“Aquila and Priscilla” were close friends of the Apostle Paul. They shared his occupation as “tentmakers” (verse 3). When Paul first preached in the synagogues of Ephesus, he left this couple there to begin the formation of a new church (vv.20-21). They had been there about a year.
Aquila and Priscilla “heard” Apollos as he “began to speak boldly in the synagogue” and reasoned with the Jews concerning Jesus. I’m certain they were impressed with the “eloquence” of this young man, how he shared biblical truth in a “mighty” and compelling way. Yet, they quickly realized that although Apollos spoke “accurately” his understanding of Jesus was limited. They could have responded in one of two ways:
- First, they could have REJECTED him. They could have taken the attitude that this was a nice young man but not very knowledgeable. They could have written him off as a novice and ignored him. I’m glad there were people who didn’t take a haughty attitude about me when I first began to preach the Word.
- Second, they could have RECEIVED him. They could have accepted his limited knowledge and helped him learn more. In fact, that’s what they did. They discipled Apollos more fully in Christian truth.
Notice that they “took him” aside. They invited him to their home. These committed saints not only offered their time to Apollos but their hospitality as well. I doubt this was a one-time event. It is quite plausible that he may have lived with Aquila and Priscilla for a while. Ministry is not just for the church sanctuary. Oh that we could get back to such tender care.
