During his missionary journeys, Paul encountered a remarkable couple, Priscilla and Aquila, who became his companions in ministry. When Paul departed for other regions, he left them in Ephesus to strengthen the church there. Meanwhile, a man named Apollos arrived from Alexandria. Apollos was fervent in spirit, an eloquent speaker, and deeply knowledgeable in the Scriptures. Having been a disciple of John the Baptist, he possessed a zeal for God that was evident in his teaching. The following verse captures a pivotal moment in his ministry:
He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. After Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained the way of God to him more accurately.
In this account, we witness the boldness of Apollos paired with the wisdom of Priscilla and Aquila. Apollos proclaimed the truth as he understood it, speaking with confidence to the Jews in the synagogue. Yet, there were aspects of his teaching that required refinement. Priscilla and Aquila, recognizing this, chose not to confront him publicly or engage in a dispute within the synagogue. Instead, they demonstrated grace and discretion by taking him aside and gently instructing him in the way of God more accurately.
What a powerful example for believers today! We need more Christians like Apollos—those who are filled with zeal and boldness to proclaim the message of Jesus without hesitation. Equally, we need more Christians like Priscilla and Aquila—those who refrain from judgment or public correction when they discern a brother’s teaching is not entirely aligned with truth. Rather than arguing, they approach their brother with humility, taking him aside to share the Scriptures that illuminate the truth more clearly. In Apollos, we see a passion for God and a commendable humility. He did not cling to pride or the need to be right; instead, he displayed the heart of a true follower of Jesus, eager to teach the Word of God accurately. When presented with the truth, he adjusted his understanding accordingly.
Priscilla and Aquila, for their part, exemplified wisdom, gentleness, grace, and courage. They had the courage to wait for the right moment, the wisdom to connect with Apollos privately, and the grace to instruct him with care. Later, they supported him as he traveled to Achaia, ensuring his gifts could be used to encourage the church there. Their approach reflects a deep understanding that correction, when offered in love, can lead to greater fruitfulness for the kingdom.
This account challenges us to examine our own hearts. Are we bold in sharing our faith, yet teachable when correction is needed? Are we patient and gracious when we see a brother or sister missing pieces of the truth, recognizing that their motives may be pure even if their understanding is incomplete? Too often, we may resist correction, unable to handle the truth because of pride, or we may correct others harshly, lacking the gentleness that fosters growth. Yet, Scripture calls us to a higher standard—one of earnest passion tempered by gentle instruction.
Lord, grant me the boldness to share my faith with fervor, and the humility to receive correction from Your Word. Teach me to be patient and gracious when I see a brother or sister in need of guidance. May I honor their pure motives and offer encouragement from Scripture with love, trusting that they will make adjustments as You lead them. We see in Apollos a man who not only encouraged many to find faith in Jesus but also became a great blessing to the church in Achaia. May we, too, benefit from lovingly correcting one another, as You would have us do, for the building up of Your body and the glory of Your name.
