Title:  Acts 18:27-19:3 Apollos, Paul, and Disciples of John the Baptist

By Bob DeWaay

We continue to study Acts in light of the narrative unity of Luke/Acts. The terms Luke uses in Acts 18:27, 28 tell us that Apollos, who had gained a better understanding of the way of the Lord through Priscilla and Aquila, is in a different category than the disciples of John the Baptist Paul encounters in Ephesus. We again refer to early parts of Luke to show that the fulfillment of Joel 2:28 is important to understand the role of the Holy Spirit in fulfillment of prophecy. A review of Luke 3:15-18 shows us that those who truly heeded John the Baptist would understand the true significance of the work of the Holy Spirit. When the Holy Spirit comes upon people in Luke/Acts (and elsewhere) they declare accurately the mighty work of God and point to Christ. Those who “welcome” the truth are those who learn, grow and receive forgiveness of sin. John the Baptist pointed people to Christ. Merely being baptized by John the Baptist but failing to know Christ and the promised outpouring of the Holy Spirit must be corrected.