I’m A Disciples Of Jesus, Whose Disciple Are You? Acts 18:18-19:10

Pause for thought

Were Apollos of Acts 18, or the disciples of John the Baptist Acts 19 Christians? Bible commentators seem to be at odds. Generally Pentecostal and some Charismatics think they were already Christians but lacking the Holy Spirit. I take a different view, these were disciples of John the Baptist and were still waiting for the Messiah and the promised Holy Spirit. John’s baptism was a sign of repentance from sin, but did not make a person a Christian. When Paul came across these disciples he realised that their believing was incomplete, they had not been “Born again” Only the Holy Spirit gives new birth 18:26, 19:-3, John 3:3.

How refreshing was the reaction of Apollos He was a truly great teacher but he became a greater and more useful man in the church after receiving correction from Priscilla and Aquila 18:7-28.

we can see a similar reaction from the twelve disciples of John the Baptist. They took no offence from Paul’s observation 19:2, but readily got baptised (this is not a re baptism) in the name of the LORD JESUS. Then with the laying on of Paul’s hands, the Holy Spirit came upon them. ( in them at new birth, now on them as they each receive baptism with the Spirit 19: 5-6.

A Verse to remember

Paul said, “ John’s baptism was to demonstrate a desire to turn from sin and turn to God, John himself told the people to believe in Jesus , the one John said would come later” As soon as they heard this, they were baptised in the name of the Lord Jesus. Acts 19:4-5 N.L.T.

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