needed Rachel Oakes. Somebody needs you. What are you waiting for?