The Incredible Life of Two Very Common People

Baptisms

Presentations

Not sure when I last spoke from the example of this couple. But I like to tell it.

Please think of the names of a couple in the New Testament?

Joseph and Mary

Zacharias and Elisabeth

Joanna and Chuza

Ananias and Sapphira

Felix and Drusilla

11 And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.

12 And when Gallio was the deputy of Achaia, the Jews made insurrection with one accord against Paul, and brought him to the judgment seat,

13 Saying, This fellow persuadeth men to worship God contrary to the law.

15 But if it be a question of words and names, and of your law, look ye to it; for I will be no judge of such matters.

18 And Paul after this tarried there yet a good while, and then took his leave of the brethren, and sailed thence into Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila; having shorn his head in Cenchrea: for he had a vow.

23 And after he had spent some time there, he departed, and went over all the country of Galatia and Phrygia in order, strengthening all the disciples.

25 This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John.

28 For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publickly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ.

Looks like a movie my wife would like. Just a couple in love living their lives together serving those around them. No one dies.

In Colossians it says the whole world had known the Gospel. Much due to what happens in Ephesus on the span of about a decade. Col 1:23 “23 If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;”

The work in Ephesus was something pretty special. Acts 19:10 “10 And this continued by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.”

There is no doubt that God used this family in a wonderful way. They yielded their lives and became faithful to a simple process of discipleship. In return they made a huge difference in this world.

Time spend in the Word.

They were part of a them that studied the Bible. Acts 18:11 “11 And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.”

This is where the great stories of Christian couples always start. Not just when a boy falls in love with a girl. But when that boy and girl fall in love with the Word.

Apollos was not a heretic. Apollos just needed discipleship in an area. He did as good as he knew to do. Acts 18:25 “25 This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John.”

The Bible Knowledge Commentary (18:25)

His doctrine regarding Jesus was accurate but deficient. Probably this means Apollos did not know about the Holy Spirit’s baptism. John’s baptism symbolized cleansing by God because of repentance toward God (cf. 19:4). But Christian baptism pictures union with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection by means of Spirit baptism (cf. Rom. 6:3–10; 1 Cor. 12:13; Gal. 3:27; Col. 2:12).

Opened up their lives to help teach God’s Word.

Even opening their home for a church to be in it. Given to hospitality.

One of the greatest things you can give to the cause of making Christ known is to remove the “No Vacancy” Sign from your life.

They help Apollos on their journey. They are a great example of yoke fellows.

Their story will continue in Apollos 1 Cor 3:4-6 “4 For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal? 5 Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? 6 I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.”

Missionaries are not the only ones asked to lay down their necks for the cause of Christ.

It is wonderful to be part of the THEY and THEM in the book of Acts.

Acts 2:41 “41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.”

Acts 9:39 “39 Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them.”

Acts 11:4 “4 But Peter rehearsed the matter from the beginning, and expounded it by order unto them, saying,”

Acts 18:11 “11 And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.”

Romans 16:3-5 “3 Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus: 4 Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles. 5 Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my wellbeloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ.”

What a joy to not only be connected when people say our names but connected in the joy of Bible study and service together.