Going Deeper

Apollos seemed to be the ideal minister. He clearly loved God and had a passion for the Gospel. He had received sound training and was a good teacher. He was “eloquent” and “taught accurately the things of the Lord.”

Apollos had a calling, and his ministry had positive impact. Yet, when Paul’s friends, Aquila and Priscilla, heard him, they knew something was missing.

The Bible says that, despite his background and his impressive credentials, Apollos still had an incomplete knowledge. Specifically, “He knew only the baptism of John.”

The Bible describes how Aquila and Priscilla “took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately.” There were vital things even this great leader of the early Church needed to learn.

In many ways, all of us may be able to identify with Apollos. How easily we can seem sure that we are right. We can feel confident our interpretations are complete and correct. We can assume we know everything we need to know.

But this story is a reminder that it’s possible to be a strong Believer—theologically trained and even an effective communicator—and still lack some key elements of truth. In spite of our zeal, we may be missing something and may still have more to learn.

Today, remember the importance of staying humble before God. Stay on guard against pride. Always be eager to listen, hungry for more of God’s truth. Be sensitive to the Holy Spirit, open to correction and willing to receive new insights. Keep seeking God and a deeper knowledge of His Word.