The beloved physician Luke shared how, “a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus”, and in chapter eighteen and verse twenty-five of the book of Acts Luke shared how Apollos, “was instructed in the way of the Lord” where we read:
This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spoke and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John.
The verse reads, “This man was instructed in the way of the Lord;”: Luke began with the words, “this man was instructed” which means “this particular male human being was informed and apprised” “in the way of the Lord” or “in the course of conduct, thinking, feeling and deciding of the One to whom a person or thing belongs about which he has power of deciding; master, and the title given to God the Messiah”. Luke shared how “Apollo” was apprised of the manner of the “conduct, thinking, feeling and deciding” of the “Lord”.
The verse goes on to say, “and being fervent in the spirit, he spoke and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John.” Luke continued with the words “and being fervent in the spirit” or “and since and because he was boiling, hot and full of zeal in his simple essence which is devoid of all or at least all grosser matter and possessed of the power of knowing, desiring, deciding and acting”, “he spoke” which means “Apollo uttered, declared and proclaimed” “and taught diligently the things of the Lord” or “and gave didactic discourses, imparted instruction and instilled doctrine accurately and circumspectly toward the understanding and teachings pertaining to the One to whom a person or thing belongs about which he has power of deciding; master, and the title given to God the Messiah”, “knowing only the baptism of John” which means “only being acquainted with, understanding and comprehending the immersion and submersion in water for the washing of sins shared by John the Baptist”. Luke shared how “Apollo”, though full of zeal in his spirit, was only familiar with the “baptism” which “John the Baptist” taught.
When we meditate upon Luke's words in this verse, we learn how “Apollo” had some understanding concerning the things pertaining to “God”, however, his perception was limited to the “baptism” as taught by “John the Baptist”. We shall see what happens to “Apollo” in our next verses, but for now let us understand there is always more to know concerning a personal relationship with God. God sent His Son Jesus to die for the sins of the world, and anyone who yields themselves to Him will be forgiven of their sins and granted everlasting life. Afterward they begin to grow in their knowledge and understanding of God the Father and Jesus Christ His Son. Those who are wise surrender to Jesus and allow His Holy Spirit to direct them into the truth and align with the truth when it is known.
Next time Luke shares how Apollos, “began to speak boldly in the synagogue”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until tomorrow…there is more…
See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".
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