God’s Word Says….

Acts 18:24-26 (NCV)

²⁴ A Jew named Apollos came to Ephesus. He was born in the city of Alexandria and was a good speaker who knew the Scriptures well. ²⁵ He had been taught about the way of the Lord and was always very excited when he spoke and taught the truth about Jesus. But the only baptism Apollos knew about was the baptism that John taught. ²⁶ Apollos began to speak very boldly in the synagogue, and when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him to their home and helped him better understand the way of God.

 My Thoughts…..

Here’s a message to the preacher who is new in the ministry. He may be well educated and excited about the ministry, but through lack of experience and lack of knowledge in the understanding of the Word, may be challenged to expound certain aspects of the Word correctly. There is also a message in this to those that have years of experience in the Word and a close relationship with the Lord. Priscilla and Aquila must be commended for the way they handled correcting Apollos, for they didn’t correct him while preaching, or in the presence of others, but they invited him to their home and shared their first-hand knowledge with him.

 Challenge……

I believe that there are several challenges in this passage today for us:

1. We are to be a people of the Bible. Not just listeners of the Gospel being preached, because our new pastors/ministers/teachers may be like Apollos, where they may be well educated, and excited about preaching, but unless we test what they teach or preach, we may never realize an accidental untruth, or addition to, or subtraction from the Word is being proclaimed;
2. New teachers and preachers must always strive to have a seasoned and experienced Christian soldier of the cross in their realm of influence or as a mentor to them. I believe that we are never too old to learn something, and I believe that we should always seek to receive correction positively and not as an insult or hurt, especially if done correctly;
3. Instead of talking to each other, or making fun of a new and inexperienced pastor or teacher, we should call that person aside and encourage them and correct them gently and as God leads us to. As we do this in love, we become intimately involved in that person’s ministry and can quickly become a cheerleader for them. Pricilla and Aquila sets an awesome example for us in verse 26.

Unless we open our Bibles and study the Word with the teaching and preaching, we will never know of any untruths being taught. We must do our part, and use our knowledge and experience to help, and not destroy the good work of the Lord.

 Prayer……

In the precious name of Jesus, I ask dear Lord that You fill my mind with the Truth and goodness of Your Word. I pray that I might be quick to follow in the way taught in verse 26 today, where I would not talk to others to belittle a teacher or preacher, but rather that I would invite Him to my home or out to lunch where I might share from a heart of love. Please continue to bless our preachers and teachers with divine guidance from You so that they may proclaim Your Word in truth and clarity, where it may bring forth the desired results that You intended for it to do. Lord You are merciful, and I thank You for showing such love to me, and to those that teach Your Word from a heart of love and with understanding directly from a heart filled with You. I thank You for Your love dear God, for it is in the wonderful name of Your Son that I ask all this, AMEN!

 Action…..

In response to God leading You through this devotional today, please get with a Bible teaching Pastor you may know and allow him to guide you. Otherwise feel free to reply to my post online, or you may email me directly at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. I will gladly add you to my prayer list, and/or respond to your request(s) ASAP.