Making Disciples

"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.” Acts 18:24-26

There is nothing anymore refreshing than to see the zeal of a new convert to Christ. It reminds us of a feeling that we once had that at times now feels that it has been lost. But when others come to Christ it’s like we has a fresh experience again and somewhat revives that old feeling. Apollos has made a commitment to Christ and become a zealous witness for Jesus. He has so much zeal that Aquila and Priscilla have to harness that zeal by instructing him in the way of God more perfectly. Apollos was preaching Jesus, but only according to the knowledge of his understanding as a disciple of John the Baptist and not a spirit filled follower of Jesus. A zeal for Christ is good, but it must always be harnessed in sound doctrine.

This is one of the biggest problems with modern Christianity today. The Gospel call is predominantly one that calls people to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and be saved and not to take up the cross and follow Jesus. Salvation is a great work, but the Lord has called us to more than just believing. He has called us to follow. Aquila and Priscilla understood this from their workmanship with Paul and had to disciple Apollos. If one is not instructed in the way, then he or she can lead others astray which can cause shipwreck to the faith.

The greatest need today in the church is the need for theology. Theology is the study of God and we get this theology from the Bible. We also get it from reading good theological books that is rooted in the sacred scriptures. Paul told a young Timothy to “continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; and that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” (2 Timothy 3:15)

Modern Christianity has become too soft and has created indifference and apathy towards God and our fellow man. The idea of making a profession and just sitting back until you die or Jesus comes has made the church irrelevant and unproductive, leaving many souls lost and without hope. We must make discipleship a priority with the younger generations of Apollo’s, but also remembering that it is the older generation that are the Aquila’s and Priscilla’s of our day.

We don’t know what Apollos was preaching or what Aquila and Priscilla had to correct him on, but whatever it was, it took the great zeal of a newcomer and the sound theology of seasoned saints to make him a powerful instrument for the Lord in his day. Holding one back is not good and neither is unsound preaching and witnessing. Jesus said “Take my yoke upon you and learn of me.” (Matthew 11:29) A yoke or harness keeps one in step with Christ. The yoke is the Bible! A harnessed zeal is good, because a fervent love for Christ and people is one that must be linked up with the truth. And truth, which is grounded in the person of Jesus Christ, is the most powerful weapon in the world! He doesn’t conquer lives, he conquers souls!

Pastor Robby