Recap: Paul has been in Corinth - city of great vice. Had 1 1/2 years of encouragement, success, no beatings devoted himself to the ministry, and made new friends - Priscilla and Aquila.
Now, is called to leave Corinth, but brings Priscilla and Aquila with him.
Acts 18:18 - Paul stops to get his hair cut - probably Nazarite vow - ex. Samson, John the Baptist -
probably to say 'thanks' for the refreshing time at Corinth
Jewish custom to then go to temple in Jerusalem and present hair as thank offering
Point #1: Remember to thank God
2 Thess. 5:18 - Give thanks in all circumstances
Phil. 4:6 - do not be anxious about anything
Acts 18:19-21 - reasoned with the Jews. Will return if is God's will
Point #2: Remember God is in control
James 4:13-16
Acts 18:22 - went up to Jerusalem, then back down to Antioch (Paul's home-sending church)
Acts 18:23- no doubt gave report of his journey. Then went on 3rd. Missionary journey. Begins retracing 2nd. journey's stops, but breaks it off and goes straight to Ephesus
Acts 18:24-25 - meets Apollos
Apollos = gifted speaker, intelligent (from Alexandria, has library, Septuagint written), is mighty in the scriptures, passionate
Although he was very intelligent, he lacked some very important information.
However, he was very accurate with what he had. - 'the Messiah was coming, need to repent, maybe even knew Jesus was the Messiah, but he did not know of the death,burial, resurrection, ascension before now.
Acts 18:26-28
Point #3. Don't discourage (or ignore) young believers. 1 Tim. 5:1
Note: kindness of Priscilla and Aquila - (didn't correct him in public)
Note: humility of Apollos - like the Bereans, like John the Baptist
Note: Unity of the brothers, sent letters to disciples in Achaia. Was a great help to all believers.
Note: a great outreach to the Jews
Point #4: Be Open to Instruction - like Apollos
Prov. 12:1
Prov. 11:2
Point #5: Be an Ambassador of Jesus - 1 Pet. 3:5
2 Tim. 2:24-26
Luke 10 - Jewish lawyer - who is my neighbor? Good Samaritan
You never know what God might have in store for us. Be an ambassador for Jesus Christ.
Acts 19:1-7 - These men perhaps converts of Apollos, were pre-Paul, possibly knew John the Baptist, but left before Christ's death, burial, resurrection, and ascension
Paul doesn't mock, but teaches them. They believe. They were baptized
Rom. 10:9 - "if you confess ... believe...you will be saved."
Rom. 8:9 - more theological in nature.
Acts is descriptive of a special transitional time. - Descriptive, not prescriptive. Is not a second filling or gift.
Closing Scripture: 2 Cor. 5:14-17
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