Teachable Teachers | Morning Routine Daily Devotional for January 12

Now a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was an eloquent man, competent in the Scriptures. He had been instructed in the way of the Lord. And being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John. He began to speak boldly in the synagogue, but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately. — Acts 18:24-26 ESV

In the book of Acts, we learn of many of the earliest Christians who God used to take Christianity from just a few disciples to the whole world. One of those Christians with whom you may be less familiar is Apollos.

In today’s passage, Luke introduces us to Apollos, who he describes as eloquent, competent in the Scriptures, and knowledgeable in the way of the Lord.  Luke says that he taught accurately but adds that his knowledge was not quite complete: he knew only the baptism of John—he didn’t know about the baptism of the Holy Spirit. But two church leaders, Priscilla and Aquila, noticed and took him aside to instruct him further. Luke implies that Apollos only became a stronger teacher afterward, reporting how he ‘greatly helped’ other believers after this and ‘powerfully refuted’ opponents in public, proving that Jesus is who He said He was! 

We see in Apollos a teachable spirit.  Although he was well learned, he was still willing to be taught by others. His pride had not limited his willingness to receive even correction. Apollos, who seems extremely gifted when we first meet him, accepts instructions and only grows more effective as a result. Apollos is a great reminder that, regardless of our experience, talents, and skills, we need to be teachable, eager to improve, glad to learn from others. Are you a teachable teacher? May you and I strive to be so. And of course, there are Priscilla and Aquilla, two individuals who gave instruction, even to a very gifted person.  Perhaps God has entrusted you with this same responsibility… to prepare, train, and grow the next generation of disciples who will change the world.  

May God use you today!