Accurately, Vigorously Testify that Jesus is Messiah

The Holy Spirit used the Apostle Paul to lead people to Christ. He is an example for us who pray that God would use us in the same way.

“He [Paul] reasoned (διελεγετο - discussed) in the synagogue every Sabbath and persuaded (επειθεν - to endeavor to convince) both Jews and Greeks.” [1]

Paul went to gatherings of religious people (both Jews and Greeks) and entered into discussions with them for the purpose convincing them to believe in Jesus Christ.

“Paul was compelled by the Spirit and testified (διαμαρτυρομενος – give solemn testimony – the word martyr is contained in this word) to the Jews that Jesus is the Christ.” [2]

Paul did not grieve the Spirit. He welcomed the Holy Spirit to compel him to testify with great conviction that Jesus is the Messiah. The first one that needs to be convicted that Christ is the One and only Messiah is the speaker. If he is not convicted as to who Christ is how can he convict those who listen to him to believe?

“He [Paul] continued there a year and six months, teaching the Word of God among them.” [3]

Paul was willing to stay one place for more than a year to teach them the Word of God. So, he entered discussions about Christ, testified about Christ as a witness standing before a jury would do, and taught people about Christ. In other words, the Holy Spirit led him to use various approaches to conveying the Word of God to people.

“He [Paul] himself entered the synagogue and reasoned (διελεγετο - discussed) with the Jews.” [4]

Here again, Paul is in a religious gathering place discussing what the Bible says about Christ with the people gathered there.

“He [Paul] departed and went over the region of Galatia and Phrygia in order to strengthen (στηριζων - also stabilizing) all the disciples.” [5]

The Holy Spirit led Paul to strengthen and/or stabilize disciples. Disciples are learners. People who want to learn about Christ.

“Now a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man and mighty in the Scriptures.” [6]

It is important to know the Scriptures well if you are going to try to share them with others. As Paul wrote to his protégé Timothy, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” [7]

“This man [Apollos] had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things of the Lord, though he knew only the baptism of John.” [8]

Apollos did not have a thorough knowledge of the Gospel, but what he did know, he taught accurately. Apollos is a great example for people who want to share with others about Jesus. He did not teach things he could not teach accurately, but that which he could, he did.

“When Aquila and Priscilla heard him, they took him aside and explained (exegeted) to him the way of God more accurately.” [9]

Aquila and Priscilla are great examples as well. They helped the new preacher of the Gospel with knowledge about Jesus that he lacked. Apollos is a good example for new preachers in that he was willing to listen to couples who were willing to teach him things he did not know. He did not allow his ego to stifle his need to grow in the grace of Christ.

“He [Apollos] vigorously refuted (διακατελέγχομαι - to maintain discussion strenuously and thoroughly, to totally refute) the Jews publicly, showing from the Scriptures that Jesus is the Christ.” [10]

Apollos worked at his ministry. He had inspiration from the Holy Spirit. He also had a willing heart and mind to do perspiration for the sake helping others to believe that Jesus is the Messiah. The Scripture says that Apollos was eloquent. This means that Apollos worked on his presentation of God’s Word so that people wanted to hear what he had to say.

May the Lord raise up more people who are willing to accurately, vigorously testify that Jesus is Messiah! Amen.

[1] Acts 18:4
[2] Acts 18:5
[3] Acts 18:11
[4] Acts 18:19
[5] Acts 18:23
[6] Acts 18:24
[7] 2 Timothy 2:15
[8] Acts 18:25
[9] Acts 18:26
[10] Acts 18:28