Acts 18:18-28 ITINERANT WORK When Paul left Corinth to go to Jerusalem as devout Jewish males did once a year if at all possible, he made a vow and cut off his hair when he was in Cenchrea. Vows and fasting were not an uncommon practice among Hebrews. The vow of the Nazarite was an especially stringent vow that was taken by some as evidence of their special commitment to God. Vows and fasting today, as then, are not wrong but neither are they necessary. When vows are made however, they are to be kept. To make vows and then abandon them is worse than never having made a vow at all.
The journey Paul, Priscilla and Aquila made from Cenchrea to Ephesus would not have taken too long. So when Paul went into the synagogue in Ephesus, there would still have been evidence of the Jewish vow he had taken. Perhaps that was one of the reasons those Jewish people wanted him to stay longer with them. His practice of "to the Jews became I as a Jew," was a way to identify himself with those to whom he was presenting the Gospel. Each place has unique characteristics. To the extent we are able, we need to find common ground with the citizens of that community and use that connection to present the truth of God. To remain aloof from people or to try and make them adapt to one's own way, leaves a preacher with a serious disconnect from the people. To try to make one raised in a rural lifestyle into a sophisticated city-dweller is a hopeless task. To try to make Asians who come to North America fit in to this culture that is so different from where they came from, will fail. The common ground of faith in Christ can eliminate barriers that would normally separate people. Even the new creation God makes of believers does not take away the influence of past generations. We must be patient and adapt as much as possible without compromising truth and scriptural principles.
The great temple of Diana, demonism, witchcraft and sorcery were linked to commerce in Ephesus. Religion and commercial enterprise apparently made a very successful team in ancient times. It still does. There are those today who point to their great religious structures that are extremely costly, as evidence of the success of their "ministry." Contrast that with what the Lord Jesus Christ said, and the apostles taught and practiced, and you will find no common ground with commercial religion. When Priscilla and Aquila remained at Ephesus after Paul left, they used what they had in the same way the Lord's people did twenty or more years earlier. Their home was the center of their quiet testimony.
Paul's brief stop at Ephesus created no conflict, and because he had to go to Jerusalem, he did not press the work of the Gospel far enough publicly to produce anger from the Jews that would fall on those who remained behind. We do not have a record of all that went on in the life of that committed couple, but we have enough to know they were there for the Lord to lead and use to do what He wanted. We know the spiritual teaching Paul had passed on to them, they were ready to pass on to others. We know there were assemblies of God's people that met in their home. We know they were willing to help those who were unbelievers to understand the Gospel and come to faith in Christ. We know there was a functioning assembly from which multiple brethren could write a letter of commendation for Apollos. The Christian home is one of the greatest sources of strength for Gospel work. A husband and wife unified in their interest and testimony for the things of God is a couple God will use. The home of a Christian couple can be used as a place for teaching, for worship and for the spread of the Gospel. Aquila and Priscilla is an example of what can happen for God through a husband and wife. Many today are concerned about what happens between a husband and wife.
The journey of Paul from Ephesus to Caesarea would have taken quite a bit of time. When he got to Caesarea, he would have been very glad to see the assembly of believers there where Philip lived. It is a cause for rejoicing whenever we are able to meet with fellow brothers and sisters in Christ wherever they are and enjoy fellowship together. When Paul got to Jerusalem, whatever drove him to be there must have been accomplished rather quickly. We may not always understand the motives of a fellow-worker or what is behind his actions that seem out of place with what we would do. But some things we are best to leave alone and not speculate about lest we make unfair judgments and start false rumors. That kind of thing can wrongly color the labor others do or, for that matter, what we do ourselves. Some things that happen in life are between us and God only. Other matters are known only to those directly involved in that work or event. Unless there is permission given by those directly in the issue, leave it alone and do not discuss it or try to find out what is none of your business. Paul was the Lord's servant and to his own Master he stands or falls, the same as any of us. Paul went from Jerusalem to Antioch where the assembly he was accountable to would have been very glad to see him. The Lord's people have a right to know of the work we are involved in so they can participate with it in prayer or in any other way they can.
Back in Ephesus, Priscilla and Aquila had heard an eloquent speaker from the university city of Alexandria. Apollos was well-learned probably from Philo whose teaching mixed Greek culture with Hebrew tradition and religion. This refined, knowledgeable man was a talented speaker who apparently attracted people to him personally as well as to what he had to say. Whether he had learned from John the Baptist himself or not (it is doubtful he was that old), he knew what John taught about the coming Messiah. His understanding of the Old Testament was accurate, but he knew nothing about the doctrine of salvation by grace through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Wherever the godly Christian couple heard Apollos speak is unknown, but they could discern a sincerity and reality in Apollos. While in the home of Priscilla and Aquila, Apollos wisely listened to the teaching from them and came to know personally the Lord Jesus Christ of who he was speaking about to others. It is possible for a person to be sincere in what they know and believe, but not be saved. To preach about Christ is far different than knowing Him. To know Jesus came to earth and all He did when He was here, is different than knowing He died for my sins. What a blessing it was to Apollos that this united Christian couple was there to explain the way of salvation to him. And what a blessing it was that he didn't think himself too learned to not listen to them. By the time Apollos was ready to go to Achaia and to the assembly at Corinth, he had learned enough from the brothers and sisters in Ephesus that they could gladly encourage him and send him off with their full support. He could articulately present the whole truth of God to those Corinthians now, and could enforce what he taught eloquently from the scriptures that both he and they knew.
Not every well-educated teacher who comes along is equipped by the Holy Spirit to teach God's people. But when there is evidence of new life in Christ and the fact that the Holy Spirit has gifted them to teach, then listen with an understanding mind and an open Bible. When a person like Apollos is humble enough in spirit to accept guidance from concerned, caring people like Aquila and Priscilla, that attitude shows, and people who hear them can sense the grace of God in them. Natural ability can create a problem because audiences of people are often moved by the eloquence and charisma of the speaker more than the content of his message. God gifts people in ways in which the combination of talent and gift makes one effective in the work of the Lord. It is right to use the gift and, to the best of our ability, be effective in our calling. But it is essential that all glory goes to the Giver of every gift. It is up to us to direct all praise to the Lord for anything that might be accomplished in a work. Even so, the fervency of Apollos had the effect of people following him in Corinth and carnal people became divided over men.
How grateful we should be when there are victories and advances in the work of the Lord in which He allows us to take part. There are times of disappointments too, but we should never let them produce a negative attitude toward the work to which God has called us.
There are times when God begins working in places Where previously the door to the Gospel was closed. There also comes often among us new faces Of those who God in His great wisdom has chose To do for others what we could not do Because His glory He will not give to another. And a fresh voice and approach He knew Works best when He uses a different brother.
It is not a reason for discouragement When someone comes to water what we have sown. The Lord has full knowledge of those He sent To bring a message with a different tone. The great variety of people and of gift Makes it possible to fill a greater need. One who waters the truth is fit - As is the pioneer who first planted the seed.
There is nothing in which we can glory - Though God may allow us a share In the work of declaring the story Of the Savior who for each one does care. Whether it be unfolding the Gospel - Or strengthening those gathered to His name - It is required in stewards we be found faithful And the promises of God we can claim.
"Father, I thank Thee for the variety of gifts Thou hast distributed among Thy people to meet the needs of sinners and saints. How wonderful is Thy wisdom in not entrusting the need of a whole lot of people to one person. Thanks for the Holy Spirit who is working in Thy people to fulfill Thy work and bring glory to Thee. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."