[Apollos] began to speak boldly in the synagogue, but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately (Acts 18:26 ESV)
Paul’s second missionary journey is coming to an end in this passage of Acts. Previously, we followed him to Corinth, where he met the husband and wife team of Priscilla and Aquila. After leaving there, he headed toward Ephesus and left Priscilla and Aquila there before heading back to where he started, his home church in Antioch of Syria.
While in Ephesus, Priscilla and Aquila encounter Apollos, a man mighty in fervor and in the scriptures. Yet, his message wasn’t 100% complete. He only knew of the baptism of John. So this husband and wife couple take him aside and teach him God’s way “more accurately.”
This passage demonstrates that the Spirit of God is still on the move in the early church. As we zoom in, we see two vital characteristics on display: fervor and accuracy. Fervor, or zeal, is that Holy Spirit-inspired fire that compels us to serve God and others with our whole hearts. Accuracy, or wisdom, is that God-given knowledge that appreciates the whole counsel of God. An effective Christian, and an effective church, will desire both of these godly traits. Fervor without accuracy might result in an overzealous or harsh tone that does not honor Christ. Accuracy without fervor might result in that prideful knowledge that “puffs up.”
Acts 18:18-28 is an account of how the church of Jesus Christ prevailed in the midst of adversity because it was characterized by both fervor and accuracy. And wherever one of these vital characteristics was lacking, the brothers strengthened one another, so that they can all grow. May the Lord use this to help us to be willing to strengthen each other in areas that are lacking, that we may be a church that preaches a theologically accurate message with Spirit-inspired fervor, to the glory of Christ!