Mentoring in the New Testament (4 of 5) – Priscilla & Aquila and Apollos
Other posts in this series: Barnabas and Paul – Part 1, Barnabas and Paul – Part 2, Barnabas and John Mark
Who were Priscilla and Aquilla? (Acts 18:1-2)
- Tentmakers who used their lives in a great way to help get churches planted.
- They gave Paul a place to stay while he was church planting in Corinth. Later, they opened up their home for the church in Ephesus and then the church in Rome.
- Paul acknowledged that he was deeply indebted to them for all their help in the ministry (Romans 16:3-4).
Who was Apollos? (Acts 18:24-28)
- He was a vary talented and educated young man. He was a Jew from Alexandria. He was eloquent (learned, cultured) and mighty in the Scriptures. He was fervent in spirit (enthusiastic, excited).
- He sounds alot like a modern day Bible college graduate: 1) just finished his education, 2) full of learning, knowledge, energy and zeal, but 3) lacking in wisdom and understanding.
- He taught what he knew, which was limited. He taught diligently the things of the Lord, but he only knew the baptism of John.
- He needed someone to mentor him and help him grow as a preacher and a teacher.
How did Aquila and Priscilla mentor him? (Acts 18:24-28)
- They took note of his strengths.
- They obviously had a very gentle spirit (“more perfectly”).
- They took him aside privately and did not embarrass him publicly.
- They knew their Bibles and doctrine well enough to help a man who was “mighty in the Scriptures”.
- Apollos left a far better man then when he met them.
- They sent him on to Achaia with glowing recommendations.
Mentoring lessons:
- We need to always encourage the progress we see in others.
- Any correction needs to be done in a kind, loving way.
- Any correction should not be done in public to embarrass.
- Any correction should always be done Scripturally.
- Any correction should be done to help build the person up and make them a success.