June 30, 2011 - Acts 18:24-25

“Meanwhile a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was a learned man, with a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures. He 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.” Acts 18:24-25.
Upon his arrival to Ephesus, Apollos began preaching about Jesus but only about what he understood to be true. Apollos was a dynamic speaker and was very educated. He knew the Jewish scriptures but was only familiar with the baptism of John. When Priscilla and Aquila heard Apollos, they were impressed with his persuasiveness but knew the incompleteness of the Gospel he was preaching. They sought to talk with him privately concerning the full story of Jesus’ filling the disciples with the Holy Spirit on the festival, called Pentecost. To his credit, Apollos was a good learner and received this additional knowledge with eagerness. Apollos could have reacted out of pride and rejected this new teaching. Instead, he continued to be learner.
Before I went to seminary, I thought that I knew the Bible really well. After graduating, I realize how little I know, and I am more aware each day how little I know. I think that I know some facts about various things, but what I learned most in this process is that I need to always be a continual learner. If I ever do stop learning, I will have died. I look back and am embarrassed at the pride that I had in thinking that I knew a lot. I have also been aware of the pride that comes with acting like I don’t know much. It’s actually more of a false humility. What I am searching for is being in the place where I am an open learner, able to hear the voice of God in various places that I wouldn’t ordinarily look.
Questions to consider: Where are you in the process of learning? Have you learned any new lessons lately? If so, what are they?
Prayer: Father, it is my desire to continue to be a learner. Please guide me to those new lessons that I need to learn. Amen.