September 27
Bible Reading: Acts 18:24-28
Acts 18:26, “He began to speak boldly in the synagogue, but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately.”
There is an old proverb that says: “He who knows not and knows not he knows not: he is a fool—shun him. He who knows not and knows he knows not: he is simple—teach him. He who knows and knows not he knows: he is asleep—wake him. He who knows and knows he knows: he is wise—follow him.” From a Biblical perspective, this proverb might be better expressed as: “He who knows and is teachable because he realizes that there is much more to learn: he is the truly wise man—listen to him.” From a spiritual viewpoint, regardless of how much we know, there is always room to grow (Ephesians 3:14-19; 4:13).
Apollos is a prime example of someone who had knowledge but retained a teachable spirit. Unlike the disciples, who had no formal education, he was knowledgeable and well versed in literature and the arts. He was “competent in the Scriptures” (Acts 18:24) and had been “instructed in the way of the Lord” (Acts 18:25). Being “fervent in spirit” (Acts 18:25), he taught with much enthusiasm. But he knew only of “the baptism of John” (Acts 18:25) and was likely unaware of other significant post-resurrection teachings.
When Priscilla and Aquila heard Apollos’s teaching in the synagogue, they recognized that something was amiss. Instead of denouncing him publicly, they chose a more considerate approach. They “took him aside” and privately “explained to him the way of God more accurately” (Acts 18:26). Apollos was receptive to their guidance and grew to be a significant asset to the believers. Priscilla and Aquila’s intervention worked to better equip Apollos for his ministry.
The process of passing on knowledge is a vital aspect of spiritual growth. Paul shared truth with Priscilla and Aquila, who in turn imparted what they knew to Apollos, who then shared it with others (2 Timothy 2:2). Every believer should strive to understand “the way of God more accurately.” Since no one can know everything, we depend on the Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:12-13), as we speak the truth in love that we might all grow (Ephesians 4:15-16). A teachable spirit is essential to this continuous process.
Since Christ is the standard, no matter how much you know, there’ll always be more room to grow!
TEACH ME THY WAY
Teach me thy way, O Lord; teach me thy way!
Thy guiding grace afford; teach me thy way!
Help me to walk aright, more by faith, less by sight;
lead me with heav’nly light; teach me thy way!
When I am sad at heart, teach me thy way!
When earthly joys depart, teach me thy way!
In hours of loneliness, in times of dire distress,
in failure or success, teach me thy way!
When doubts and fears arise, teach me thy way!
When storms o’erspread the skies, teach me thy way!
Shine thro’ the cloud and rain, thro’ sorrow, toil, and pain;
make thou my pathway plain; teach me thy way!
Long as my life shall last, teach me thy way!
Where’er my lot be cast, teach me thy way!
Until the race is run, until the journey’s done,
until the crown is won, teach me thy way!
LookingtoJesus 