LET US BE CONSIDERATE AND HUMBLE WHEN WE SHARE AND HELP

PROCLAMATION

“Meanwhile a Jew named Apollos … had been instructed in the way of The Lord … he spoke with great fervor … though he knew only the baptism of John.  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 … he vigorously refuted his Jewish opponents in public debate, proving from the scriptures that Jesus was The Messiah.”  Acts 18:24-28 (NIV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words were written by Luke, the physician, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  Here Luke records that in Corinth, Paul met a Jewish believer named Aquila and his wife Priscilla.  Because Aquila was also a tent-maker, Paul stayed with them. (Acts 18:1-4)  After a year and a half, Paul left Corinth (Acts 18:11) for Syria and Aquila and Priscilla accompanied him. (Acts 18:18-19)  However, when they arrived at Ephesus, Paul left Priscilla and Aquila and went on alone.  It was here in Ephesus that they met Apollos, a Jewish believer, who was knowledgeable in the scriptures, but he only knew of the baptism of John.  Priscilla and Aquila had learned about Jesus, The Christ, from Paul when he stayed with them.  They took Apollos aside and privately they shared with him what they knew about Jesus, The Christ.  They helped Apollos, who was already an eloquent speaker, to become more knowledgeable and better.

 

APPLICATION

None of us knows everything, especially about Jesus, The Christ.  Those who heard the apostles preach learned a lot, and those who hear the Man of God preach today can learn a lot.  Those who also read and study The Word of God regularly will learn even more.  However, when we share that which we know with others, we should be very careful regarding how we share it.  The goal is to help edify others, not to put them down publicly or in private.  The purpose is not to show off how much we know, but to enhance the knowledge of others.  Every serious and knowledgeable Bible student is not necessarily a good teacher.  If we cannot help someone with what we know, then our knowledge is useless.  Let us learn how to be humble when we help others and not do it to show off.  We should always “THINK” before we speak and make sure that what we say is “Truthful, Helpful, Insightful, Necessary, and Kind.”  It is not always what we say but how we say it that is hurtful.  Be considerate.