Acts 18:24-28 - Homilies By E. Johnson

The eloquent Apollos.

I. PAUL AND APOLLOS : A CONTRAST . "I planted, Apollos watered." Different Divine instruments, shaped out of different material, prepared in different ways, destined for different objects. The unity in variety in Christian character is one of the chief beauties in the garden of God.

II. APOLLO AS AN EXAMPLE OF THE USE OF CONSECRATED LEARNING IN THE CAUSE OF CHRIST . Here learning is kindled by sacred enthusiasm; it is rooted in faith; it is united with docility; it is applied in the right place and way.

III. AS AN EXAMPLE OF GROWTH IN GRACE . It is the need of all. It is attainable by all who seek it in the right way. It becomes blessed and fruitful in new activity in the kingdom of God.

IV. AS AN ILLUSTRATION OF THE , VARIED SCHOOLS OF LIFE - EXPERIENCE . In the great school of Alexandria Apollos is among the aristocracy of intellect; at Ephesus he is in the company of tent-makers. It is good to know life on all sides; good to find virtue and grace in the most diverse society; and, above all, to detect in each scene the leading hand and educating wisdom of God.—J.