Vs. 18-23 Paul stays in Corinth 18 months, and eventually travels to Ephesus.
Vs. 22 Paul arrives back in Israel. He then goes up to Jerusalem to visit that church, and then back to is home church in Antioch.
Vs. 23 After a time in Antioch, Paul once again sets out. This is his third missionary journey. He re-visits the churches, strengthening the Christians.
I. Apollos
A. His Background
1. Jewish. Raised on O.T. teaching.
2. Born In Alexandria.
a. Located in Egypt; a mixed city of Jews and Gentiles.
b. Great city of education. A university city. 700k book library.
c. 2nd most important city in Empire. Great ministry preparation.
B. What He Had
1. Eloquent-skilled in speech, rational wise, educated. V. 24
2. Mighty in the scriptures– dunatos– powerful, excelling. V. 24
3. Instructed in the way of the Lord– good/passionate student. V. 25
4. Fervent in spirit– to boil. V. 25
5. Spoke & taught accurately-Not sloppy w/the facts. V. 25
6. Spoke boldly– to speak freely, not be hindered. V. 26
7. Great message– repentance: “Prepare the way of the Lord”.
(John the Baptist’s message)
8. NOTE- Many intelligent gifted speakers have nothing to say, or they have a good theme, but lack passion, or they are intimidated /unsure.
9. Apollos– Eloquent, accurate, boiling, bold, fearless, confident.
C. What He Lacked
1. Only knew the baptism of John V. 25
2. Did not know Jesus as Messiah, “born-again” experience, or Pentecost.
D. He Was Teachable
1. Willing to be taught by those less educated, less gifted
2. WTBT by tent makers
3. WTBT by a woman, when women were not regarded as teachers
4. He learned that Jesus was that Messiah
5. He learned about the death & resurrection of Christ
6. He learned about the indwelling of the Holy Spirit (Acts 19:2, 3)
7. Proverbs 1:5, 7 A wise man will hear and increase learning,
And a man of understanding will attain wise counsel,
7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,
But fools despise wisdom and instruction.
II. Priscilla & Aquila
A. Their Background
1. Jews, like Apollos
B. Their Character
1. Willing to go into synagogue. Not prejudiced.
2. Willing to “take a chance” and approach Apollos. Not intimidated.
3. Patient to teach him.
4. Did not criticize or belittle him.
5. Willing for Apollos to “be in the spotlight”. Not self-exalting.
6. NOTE-Not just the job of the pastor, but of the entire Body of Christ.
7. Priscilla & Aquila Did The Following W/Apollos
a. Romans 15:7 Therefore receive one another…
b. Galatians 5:26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.
c. Ephesians 4:25 “Let each one of you speak truth w/his neighbor,” for we are members of one another.
d. Ephesians 5:21 submitting to one another in the fear of God.
e. Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another…
f. Hebrews 3:13 but exhort one another daily, …lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.
g. 1 Peter 4:10 As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
C. Their Method
1. Took him aside privately (took him unto them (KJV) V. 26
a. Personally involved (Pour yourself into someone)
b. Respectfully done
2. Explained to him more accurately V. 26
III. The Result
A. Continued Ministry
1. Humility brought more ministry
2. Not discouraged/embarrassed to learn from tentmakers
3. Endorsement letters from brethren. Brethren encouraged V. 27
4. He went on to “greatly help others”. (In Corinth, Achaia) V. 27
5. Vigorously refuted Jews publicly- “argued them down” V. 28
6. Became a leader in church at Corinth
B. More Complete Message
1. Message- Believe through grace V. 27
2. Message- Jesus is the Christ V. 27
3. Message- more than repentance; justification by faith 2 Cor. 5:16-21