第十八章
24 有一個猶太人,名叫亞波羅,來到以弗所。他生在亞歷山大,是有學問的,最能講解聖經(註:「學問」或作「口才」)。25 這人已經在主的道上受了教訓,心裡火熱,將耶穌的事詳細講論教訓人;只是他單曉得約翰的洗禮。26 他在會堂裡放膽講道,百基拉、亞居拉聽見,就接他來,將 神的道給他講解更加詳細。27 他想要往亞該亞去,弟兄們就勉勵他,並寫信請門徒接待他(註:或作「弟兄們就寫信勸門徒接待他」)。他到了那裡,多幫助那蒙恩信主的人,28 在眾人面前極有能力,駁倒猶太人,引聖經證明耶穌是基督。
默想
- 亞波羅熟讀聖經,口才了得,心裡火熱,為人謙卑,不介意受教於織帳篷的百基拉和亞居拉,應邀去到亞波羅家中,聆聽他們將神的道向他詳加解釋,澄清他的觀念與認知。
- 當我看見別人犯錯時,我的反應為何?是否有百基拉和亞居拉的愛心與智慧,來指正並教導?
- 我是否像亞波羅那樣有謙卑受教的心,虛心接受別人的指正?
對我,並不是你教我的真理,
對你那麼清楚,對我卻模糊不清;
但當你到我這裡來時,
你帶了祂來!
從你的眼中祂呼喚我,
從你的心裡流出祂的愛;
直到我不再看見你,
卻看到了基督。
禱告與筆錄:
繼續安靜在神面前,與神對話,並聆聽祂對我說的話。將心中的思想(心得),或是與神的禱告,記錄在“靈程筆記”簿上面。
Chapter 18
24Meanwhile a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was a learned man, with a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures. 25He had been instructed in the way of the Lord, and he spoke with great fervor and taught about Jesus accurately, though he knew only the baptism of John. 26He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately. 27When Apollos wanted to go to Achaia, the brothers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples there to welcome him. On arriving, he was a great help to those who by grace had believed. 28For he vigorously refuted the Jews in public debate, proving from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ.
Meditation
- Apollos is characterized positively for knowledge of Scripture, eloquence, and spirit, and yet he was willing to learn from the tentmakers. Priscilla and Aquila invited him over and explained to him the way of God more accurately and clearly.
- When I see someone making mistakes, what is my reaction? Do I have the love and wisdom to correct and to teach?
- Do I have a humble and receptive spirit for other people’s teaching and correction?
For me ‘twas not the truth you taught,
To you so clear, to me so dim,
But when you came to me you brought
A sense of Him!
And from your eyes He beckons me,
And from your heart His love is shed,
Till I lose sight of you and see
The Christ instead.
Prayer & Journaling:
Stay with God for a little longer. Continue to converse with God and listen to what he wants to tell me. Then write down any thought and/or prayer in the 2011 “Spiritual Journal” book.
Family Time (Begin this time by reading the passage above using a children’s Bible.)
Paul cared deeply for his fellow Jews and was very frustrated over their rejection of Christ. Everywhere he went, he wanted to convince them to accept Christ. Check your Family Devotional Journal for what was recorded from last chapter about whom and where to share Christ. Plan a way to do it. Pray for their salvation by name.