Now a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man and mighty in the Scriptures, came to Ephesus. This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things of the Lord, though he knew only the baptism of John. So he began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Aquila and Priscilla heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately. Acts 18:24-26

What was Apollos preaching that needed to be corrected? The text says he knew only of the baptism of John. I doubt seriously that the issue was baptism, per se. But when we understand what the baptism of John was, we may know what was missing in Apollos’ message.

John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. And as essential as repentance is, if one’s religion is solely based on repentance, it tends to be a religion of works, or human effort and our performance. While Christian conversion calls for repentance, we are forgiven and saved not because of our repentance, but because of faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross for those He came to save. When a person understands something of, and trusts solely in Christ and what He has done to save His people, repentance (a genuine desire to turn from sin) is a natural and essential response to God’s grace.

What has this to do with Apollos? The same thing that many sincere and well-intentioned Christians need to change in their understanding and presentation of the gospel. Too much “preaching” (whether by preachers or individuals sharing their faith) centers more on changing one’s life than on trusting in Christ.

Let us remember always that salvation is by grace alone, received by faith alone, in Christ alone—not on people changing themselves. More on this delicate balance next time…