Scripture
While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples 2 and asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?”
They answered, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.”
3 So Paul asked, “Then what baptism did you receive?”
“John’s baptism,” they replied.
4 Paul said, “John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus.” 5 On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.
Reflection
It is worth noting that in Acts 18:24; Apollos went to Ephesus to speak boldly about Jesus, although he only knew the baptism of John (where upon Priscilla and Aquila taught him more accurately v. 26). Thus, when we read in Acts 19:1-6 about the believers who only know about John’s baptism, it’s a result of Apollos’ teaching (before he was accurately taught by Priscilla and Aquila). Hence, when Paul asks them if they have heard about the Holy Spirit, Paul is asking with the notion in mind, that these believers might not fully understand the whole gospel, as did Appollos. We can learn from this passage that it often takes a village of believers to teach and train fellow believers (Con).
Thoughts for the day
- Who are you currently sharing or explaining Jesus’ commands to?
- What do you feel God is telling you through this passage?
- What is one way you can apply this truth to your life today?
- Who can you encourage with this story/message?
Prayer
Respond to God. Tell Him what you think about what you’ve read. Tell Him how it makes you feel. Tell Him what comforts you and what challenges you. Ask for His help to live out the truths you’ve uncovered.
