Acts 18

Vow Renewal

Posted on by Betsy

 “To have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish …” These common marriage vows form the foundation of a life-long solemn promise that two people make at an altar before God. There are other times in life where we take vows: doctors vow to do no harm; ministers vow to take God’s authority to preach the gospel; folks joining secret societies vow to hold things in confidence, etc.. Vows are serious business and should not be made lightly, but with integrity and a firm commitment.

In today’s reading, we see Paul taking and confirming the vow of a Nazarite. This was a unique consecration to God of one’s life and included abstinence from wine, not cutting one’s hair for a specified period of time, and never touching a dead body. Paul completed part of this vow and shaved his head in preparation for going to Jerusalem to burn his hair at the altar there. 

Acts 18:18-23 (Common English Bible)

18 After Paul stayed in Corinth for some time, he said good-bye to the brothers and sisters. At the Corinthian seaport of Cenchreae he had his head shaved, since he had made a solemn promise. Then, accompanied by Priscilla and Aquila, he sailed away to Syria. 19 After they arrived in Ephesus, he left Priscilla and Aquila and entered the synagogue and interacted with the Jews. 20 They asked him to stay longer, but he declined. 21 As he said farewell to them, though, he added, “God willing, I will return.” Then he sailed off from Ephesus. 22 He arrived in Caesarea, went up to Jerusalem and greeted the church, and then went down to Antioch.

23 After some time there he left and traveled from place to place in the region of Galatia and the district of Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples.

This put Paul in a very unique position with the Jews to whom he was preaching the Gospel. They understood the vows of the Nazarite as outlined in Numbers 6 and Paul’s actions were familiar and comforting. In a way, he was reminding them that he would always be a Jew but was now a Jesus-following Jew. His argument that Gentiles should not be required to perform Jewish rituals was balanced by his own respect and adherence to Jewish tradition, reinforcing that Jews could remain traditional while becoming followers of the Way of Christ.

Paul was a master diplomat!

What a wonderful example for us today as we join Paul in an effort to “strengthen all the disciples” (verse 23). Paul used every bit of his history, personality, and background to woo others to Christ. We can do the same.

 I am a former Navy wife, a Jersey girl, a runner, a reader, and a foodie. These are the tools I use to connect with people to make myself approachable. How about you? What is in your toolbox?

If you are a member of a United Methodist church, you took vows. You promised to support the church with your prayers, your presence, your gifts, your service, and your witness. That last vow is God’s invitation to use all that you have to witness to others about the good news of Christ in your life. Just as Paul witnessed to Jews and Gentiles alike, we are called to witness to people of all backgrounds in an effort to share this wonderful gift of Christ.

How are you living up to your vows? Are you faithful? God calls us to live out our vows with sincerity and joy. May we be faithful to the One who invited us.

Commitment by Kathy Schumacher

Accuracy Counts

Posted on by Betsy

The movie “Hidden Figures” is a wonderful story about three women who worked for NASA during the space race of the 1960s. They were expert mathematicians and analytical geometry specialists who performed the complex calculations that enabled the United States to accomplish its first successful launches and orbits before computers were in place at Mission Control.

Work of that nature has to be done with great precision. One wrong equation could lead to disaster and the death of the astronauts. It is mind-boggling to me that paper, pencil, chalk boards, and slide rulers could put a man into orbit, and yet that is exactly how the early space program began.

Our reading from Acts today addresses a different type of accuracy which should be a goal of every Christian. We read about Apollos, who was described as well-educated and instructed in the Scriptures, which enabled him to speak and teach accurately about Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of the messianic prophecies. Apollos spoke effectively and boldly and was said to have “watered what Paul had planted” in Achaia. Along the way he received further instruction from Priscilla and Aquila and was received into their circle of friends.

Acts 18:24-28 (Common English Bible)

24 Meanwhile, a certain Jew named Apollos arrived in Ephesus. He was a native of Alexandria and was well-educated and effective in his use of the scriptures. 25 He had been instructed in the way of the Lord and spoke as one stirred up by the Spirit. He taught accurately the things about Jesus, even though he was aware only of the baptism John proclaimed and practiced. 26 He began speaking with confidence in the synagogue. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they received him into their circle of friends and explained to him God’s way more accurately. 27 When he wanted to travel to Achaia, the brothers and sisters encouraged him and wrote to the disciples so they would open their homes to him. Once he arrived, he was of great help to those who had come to believe through grace. 28 He would vigorously defeat Jewish arguments in public debate, using the scriptures to prove that Jesus was the Christ.

There are so many learning points in this short passage!

First, we learn that Apollos was instructed in the word, which is a reminder to us of our need to be sitting under a teacher’s instruction on a regular basis. Sunday School is not something we ever outgrow! Our need for daily and weekly Bible study is a life-long venture.

Second, we see that Apollos was “stirred up by the Spirit” which enabled him to speak with confidence (verse 25). This indicates that Apollos spent quiet time with the Spirit in prayer and meditation. When is the last time you pulled away from your busy life to seek the guidance and power of the Holy Spirit?

Third, we see that Apollos was open to further instruction by other followers. This is an indication of a humble attitude that led him to further learning. Are you a humble learner? Even those who teach the Scriptures are constantly learning.

Finally, Apollos spoke boldly enough to vigorously defeat Jewish arguments and prove that Jesus was the Christ. Are we vigorous in our witness? Are we bold like Apollos?

 The early church benefited from people like this who followed God’s direction to go and tell the good news. The present church demands the same of us: to boldly speak with well-informed accuracy the truth of the gospel of our Lord to all who will hear. 

Boldly Go by Becca Ziegler