6TH WEEK OF EASTER

They took him aside and explained to him . . . 

Albert Einstein famously said, “The more I learn, the more I realize how much I don’t know.” That statement could also apply to Apollos in today’s first reading!

Apollos was obviously an educated man. He spoke accurately about the Scriptures, which reflected his serious study and contemplation. When he heard the things that John the Baptist had taught about Jesus, he took them to heart and sought to know more about the Lord. He is described as having an “ardent spirit” and an enthusiasm and passion for the truth (Acts 18:25). And yet he only knew about the baptism of John.

One day, as Apollos spoke boldly about Jesus in the synagogue, he was approached by Priscilla and Aquila, friends of Paul who “explained to him the Way of God more accurately” (Acts 18:26). Apollos listened with a humble and thirsty spirit; he didn’t react defensively. Rather, he was willing to hear and receive all that they shared about Jesus—especially that he was God’s promised One who would baptize with the Holy Spirit. His heart was so open to the gift of the Holy Spirit that the local church sent letters to believers in Achaia recommending Apollos as a trustworthy teacher!

We can learn from Apollos—and Einstein—that God always has more that he wants to teach us. His mercy, his love, and his generosity are limitless. We can never get to the bottom of them. But God has given us his Holy Spirit to guide us into all truth, and he will provide opportunities every day for us to know him more fully (John 16:13).

So be sure to keep your heart open, however God wants to speak to you. Be sure also to ask the Lord to help you stay humble as you listen to other people or as you study his word. Like Apollos, try always to cultivate a thirst to know more about the Lord.

“Lord Jesus, I want to know you more and more. Come and teach me.”

Psalm 47:2-3, 8-10
John 16:23-28
Acts 18:23-28