Central Truth

We should graciously and sensitively instruct fellow Christians whose doctrinal stance is either inaccurate or incomplete.

Reflections

Wow!  What an interesting biblical passage. Here we meet Priscilla and Aquila, who have been banished from Rome by Claudius (yes, the infamous Claudius). They meet and spend one and one-half years with Paul, travel with him to Ephesus and remain there while Paul continues his missionary journey. In Ephesus they are introduced to Apollos.  We know from this passage that Apollos was an "Alexandrian by birth, eloquent, and mighty in the Scriptures."  Alexandria was known for its famous lighthouse, the largest library in the ancient world, and was a thriving and cosmopolitan Egyptian city with a substantial population of Greeks and Jews. It sounds like a great place to grow up.  

This scripture passage also tells us that Apollos "had been instructed in the way of the Lord; speaking and teaching accurately the things concerning Jesus, being acquainted only with the baptism of John."  What would the teaching on the baptism of John encompass? It probably would include the need for repentance and that One was coming.  Both of those are good starting points in sharing the good news, they just don't do far enough.

Priscilla and Aquila hear him speak and realize this guy needs all the facts. How to handle such a touchy situation? Here is a great guy with a fervent heart, but an inaccurate message. Look at what they do, "But when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately." Isn't that great? They don't publically embarrass him or point out his doctrinal inaccuracies to others. Priscilla and Aquila gently take him aside and give him, what Paul Harvey would call, the rest of the story.

And the results? When Apollos arrived at his next destination, "he greatly helped those who had believed through grace, for he powerfully refuted the Jews in public, demonstrating by the scriptures that Jesus was the Christ."  There are later scriptural references regarding Apollos, so we know he continued to be used by God to effectively spread the gospel. Aren't we glad he met Priscilla and Aquilla?

Discussion Questions

1. What can I learn from Priscilla and Aquila when dealing with others on doctrinal issues?
2. How do you think they approached Apollos without being threatening to him?
3. What are the steps they used that I should remember if I find myself in a similar circumstance?
4. What evidence do we have from scripture that Priscilla and Aquila were successful in their efforts with Apollos?