"Preacher Training"

EPISODE 140

Be Bold but Accurate

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Why is it that we tend to focus on a single piece of negative feedback or criticism we receive over the mountain of positive comments about something we've done? While it's easy to fixate on our failures, in Acts 18, we meet a man who turned critique into correction.

Eloquent & Competent

"Now a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was an eloquent man, competent in the Scriptures. He had been instructed in the way of the Lord ..." (Acts 18:24-25).

Apollos had a lot going for him. Luke describes him as "eloquent" (λόγιος | logios), or cultured and well-learned. But being a skilled speaker isn't enough (1 Cor. 1:16). He was also "competent" (δυνατός | dynatos) in the Scriptures, having a strong understanding of the Law. He knew his stuff, and skillfully communicated God's will with others.

We'd do well to be more like Apollos today. Are you studying as often as you could? Do you accurately handle God's word (2 Tim. 2:15)? And could someone call you "eloquent" or "competent" in your understanding of the Bible?

Fervent & Bold

"And being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John. He began to speak boldly in the synagogue ..." (Acts 18:25-26).

He was also on fire for Christ, with a "fervent" (ζέω | zeō) spirit like a pot of boiling water. He was the opposite of that lukewarm Laodicean church in Rev. 3:14-22. And his enthusiasm was contagious, leading him into the synagogues to speak boldly.

Maybe it's time for a regular checkup today. What's your spiritual temperature? Do others see your excitement for Christ by your words and actions? And are you speaking up about the Lord without fear as he did?

Accurate & More Accurate

"... but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately" (Acts 18:26).

With all his positive qualities, he was missing something critically important (Jesus' baptism). So this husband and wife team privately pointed him to a more accurate understanding of the gospel. As with any confrontation like this, it could have turned ugly. But rather than getting defensive and rejecting their criticism, Apollos shows us how to be a good listener!

But how would you have handled this situation? While it's easy in hindsight to think I'd follow his example, I know myself far too well. I might have put my shields up, become defensive, and fixated on the failure. That type of reaction will never lead to growth!

So as the Lord's disciples — learners and students — let's see failure as part of the process. And let's get good at listening, so we can boldly share God's word with more accuracy.