Apollos' Conversion Series

2. He taught on the promised Messiah. He was teaching of the coming Messiah; under John’s prophetic teaching. He was unaware: that the Christ had already come, died, was buried, and rose again; and that Jesus, who Paul preached was Christ, Acts 18:5-6.

3. His message was powerful and compelling. It got the attention, of two disciples of the Lord. They were in the audience and prompted to speak to this rabbi. Observe--

a. Let’s be clear here, a man can preach a powerful message; and even quote the scriptures; however, this does not mean: he is preaching: “sound doctrine,” Titus 2:1; 1 Timothy 1:3; 2 Timothy 1:13-14. Luke pointed out that--

b. This rabbi: “knew only the baptism of John,” Acts 18:25.

c. Recall, John’s preaching, and baptism were preparatory, Matthew 3:1-3.

d. Its design was to get the Jews ready; to hear the gospel of Christ, once preached by the apostles, Luke 24:44-49; Acts 1:8.

e. This occurred on Pentecost; announced unto the world, by Peter and the other apostles, Acts 2:36-41. This part of Jesus' teaching was missing; in the instruction taught in the synagogues and School of Alexandria, unto its rabbis.

4. Conclusion: Apollos had come to a fertile field, to “preach the things of the Lord.” There were converts in Ephesus, to Christ (just a few). These believers sought to hear about Jesus’ teaching; and, not the teaching of John the Baptist.

a. The leaders of Ephesus desired Paul; to remain with them and preach Jesus, and the kingdom of God.

b. He declined their invitation; desiring to go to Jerusalem for Pentecost; and then, unto Antioch: to render a report concerning his second missionary journey.

c. He promised if be God’s will; he would return, unto them, Acts 18:19-23.

d. Now, this brings us to why: Apollos was in Ephesus. He needed to learn of, and become obedient first “to Jesus;” and then, put Him in his message. He needed to get his lesson outline updated! I wish I had some help.

e. Conclusion: Although a powerful teacher and preacher; he was not helping anyone because his message of the Messiah was incomplete.

B. They heard him. Luke noted: “And he began to speak...whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard,” Acts 18:26. Aquila and Priscilla heard him preach, in the synagogue. I think this is very important in our further discussion.

1. “They heard him” speak; and therefore, heard the error in his message. Before we move forward; we must learn a little more, about Aquila and Pricilla. We heard about them; earlier in the lesson, you might recall?

2. Ephesus’ team teachers. The teaching team, of Aquila and Priscilla; was in the synagogue, during Apollos’ address. They heard his message themselves. Observe--

a. First, it was apparent to (Aquila and Priscilla); that he did not know the truth, concerning the Messiah; the gospel, or the baptism of Christ.

b. Further, they heard him preach. They heard his error; and sought to help this young preacher, to better understand the message of Christ.

c. Next, the couple proceeded with love and kindness to teach him the: “Way of God more perfectly,” Acts 18:26; Colossians 4:6; Proverbs 16:24.