Conversions in Acts, Part 8

Introduction

This is usually not listed as part of any sermon series on conversion. I added it here because it helps answer a question that brethren, today, might have concerning their baptism. Please read Acts 18:24-28; 19:1-7.

Meet Apollos

During Paul’s second preaching tour, he encountered a husband-and-wife team of Aquila and Pricilla. Both were tentmakers by trade (Acts 18:1-3).

As Paul begins his third preaching tour (vs.23), we catch up with Aquila and Pricilla who are in Ephesus and happen to hear a man, there, preaching.

Now a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man and mighty in the Scriptures, came to Ephesus. This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things of the Lord, though he knew only the baptism of John. (Acts 18:24-25)

This is approximately 20 years after Christ’ death, burial, and resurrection. Yet, we have this incident of a man whose knowledge was limited to prior to Jesus’ death. People were rightly baptized according to John but once Jesus rose from the dead and ascended back into heaven, all baptisms, from then on, were in the name of Christ.

Apollos was born at Alexandria which is in Egypt. Being eloquent and mighty in the scriptures means that he was well-taught, most likely by John the Baptist himself or one of his disciples.

However, when the couple heard him speak, they could immediately tell that his instruction was lacking the final puzzle piece to get that complete picture. So he began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Aquila and Priscilla heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately. (Acts 18:26) Not wanting to embarrass him in front of the others, they got his attention and moved off to the side, perhaps in a different room in the synagogue, and explained to him the gospel more accurately. Apollos seemed willing enough to learn more as he accepted what was taught him and he continued on in his teachings (vs. 27-28).

Slipped through the Cracks

Continuing with the story of Paul’s 3^rd teaching tour, he arrives in Ephesus not too long after Apollos departure for Corinth. He met a group of 12 men who seemed to be disciples, but inquired of them, …he said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” So they said to him, “We have not so much as heard whether there is a Holy Spirit.” And he said to them, “Into what then were you baptized?” So they said, “Into John’s baptism.” (Acts 19:2-3) This group were taught by Apollos and baptized according to John’s baptism.

Sometimes, when a congregation has been assembling for a number of years, it’s not surprising to find someone who still holds to a certain principle from the Old Law or, maybe, a belief from a denominational group they had left. There will be times when you can’t catch everyone before they slip through the cracks of learning. But one needs to be wary of what your brethren know, believe, and understand. A refresher course of first principles could aid in filling in those cracks.

For the longest time, I struggled with leaving the notion of celebrating Jesus’ birth at Christmas time. But after a thorough investigation of the scriptures, I was able to conclude that it’s just not in there. There are people who celebrate it realizing it’s not there and they don’t care because it’s what they want to do, even though it’s not what God wants them to do.

Re-baptism is Scriptural

Paul continues his discussion with these men, Then Paul said, “John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe on Him who would come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.” When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. (Acts 19:4-5).

This is what is known as re-baptism and, as you can read, it is scriptural. If you are uncertain about your own baptism; why do you did it in the first place, there is nothing wrong with requesting to be re-baptized. This is your soul, after all, and if you’re not sure, you need to be sure! I have personally witnessed a re-baptism as the individual was unsure of his salvation. You can’t live a life of doubt as far as your salvation is concerned.

We can safely assume that Apollos was also re-baptized even though Luke does not record it. Both he and the 12 in Ephesus were taught more accurately in the ways of God.

Conclusion

Never assume that just because someone calls themselves a Christian, they should be welcomed as a new member of your congregation. A “feeling out” process needs to be done to make sure that they are compatible as far as the scriptures teach.

Hopefully, if they aren’t, they will be willing to learn more accurately the things taught in the scriptures. While an increase in numbers is good, you also want to protect the purity of the group to make sure you’re not allowing any wolves in sheep’s clothing into the congregation. Everyone needs to watch out for the flock.