The Conversion of a Preacher

 

Introduction.  (Acts 18:24-28)  This text tells us about the conversion of Apollos.  His conversion can teach us a number of lessons about what is involved in obedience to the Lord in this day as well.

 

I. A Look at Apollos.

A. He was an eloquent man (some marginal notes put this: a learned man).

B. He was fervent in spirit (his own spirit) i.e. enthusiastic.

C.  He was mighty in the Scriptures. — He was familiar with the scriptures and knew how to use them in argument and exposition.

D. He was instructed in the way of the Lord, Note:  “he knew only the baptism of John.”

 

II. The Importance of a Preacher Being Right.

A. Of course the preacher is to be an example in right living (I Timothy 4:12).

B. Jesus warned against false teachers (Matthew 7:15).

C. So did Paul (Acts 20:28-32).

 

III. Apollos Thought We was Right.

A. (a) The doctor thinks he’s right, but sometimes buries his patient. (b) The lawyer thinks he is right, but sometimes loses his case.

B. Luke 2:43,44 -  Mary & Joseph thought Jesus was with them but they were wrong.

—  Acts 2:14,15 -  The Jews on Pentecost thought the Apostles were drunk with wine when they began to speak with tongues by the Holy Spirit but they were wrong. 

—  Acts 26:9  Paul thought he was right to oppose Jesus.

Are we right because we think we are?

—  If we ask a Methodist and a Baptist “do you think you are right in what you teach and practice?”  I suspect both would say “yes.”  Even though Methodist - Sprinkling & Baptists –  Only Immersion.  Both can’t be right! Baptists are.

—  If we ask a Mormon and a Roman Catholic “do you think you are right in what you teach and practice?”  Again I suspect both would say “yes.”  Morman - Jesus became God & Catholic Jesus has always been fully God.  Both can’t be right.

 

IV.  He Was Not Prejudiced. 

Prejudice is defined as - “A preconceived preference; bias, 2. Irrational hatred of a particular group, racce, or religion…”  (American Heritage Dictionary, pg. 556). 

A. The Pharisee and the man born blind (John 9:18, 24-34).

B. Sadly Jesus describes their problem (John 5:39,40).

 

V.  Some false doctrines that have arisen in the church.

A. Circumcision (Acts 15:5).

B. The resurrection is already past (II Timothy 2:15-18).

 

VI.  Apollos was mistaken on the subject of baptism.

A.  Before the baptism of Jesus one rejected the counsel of God if he rejected John’s baptism (Luke 7:28-30).

B. John’s baptism was out ot date at this time (Acts 19:1-5).

C. Many people are wrong today on who may be baptized. It is a penitent believer and not a baby.  (Mark 16:16).

D. They are mistaken on the way it is to be done (Romans 6:3-5).

E. They are mistaken on why it is done (Acts 2:38; 22:16).

 

Conclusion.   Notice what was done for Apollos and what he did.  Priscilla and Aquila took him aside and explained the way of the Lord more perfectly. He accepted it.  When one in this day has been baptized wrong, he or she should be baptized again.