Friday, August 7, 2026

Acts 18:24-28 

24 Meanwhile a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was a learned man, with a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures. 25 He had been instructed in the way of the Lord, and he spoke with great fervor and taught about Jesus accurately, though he knew only the baptism of John. 26 He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately. 

27 When Apollos wanted to go to Achaia, the brothers and sisters encouraged him and wrote to the disciples there to welcome him. When he arrived, he was a great help to those who by grace had believed. 28 For he vigorously refuted his Jewish opponents in public debate, proving from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Messiah. 

Apollos was a highly educated man from Alexandria. He had become a follower of Jesus and a gifted apologist. The key detail in this passage comes in verse 25: “though he knew only the baptism of John.” 

If we back up to the Gospels, we find that John the Baptist’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. That is part of Christian baptism, but baptism in the name of Jesus is also connected to the gift of the Holy Spirit. It is a baptism that brings new life. 

Apollos vigorously defends what he knows until the disciple couple Priscilla and Aquila hear him, take him aside, and give him the rest of the story. We do not know exactly what happened behind closed doors. We only know the result: Apollos’ understanding grew, and he became an even stronger preacher of Jesus as the Messiah. 

One of the facts of life is that you only know what you know—until you know better. Especially in matters of faith, it can be a heart-racing experience to discover that your knowledge is incomplete. Believe me, I have been there again and again. I have felt defensive, silly, and exposed more times than I can count. In fact, that is actually how I met my wife in seminary. Spoiler: she is smarter than me. 

But in hindsight, I have also found that each time I learn something new, it is a little like a software update. Yes, it takes a while to figure out how the new learning fits with what I already understand about Jesus. But in the end, my understanding of Jesus becomes deeper and fuller. 

This is the golden age of Bible study. It really is. There are so many ways to grow in your knowledge of the Lord: podcasts, Bible apps, books, videos, classes, and more. You could receive the equivalent of a seminary-level education from the convenience of your home. 

We do not have to fear learning more or discovering that we know less than we thought. Every day is an opportunity to be like Apollos: to learn with humility, share with courage, and trust that the Holy Spirit is guiding our steps. 

So, what are you curious about today? 

– Pr. Jason 

God, thank you for all of the ways you have given me to learn more about you. Help me to have the courage to grow and the courage to share! Amen.