Category: Apollos

Neither Length Nor Fervor, But Clarity #6

Thursday, May 15, 2025

“For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God” (1 Corinthians 2:11,12 KJV).

Let ministers depend on the Spirit of God as they deliver their sermons, and not rely on the (limited, weak) energy of the flesh!

Upon hearing Apollos’ incomplete and inaccurate spiritual information, Aquila and Priscilla did not overlook it: “And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly” (Acts 18:26). They took Apollos aside and taught him privately, instead of embarrassing him in public.

That which was lacking in Apollos’ Bible understanding, they filled it with the Bible teaching they received from Paul himself earlier in the chapter (verses 1-3). Apollos learned about the events which had followed the baptism of John the Baptist—Christ’s earthly ministry (including His death, burial, resurrection, and ascension), the coming of the Holy Spirit in Acts chapter 2, the fall of Israel in Acts chapter 7, and the salvation and commissioning of the Apostle Paul in Acts 9. Apollos subsequently became a Bible teacher who communicated with great clarity, becoming an asset to Paul’s ministry (Acts 18:27,28; Acts 19:1; 1 Corinthians 3:5,6; 1 Corinthians 16:12; Titus 3:13).

Unfortunately, unlike Apollos, too many ministers are unwilling to be taught “the way of God more perfectly.” Over all these years, I have met them. They are smug in, and comfortable with, their religious tradition, ignorance, and lies. “Scholarship,” man’s wisdom, man’s praise, and entertainment mean more to them than truth, God’s wisdom, God’s praise, and sound doctrine ever will! Lacking any care to know, they have no interest in being confused by facts. If so, they are preaching and teaching in the energy of the flesh. It is not the Holy Spirit working in and through them, but another spirit, so they are better off saying nothing in “the Lord’s name.”

Let us summarize and conclude this devotionals arc….

Neither Length Nor Fervor, But Clarity #5

Wednesday, May 14, 2025

“For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God” (1 Corinthians 2:11,12 KJV).

Let ministers depend on the Spirit of God as they deliver their sermons, and not rely on the (limited, weak) energy of the flesh!

The vast majority of professing Christians—leaders and congregants alike—are affiliated with at least one denomination, cult, sect, or theological system. Either they are on the membership rolls, or they frequent the services, or they have read the books, or they have graduated the religious schools. These groups are the product of non-dispensational Bible study. They are all failed attempts to understand and enjoy the Bible—some have a little more light than others, but all languish in extensive ignorance and darkness.

A classic example of non-dispensational ignorance in ministry is Apollos, featured in Acts chapter 18: “[24] And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus. [25] This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John. [26] And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.”

This Bible teacher or preacher, Apollos, was “eloquent”—precise, persuasive, and beautiful words poured from his lips. He was “mighty in the scriptures”—powerful in his Hebrew Bible education. “Instructed in the way of the Lord,” he “spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord….” Bold Apollos was “fervent in the spirit”—excited, passionate, enthusiastic. The bad news is, “…knowing only the baptism of John.” Apollos’ understanding of the Bible timeline was outdated, for the latest information he had was a 20-year-old message from John the Baptist!

Indeed, Apollos was fervent and long-speaking, but clarity was lacking….

Jeremiah 29:11 and Right Division #1

Monday, May 20, 2024

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end” (Jeremiah 29:11 KJV).

What is the truth about today’s Scripture?

It is always commendable when people quote a Bible verse they feel agrees with the present occasion or their position. They have tried to be biblical, and this is wise: “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:5,6). However, it is always a real shame when people quoting the Bible have neglected the dispensational context of whatever verse they have chosen to use. Maybe they are deliberately being untruthful, such as those in 2 Timothy 3:1-9. Nonetheless, perhaps they just need to be taught the truth, as poor misguided Apollos was.

Acts 18:24-28: “And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus. This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John. And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly. And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him: who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through grace: For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publicly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ.”

This preacher, Apollos, was “eloquent” (articulate, a persuasive speaker). He was also “mighty in the scriptures” (powerful in Bible knowledge). Furthermore, he was “instructed in the way of the Lord” (taught to follow the Lord’s path). He was “fervent in the spirit” (zealous, excited, passionate, enthusiastic). Additionally, “he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord” (circumspectly or carefully speaking and teaching information about the Lord). Yet, Apollos was “knowing only the baptism of John” (an outdated 20-year-old message or revelation).

As Apollos received instruction, may we be inclined to renew our mind with the truth….

Spellbound! #8

Saturday, August 26, 2023

“Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple” (Romans 16:17,18 KJV).

Let us analyze these “good words and fair speeches.”

