A Teachable Spirit Makes a Powerful Witness (Acts 18:23-19:10)

Acts (EMPOWERED TO WITNESS)  •  Sermon  •  Submitted   •  Presented
0 ratings
· 4 views
Notes
Transcript
READ ACTS 18:23-19:10
Acts 18:23–19:10 ESV
After spending some time there, he departed and went from one place to the next through the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples. 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. And when he wished to cross to Achaia, the brothers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples to welcome him. When he arrived, he greatly helped those who through grace had believed, for he powerfully refuted the Jews in public, showing by the Scriptures that the Christ was Jesus. And it happened that while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul passed through the inland country and came to Ephesus. There he found some disciples. And he said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” And they said, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” And he said, “Into what then were you baptized?” They said, “Into John’s baptism.” And Paul said, “John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, Jesus.” On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking in tongues and prophesying. There were about twelve men in all. And he entered the synagogue and for three months spoke boldly, reasoning and persuading them about the kingdom of God. But when some became stubborn and continued in unbelief, speaking evil of the Way before the congregation, he withdrew from them and took the disciples with him, reasoning daily in the hall of Tyrannus. This continued for two years, so that all the residents of Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks.

Empowered by Humility: A Teachable Spirit that Transforms Lives

Bible Passage: Acts 18:23, Acts 19:1-10

Summary: In Acts 18:23-19:10, we see the powerful impact of a teachable spirit through the ministries of Apollos and Paul. Apollos, although gifted, was humble enough to learn from Priscilla and Aquila, which further equipped him to witness effectively for Christ. The passage also emphasizes that character and a willingness to learn are paramount to effective ministry and outreach.
Application: This sermon will encourage Christians to embrace humility and the ongoing pursuit of learning. It reminds believers that character, grounded in a relationship with Jesus, is more significant than mere spiritual gifts or talents. By fostering a teachable spirit, we can become more effective witnesses of the Gospel to those around us, even amid our struggles and weaknesses.
Teaching: The teaching focuses on the importance of humility in ministry and life. It explores how a teachable spirit enables deeper understanding of God's truth, equips believers for effective witness, and builds authentic character that reflects Christ's love.
How this passage could point to Christ: This theme points to Christ’s embodiment of humility and servanthood. Just as Apollos was willing to learn from others and Paul emphasized the importance of character, Christ is the ultimate model of a teachable heart, eager to guide and transform those who follow Him. Every believer is called not just to wield gifts but to reflect Christ-like character as the foundation of their witness.
Big Idea: A teachable spirit rooted in Christ transforms lives and empowers our witness far more than our gifts alone can achieve.
Recommended Study: As you prepare for this sermon, consider exploring the background and cultural context of Corinth and Ephesus using Logos to illuminate the challenges faced by Apollos and Paul. Examine commentaries on the significance of teaching roles in early Christianity, especially concerning the role of women as seen in Priscilla's mentorship of Apollos. This approach will enhance your understanding of the delicate interplay between gifting and character in ministry.

1. Apollos: Gifted but Growing

Acts 18:23-28
You could begin by illustrating Apollos's giftedness and initial limitations in understanding Jesus' complete message. Despite his eloquence and knowledge, it was Apollos's openness to learning from Priscilla and Aquila that truly amplified his effectiveness. This point suggests that gifting alone has limits, and one's impact is magnified by the willingness to be taught and refined—something Christ exemplifies through His open-hearted teachings.

2. Paul: Expanding Understanding

Acts 19:1-7
Begin by looking at how Apollos teachable spirit allowed him to minister effectively in Corinth. Then highlight Paul’s encounter with the disciples at Ephesus, who were unaware of the Holy Spirit. Paul’s mentoring role signifies the necessity of informed understanding and ongoing discipleship in building a credible witness. You could suggest that this depictsthe transformative power stemming from a humble spirit eager to receive and impart truth, further linking this to Christ’s model of service and mentorship.

3. Perseverance: The Real Power

Acts 19:8-10
Maybe conclude by focusing on Paul’s two-year ministry in Ephesus, where sustained, humble teaching led to widespread transformation. This extension reinforces character and perseverance as foundation stones for ministry, underlying the idea that enduring impact grows from patient, continuous sharing of Christ’s love—reflecting how Christ Himself builds His kingdom. Encourage your audience to adopt such perseverance in their faith journeys.
Related Media
See more
Related Sermons
See more
Earn an accredited degree from Redemption Seminary with Logos.