Daily Reading: Acts 18
He 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)
Devotional Thought: In Acts 18, Paul planted a church in Corinth, working with Priscilla and Aquila, a husband and wife ministry team who were Jewish Christians. From there they moved on to Ephesus, where Priscilla and Aquilla stayed while Paul continued his journey. After Paul left Ephesus, a powerful and eloquent preacher came to town. His name was Apollos. Though a fervent preacher and a very educated man who taught accurately about Jesus, Apollos was described as knowing “only the baptism of John”. Priscilla and Aquila soon discovered that something was missing. "They invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately” (v. 26, NIV)
What was missing in Apollos’ spiritual life? The Scripture says that he knew the baptism of John, a baptism of repentance and belief in Jesus (Acts 19.4), so why was Apollos’ experience inadequate? Apollos had apparently stopped at head knowledge, coming up short of heart purity. He could explain it all, but it had not penetrated deeply into his heart, claiming his full allegiance and devotion. He was “accurate” about Jesus. Believing in Jesus, he had repented of his sins and had gained new life in Christ. He had also felt the call to preach and had been gifted by the Spirit for that task. But service does not equal sanctification. He needed to be filled with the Spirit!
Having a head knowledge is just the start! We must go on to gain a pure heart through the baptism of the Holy Spirit!
How about you? Have you stopped at head knowledge? Or, as Priscilla and Aquilla instructed Apollos, have you gone on to heart purity and Spirit-filling? Make your whole Spirit, soul and body available to be filled with him. In faith, allow God to purify your heart!
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for saving me from sin. Fill me with your Spirit, O Lord. Purify my heart. I offer myself completely to you. Amen.
Psalm of the Day: Psalm 74:18-23
18 Remember this, O LORD, how the enemy scoffs, and a foolish people reviles your name.
19 Do not deliver the soul of your dove to the wild beasts; do not forget the life of your poor forever.
20 Have regard for the covenant, for the dark places of the land are full of the habitations of violence.
21 Let not the downtrodden turn back in shame; let the poor and needy praise your name.
22 Arise, O God, defend your cause; remember how the foolish scoff at you all the day!
23 Do not forget the clamor of your foes, the uproar of those who rise against you, which goes up continually!
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