Continuing the theme of 2 Peter 2:1-3, verse 18 describes false teachers as follows: “For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error.” A companion passage is Jude 16: “These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men’s persons in admiration because of advantage.”

Using these “great swelling” (extravagant, immoderate, or arrogant) words, false teachers convert followers. “Having men’s persons in admiration because of advantage” aligns with Tertullus’ speech in Acts 24:1-4; the talker aims to profit from his audience, so he resorts to cheap flattery. Second Peter 2:18 sums it up as “vanity” (emptiness, worthlessness). Sounding impressive on the surface, a closer examination reveals it to be valueless. It was just a cruel ploy to take from the gullible!

Recall 2 Peter 2:1, how there were false prophets among the ancient people of Israel. One example is in the Book of Jeremiah, 600 years before Christ. “They have healed also the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace” (Jeremiah 6:14). “For they have healed the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace” (Jeremiah 8:11). Whereas the LORD was judging the apostate Jewish people because of their habitual idolatry (disobedience to the Law of Moses), the false prophets reassured Israel that all was well and no evil would come upon them (just like the feel-good teachers and preachers of modern Christendom!). Jerusalem would fall to the Babylonian army, and no amount of wishful thinking, “inspirational messages,” or “positive thinking” would alter that fact.

Observe today’s Scripture to appreciate how false teaching adversely affects us, the Church the Body of Christ….

Spellbound! #7

Friday, August 25, 2023

“Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple” (Romans 16:17,18 KJV).

Let us analyze these “good words and fair speeches.”

Addressing Israel in the ages to come, the Holy Spirit guided the Apostle Peter to write: “Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not” (2 Peter 1:20–2:3).

In the above excerpt, we observe good spiritual teachers (God’s prophets or spokesmen) contrasted with evil spiritual teachers (Satan’s prophets or spokesmen). There is sound doctrine (from the Lord) and there is false doctrine (the Devil’s cheap counterfeit or imitation). Concentrate on 2 Peter 2:3: “And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you….” False teachers, motivated by “covetousness” (greed), target the spiritually naïve, those who have not mastered sound Bible teaching. They methodically use “feigned words” (make-believe or fiction; something artificial, pretend, or invented) to “make merchandise of you” (exploit you, take advantage of you, obtain something from you).

These are warnings for Israel in the future, when the Antichrist and his false religion arise and deceive innumerable souls. Still, the same evil world system is here with us now (albeit in a milder form). False teachers plague today’s world by means of the strategies Peter described 20 centuries ago. We would do well to also heed today’s Scripture, which our Apostle Paul penned for our spiritual health now….

Spellbound! #6

Thursday, August 24, 2023

“Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple” (Romans 16:17,18 KJV).

Let us analyze these “good words and fair speeches.”

The Greeks, especially in Athens, delivered powerful discourses to advertise their mental prowess, disseminate their favorite philosophy, and tempt gullible souls to join their ranks. Although highly educated in Jewish and Graeco-Roman thought, the Apostle Paul did not use his intellect to devise sly techniques to bring idolaters to the Lord Jesus Christ.

Describing his ministry in Corinth in Acts chapter 18, Paul penned: “And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God…. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:…” (1 Corinthians 2:1,4). Paul’s ministry relied on God’s power and God’s wisdom—and this is what influenced the Corinthians to trust Christ as their personal Saviour. They were reminded of this, lest they continue worshipping sinful man’s “brilliance” (see 1 Corinthians 1:17-31).

Consider Apollos now. “And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus” (Acts 18:24). Initially, he seems like an outstanding Bible authority, right? He is articulate, possessing an extensive vocabulary, and skilled in the Scriptures. Yet, read verse 25: “This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John.” Enthusiastic Apollos laboriously preaches and teaches about the Lord, but his latest information is John the Baptist’s ministry—a 20-year-old revelation!

In verse 26, Aquila and Priscilla, recognizing his problem, take bold Apollos aside and explain to him the way of God “more perfectly” (more exactly/precisely). Apollos was likely a sincere teacher, not deliberately leading anyone astray. Yet, despite his eloquence (nice-sounding sermons), his theology was not dispensational. Like denominationalism nowadays, Apollos’ “helpful insight” promised nothing but spiritual devastation….

The Wise Masterbuilder #9

Saturday, January 13, 2018

“According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 3:10,11 KJV).

Who is the “wise masterbuilder?” In what way is he “wise?” What is he building? Where do we fit in?

Immediately preceding today’s Scripture, Scripture says: “For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” Whether Paul or Apollos (verses 4-8), both were working toward the same end. Jesus Christ crucified, buried, and risen again was being preached as (1) sufficient payment for sins and (2) the key to victorious Christian living. “According to the grace of God which is given unto [Paul]” (today’s Scripture)—in keeping with the divine favor or office given him—Jesus Christ was being proclaimed.

