When he arrived, he greatly helped those who through grace had believed, 28 for he powerfully refuted the Jews in public, showing by the Scriptures that the Christ was Jesus.
There is a phrase in auto racing that goes like this. “In order to finish first, first you must finish.” This is a caution to those who go too fast too soon. At first glance, these verses seem to have nothing to do with that phrase. Apollos looks like a winner. That is, until we see its context. Before this, Apollos heard the word, believed, and preached fervently in Ephesus. The problem was, he was preaching the baptism of John, obsolete once Jesus arrived. He was that close but a mile behind. This is where Priscilla and Aquila came alongside him and taught him the word of God more accurately. Then, with the blessing of the brothers, he was trained, fit, and ready for the race. The above verses show what happened. Apollos was instrumental in Achaia.
There are many preachers today in desperate need of a Priscilla and Aquila to come beside them and teach the gospel more accurately. They got saved and got right to the pulpit, preaching nonsense in some cases. This is why we have so much division in the church, because biblical ignorance is the great scourge of our pulpits. No matter how old or experienced a pastor is, the need to learn is ever present. For the 5th time, I will be attending a three day preaching conference next month. May the walls of that conference be bursting with Apollos-like believers, eager to preach the good news but not equipped. May the Lord fill them with the Holy Spirit and the knowledge of the Good News of Jesus Christ…
He finished the race.
Pastor Brad Boyer
Cape Community Church