A Teachable Spirit

“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
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Apollos, a Jew from Alexandria, Egypt, and a friend of the apostle Paul was described as a man who was eloquent, and mighty in the Scriptures. He passionately taught with fire for the glory of God with much courage, not fearing the faces of men, nor the reproach and contradictions of unbelieving Jews. But Apollos did not have a full knowledge of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection. He was only acquainted with the baptism of John.
 
Aquila and Priscilla, a couple who were tent makers in Ephesus, were at the synagogue where Apollos was preaching, and heard his message. They observed that Apollos did not have a full knowledge of the things concerning Christ. Instead of approaching him publicly about it, they instead waited until he finished, then took him to their home and privately talked with him there. This was a thoughtful, discreetly and wise thing they did, for it began a beautiful relationship between a wise speaker, and a hearer who listens attentively to counsel and instruction.
 
“As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear” - Proverbs 25:12
 
Many ministers are skillful in their delivery of Christian messages, but do not have a full knowledge or understanding about the life, death, resurrection and doctrines of Christ. They are not alone.
 
Many of our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, not only have limited knowledge and understanding about Christ, they have never had any training in discipleship, holiness and ministry work.
 
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works” – II Timothy 3:16-17
 
Aquila and Priscilla’s desire to help Apollos was not only a thoughtful, or “nice thing” to do, it was an act of sincere love toward a fellow brother, to help him grow in his knowledge of Christ and excel in his ministry. They took advantage of the opportunity to do a good thing, especially for a brother of the household of faith.
 
Apollos could have refused the knowledge they were willing to share with him because of their status in society, or thinking he knew more about the things of Christ better than any man.
 
“For who make thee to differ from another? and what has thou that thou did not receive? now if thou did receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou had not received it?” – I Corinthians 4:7
 
While he may have been blessed with the gift of eloquence, and had an earnest desire to speak for the Lord, he accepted the fact that he did not know all there was about Christ. So Rather than, ignoring or turning a deaf ear to this couple, Apollos chose not to miss this opportunity. He humbly submitted himself under their teaching, that he may take advantage of the opportunity to increase in knowledge, and be better equipped for the work of the ministry.
 
There should always be a willingness to know more about the things of God, that will help us to grow and mature in Christ, and to be better and more effective in our work for Christ. But, what a shame it is when a person who has an opportunity to gain more wisdom, instead refuses to receive it, simply because he has respect of persons, or is too proud.
 
It doesn’t matter how talented or gifted we may be; we need each other to help one another – we need somebody to help us. In fact, we will always need somebody to help us know right from wrong, what’s proper and improper, how things should appropriately be done, or just a hand when we’ve fallen and can’t get up.
 
If there are people in your life who are willing to share their talent, gift or wisdom to help you, you ought to push pride aside and let them. God can use “anybody” He pleases to help others; and that “anybody” can be somebody you least expect, somebody who may not be a respectable or honorable person in society; but yet God will use them to help somebody, even you - if you will let them.  
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SUPPORTING SCRIPTURES
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• Proverbs 25:12
• Ii Timothy 3:16-17
• I Corinthians 4:7

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Copyright © by Gale Wilcox. All rights reserved.
Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture passages quoted are taken from the King James Version of the Bible.