Apollos was a great preacher who “spoke and taught accurately the things of the Lord,” yet he “knew only the baptism of John” (Acts 18:24-25). Within the scope of his knowledge, Apollos effectively taught the truths of Jesus, but his understanding was limited to the teachings of John the Baptist. The “baptism of John” can represent the entire ministry of John the Baptist (Matthew 21:23-27). Apparently, Apollos had not learned the Gospel as a reality (Acts 2:22-24). We can probably assume that Apollos did not yet know of the Pentecost events or the significance of the connection between the Holy Spirit and “Great Commission” baptism (Matthew 28:19; Acts 2:38; 1 Corinthians 12:13). He may have accepted Jesus as the Messiah without knowing the full extent of His Messianic achievement. He apparently did not know about the resurrection of Christ (Acts 19:4). Apollos stood in need of correction and further education.
Aquila and Priscilla’s Attitude
As Apollos spoke boldly in the synagogue, Aquila and Priscilla knew he had not been grounded in certain matters of the faith, such as “Great Commission” baptism (Acts 18:26). They took Apollos aside and taught him the way of God “more accurately [perfectly KJV].” The term “took…aside” reflects a concern, not to publicly call out Apollos as a false teacher but a genuine concern for Apollos to learn the truth. This incident in Acts 18:24-28 says much about Aquila and Priscilla. First, they, unlike some in the church today, knew that there was a difference between scriptural baptism and everything else that is called “baptism,” and they knew that the difference mattered (Hebrews 6:1-2).
Denominationalists often discount baptism by saying, “It’s only an external rite” or “It doesn’t matter, for God looks on the heart anyway.” Yet, Jesus said to “make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19). Second, this incident shows they loved Apollos enough to take the powerful preacher aside to teach him the truth more accurately. Though one can be eloquent, well-learned and enthusiastic, he still may need some correcting or further teaching.
It is interesting that Priscilla was also involved. In fact, her name appears first in many Greek manuscripts. This tells us that women can have a part in teaching others, even powerful preachers, and still remain in subjection to men (1 Timothy 2:8-15). Some things they may have taught Apollos were that Jesus had already died for sin, that He had been raised from the dead and that His kingdom was established and open to all who will obey (Acts 2:41, 47). Aquila and Priscilla definitely had the right attitude toward correcting their brother in the Lord!
Apollos’ Attitude
This incident also says much about Apollos. First, even though he was eloquent, well-learned, and enthusiastic, he did not think too highly of himself to be beyond just criticism (Matthew 5:3-10). Often, men of his caliber do not take correction easily! Second, when taught the truth, Apollos readily accepted it. Following this incident, Apollos moved on to Achaia, where “he greatly helped those who had believed through grace; for he vigorously refuted the Jews publicly, showing from the Scriptures that Jesus is the Christ” (Acts 18:27-28). Third, many today (even preachers and elders) get upset when shown their knowledge is not as accurate as it should be, but Apollos seemed content to be corrected, realizing that he was a better Christian and preacher for it. Apollos definitely had the right attitude toward being corrected by his brothers and sisters!
Our Attitude
Christians today, even preachers, are not always correct in what they teach. What is our attitude toward that? Do we have the genuine concern of Aquila and Priscilla to reach out and take such people aside to teach them more accurately? If our teaching were untrue, would we have the humility of Apollos to examine evidence and change our view? Only with the right attitude can the truth makes us free (John 8:32)!
