Acts 19:1-23 And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus… I. A TEACHER WILL BE CERTAIN TO MEET WITH PERSONS ASTONISHINGLY IGNORANT. It is well to set out with this expectation, and so to be prepared for such discoveries. II. WHEN A TEACHER MEETS WITH SUCH PERSONS HE SHOULD REGARD THEM NOT WITH IRRITATION BUT COMPASSION. Some ignorance, of course, is wicked, but much, as was the case with these disciples, is involuntary. In any case it is a proper subject for pity. III. SUCH PERSONS UNDER PROPER INSTRUCTION MAY EVINCE A CAPACITY FOR RECEIVING THE HIGHEST GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. Let us not despair in the case of the pitiably ignorant, but hopefully instruct them. Beneath the thick crust may lie a gem capable of receiving the finest polish. IV. THERE ARE CERTAIN UNBELIEVERS WHOM A WISE TEACHER WILL LEAVE TO THEMSELVES (ver. 9). Time spent in arguing with those who will not believe is worse than wasted: you will only confirm them in their self-conceit or harden them in their wickedness. V. A TEACHER WHO, AMID OPPOSITION, CONTINUES TO FAITHFULLY BEAR WITNESS FOR THE TRUTH WILL NOT BE LEFT WITHOUT WITNESS FROM GOD (vers. 11, 12). (R. A. Bertram.) Parallel Verses KJV: And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, |
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