November 16

Acts 18: 23 – 19:10

23 After spending some time there he departed and went from place to place through the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples. 24 Now there came to Ephesus a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria. He was an eloquent man, well-versed in the scriptures. 25 He had been instructed in the Way of the Lord; and he spoke with burning enthusiasm and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John. 26 He began to speak boldly in the synagogue; but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained the Way of God to him more accurately. 27 And when he wished to cross over to Achaia, the believers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples to welcome him. On his arrival he greatly helped those who through grace had become believers, 28 for he powerfully refuted the Jews in public, showing by the scriptures that the Messiah is Jesus.
19 While Apollos was in Corinth, Paul passed through the interior regions and came to Ephesus, where he found some disciples. 2 He said to them, "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you became believers?" They replied, "No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit." 3 Then he said, "Into what then were you baptized?" They answered, "Into John's baptism." 4 Paul said, "John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, in Jesus." 5 On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 When Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied-- 7 altogether there were about twelve of them. 8 He entered the synagogue and for three months spoke out boldly, and argued persuasively about the kingdom of God. 9 When some stubbornly refused to believe and spoke evil of the Way before the congregation, he left them, taking the disciples with him, and argued daily in the lecture hall of Tyrannus. 10 This continued for two years, so that all the residents of Asia, both Jews and Greeks, heard the word of the Lord.
We know that Apollos made significant contributions to the church in Corinth. In his first letter to the Corinthians, Paul references Apollos in his description of the divisions in the church. These divisions do not come from Paul and Apollos. Apollos is depicted as a strong witness to Jesus. He is willing to be instructed and Priscilla and Aquila teach him what he needs to round out his message.

The question of the Baptism of John and the Baptism in the name of Jesus comes up again. John the Baptist had called for a baptism of repentance. This Jewish rite was part of the preparation for worship in the temple. John had used it to speak of how the people of God were to change and receive the Messiah.

Baptism in the name of Jesus is more than this ritual observance. It brings the power of the Holy Spirit. It changes people from followers to witnesses. The church is becoming a community of witnesses, prophets. Paul continues in Ephesus for two years, but he is not alone. These disciples take up the work so that “all the residents of Asia, both Jews and Greeks, heard the word of the Lord.”

Reflection Questions

1. The task of sharing the gospel is now being shared. Apollos and the other disciples are trained and now witness to the gospel. How do we see the witnessing community as part of our understanding if the church?
2. Baptism in the name of the Lord Jesus brings power. What does your baptism equip you to do?
3. All of Asia is reported to hear the word of the Lord. What are your congregations goals for speaking the word of the Lord?