Acts 18:24-26 Part 2 “God Uses Unexpected People”.  By Bob DeWaay

As we introduce Luke’s description of Apollos, we also see how Luke’s writings show us themes which begin in Luke and are developed further in Acts. Luke emphasizes the work of the Holy Spirit who comes upon key people, men and women, and they speak forth the mighty deeds of God. This is grounded in the fulfillment of Joel 2:28 which Peter cited in his speech in Acts 2:17, 18. Joel predicted that in the last days God would pour out His Spirit on unexpected people: sons, daughters, young men, old men, and they would prophesy. Early in Luke, this is foreshadowed when people like  Mary, Zacharias, Elizabeth, Simeon, and others spoke about the mighty deeds of God in bringing Messianic salvation through the miraculous birth of Jesus Christ. We revisit the theme of authorial intent which means that the Holy Spirit-inspired Biblical author’s meaning is God speaking powerfully. Those who hear and “listen” with faith welcome the truth and God uses His truth to save people from bondage to sin. We again discuss the implications of the travel narrative which goes from Luke 9:51-19:48 with Luke 13:33 being the center of this reverse, parallel construction. The point in Luke is that Jesus is headed to Jerusalem to be rejected. In Luke/Acts, the work of the Holy Spirit is shown to be the confession of the truth about the gospel of Jesus Christ.