Notice two disparate passages. Firstly, the Apostle Peter speaking to the nation Israel in Acts chapter 3: “[19] Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord. [20] And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you: [21] Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.”

Secondly, the Apostle Paul addressing Gentiles in Romans chapter 16: “[25] Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, [26] But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:….”

While Peter was speaking of Jesus Christ according to “prophecy” (“spoken since the world began”), Paul was proclaiming Jesus Christ according to “mystery” (“kept secret since the world began, but now is made manifest”). What is “the preaching of Jesus Christ according to the revelation of the mystery?” We must consult Paul’s apostolic office….

The Wise Masterbuilder #8

Friday, January 12, 2018

“According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 3:10,11 KJV).

Who is the “wise masterbuilder?” In what way is he “wise?” What is he building? Where do we fit in?

The verses previous to today’s Scripture say: “[5] Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? [6] I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. [7] So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. [8] Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.”

Being “carnal”—fleshly, sin-dominated—the Corinthian Christians focused more on individuals than on doctrine. (Sound familiar?) Paul did not want them to worship him; he did not want them to brag about Apollos either. As we mentioned earlier, both had labored in the ministry at Corinth: Paul visited first and preached the Gospel of the Grace of God to them (“planted”), and Apollos came later and taught them more (“watered”). They were just mortal men, preaching and serving the same Lord Jesus Christ. GOD was the Person giving the increase, generating the spiritual results (justification, sanctification, enlightenment, strengthening, et cetera).

Nevertheless, the verses immediately following should not be ignored. Paul declares in today’s Scripture: “According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” God had given Paul a special body of information; Paul relayed it to Aquila and Priscilla (Acts 18:1-3) who then taught Apollos (verses 24-26). Once Paul taught in and left Corinth, Apollos visited and taught (Acts 18:27–19:1). The Corinthians were to remember, though, that Paul received that divine wisdom first….

Our latest Bible Q&A: “Why does Daniel 5:25 say ‘Upharsin’ but Daniel 5:28 say ‘Peres?’”

The Wise Masterbuilder #7

Thursday, January 11, 2018

“According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 3:10,11 KJV).

Who is the “wise masterbuilder?” In what way is he “wise?” What is he building? Where do we fit in?

Returning to the context of today’s Scripture, we begin the chapter at verse 1 and work our way down to ascertain its thought-flow: “[1] And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. [2] I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. [3] For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? [4] For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal?”

As we read earlier in chapter 1, and just noticed in chapter 3, so we read in chapter 11: “[18] For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it. [19] For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you.” Again, the most basic problem in Corinth is “divisions” (schisms). They follow a wide variety of people—Peter, Apollos, Christ in His earthly ministry, and Paul. This has thus caused them to hold diverse doctrines (“heresies”). Moreover, pagan Greek philosophers and legalistic Jewish false teachers have further confused them. Sound Bible doctrine is under attack: the teaching ministry of the Spirit of God is being suppressed and the flesh (man’s sin nature) is in complete control at Corinth! (Sound familiar?)

The solution to the Corinthian dilemma—yea, Christendom’s problem even today—is to see and embrace the wisdom of the wise masterbuilder that can construct a mighty spiritual edifice to the glory of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ….

The Wise Masterbuilder #6

Wednesday, January 10, 2018

“According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 3:10,11 KJV).

Who is the “wise masterbuilder?” In what way is he “wise?” What is he building? Where do we fit in?

Earlier, we referred to the Apostolic conference in Jerusalem as documented in Acts chapter 15 and Galatians chapter 2. There, Paul and Barnabas met with James, Peter, and John. Many years later, at the very end of his life and ministry, the Apostle Peter penned as the Holy Spirit moved him: “[15] And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; [16] As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.” Even at such a late date, Peter did not understand all Pauline doctrine: Peter knew God had given Paul “wisdom” not given to him (Peter).

When we consider Peter’s Jewish-oriented ministry, Christ’s Jewish-oriented earthly ministry, and Peter’s limited knowledge of Pauline theology, now we understand the purpose of today’s Scripture. It is actually a warning. Who is the “wise masterbuilder” according to God’s plan for the Corinthians? Peter? Nay! Christ in His earthly ministry? Nay! Who has laid the foundation as concerning those Corinthian saints? Peter? Nay! Christ in His earthly ministry? Nay! Today’s Scripture says Paul is the “wise masterbuilder” and Paul has laid the foundation. How is he “wise?” God revealed some special information directly to him.

Ephesians chapter 3:“[1] For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, [2] If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: [3] How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, [4] Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)….”

Our first Bible Q&A of 2018: “Was Mary Magdalene really a prostitute?”