Luke/Acts for Beginners

These congregations were made up of young Christians. They did not have the New Testament as we have today, nor would they likely possess deep knowledge of the Old Law since they were primarily Gentiles. Being young in their faith and knowledge, they needed the continued teaching and encouragement as they grew spiritually. Today we should remember this principle with new converts. There is much for them to learn and experience. If we do not provide a nurturing environment, they will be very susceptible to Satan's attacks to weaken their faith and Christian influence.

Apollos was a gifted Jew converted to Jesus with significant influence in the area of Ephesus. He used his skills to teach others about Jesus. However, Apollos was not fully versed in the teachings of Jesus and needed further instruction. He understood who Jesus was but not His complete teachings. Luke records that he was teaching what he knew. Two Christians, Priscilla and Aquila, took him aside and taught him more completely what he needed to know. Apollos probably received John's baptism while it was still enforced. His error was that he continued to teach the need for John's baptism after it was replaced with Jesus' baptism (Acts 2:38). This was made clear to him through the teaching of Priscilla and Aquila.

We can learn from this that even though we might not know the complete teachings of Jesus we can begin to teach others. But as we continue, we also need to learn as much as we can to ensure that we are teaching the complete truth. If we see that someone needs further teaching, we do not publicly humiliate or embarrass them, but take them aside to instruct them more perfectly.

There are those who have been baptized for the remission of their sins as described in Acts 2 and demonstrated in other conversions in Acts, yet for some reason they continue in their current religious organization. If we know of someone in this situation then we should lovingly and gently teach them the complete truth of God's word, including the need to associate with Christians following as much as possible the way of our Lord. If they come out of a denomination, then it is not always necessary to rebaptize them. The result of these actions was that Apollos was able to teach even more powerfully and continued the growth of the Church.

Of special note here is a great lesson on humility. Apollos demonstrated tremendous humility in allowing himself to be taught by those of lesser position and training than himself. All through scriptures we see that those who would be great servants for our Lord either began in a humble situation or learned humility before they reached their full potential in our Lord's service.

It is apparent that Apollos did not need to be rebaptized. One does not have to completely understand all the nuances of baptism, even fully understand the gifting of the Holy Spirit in order to receive the salvation that is given to those who are baptized. One must know of their need for salvation only found through Christ and expressed through baptism representing the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ (Romans 6:1-5).

As for the 12 disciples, they needed rebaptism because they apparently had not embraced the teachings of Jesus but rather continued in the teachings of John. Of special note is their lack of knowledge of the Holy Spirit. This is an integral part of our baptism into Christ (Acts 2:38) as we receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. These men had not and therefore needed rebaptism in order to receive the Holy Spirit. Paul rebaptized them and transferred the empowerment of the Holy Spirit as well as the indwelling of the Holy Spirit validating the appropriateness of this action. Again, as with Apollos, as important as baptism is for our salvation, the Holy Spirit will ensure we know that we need baptism, or rebaptism. If there is a doubt, as with these 12 disciples, then rebaptism is appropriate. A major consideration is whether they have been baptized for the remission of their sins and that the baptism was done by full emersion.

Look for general information about Paul's and the early Christian's actions and the impact. Look also at what these actions mean for us today.

Paul focused much of his teaching in this period on strengthening and encouraging the early Church. He also spent time developing and appointing leaders that would carry on this effort after he was gone. In his authority as an apostle, Paul established an organizational structure of elders and deacons to administer and carry out the work of the Church in its respective community. We follow that same pattern today in planting and organizing local congregations.

Much of the New Testament was written by Paul in the form of letters to these early congregations he helped establish. As these new Christians began to grow spiritually, they needed further teaching to keep them faithful. They made mistakes, they fell back into previous beliefs, they even turned away from our Lord. Paul wrote to teach them, correct and encourage them. Today we see times when we experience the same issues as the early Christians. By studying Paul's teachings, as well as all of scripture, we will be encouraged, corrected and learn more of God's will for us as His faithful children.