The Humility of Apollos

Apollos was eloquent, mighty in the scriptures, instructed in the way of the Lord, fervent in spirit, speaking and teaching accurately the things of the Lord; but he knew only the baptism of John. Aquila and Priscilla privately taught him the way of God more accurately. They did not ridicule him, or shame him publicly. They took him aside lovingly, and helped him understand more accurately. He did not get offended, was not too proud to change. Can you imagine how great an example this was to those he had previously taught?

When we learn we are wrong, do we refuse to see it or acknowledge it? What kind of example are we for those who know us? Can we expect to help others change if we are not willing to change when we have learned “the way of God more accurately”?

My father told me the story of how our ancestors became Christians. My great-great-grandfather and his family were members of a denomination at that time. But my great-grandfather learned and obeyed the true gospel when he was an adult. It was too late for him to teach his father, but he began teaching his brothers and sisters. He was successful with some, but one brother was too stubborn to change. He felt that admitting his belief in the truth would be like condemning his own father. My great-grandfather studied with him repeatedly, but his brother never obeyed. I am so thankful that it was not my ancestor who refused to change. Because of his humility, there are several generations of Christians in my family who might otherwise have been lost. I hope that, if my influence is as far-reaching, it will also be good.

What about your influence? If God wrote your life’s story, what would it say?