Scripture Focus:Acts 19:1-7 (NIV) (The Message)

(year b, epiphany 1, NT)

Background:
Acts is the sequel to the gospel according to Luke. Beginning with Jesus’ ascension, Luke tells the story of the beginnings of the church. The book describes the spread of the church from Jerusalem to all of Palestine, and as far as Greece. The episodes he reports show how Christianity arose out of Judaism. He shows us something of the struggles the church underwent in accepting Gentiles as members.

Luke has just told us in Acts 18 about Apollos, a Jew from Alexandria, who “spoke with burning enthusiasm and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John” the Baptist. When Priscilla and Aquila (a married couple) heard him speak in the synagogue, they explained the Word of God “more accurately” to him. He went to southern Greece, where he showed from scripture that Jesus is the savior. Apollos was already on the way to becoming a Christian.

The “disciples” of John whom Paul found at Ephesus did not know the scriptures. They had been baptized into the belief that when we admit our fault and promise to amend our ways, God will forgive us. Paul tells them that the one of whom John spoke, “who was to come after him” is already here: he is Jesus; in him they should believe. They are baptized into the church, and when Paul lays hands on them, are empowered by the Holy Spirit, with particular spiritual gifts (speaking in tongues and prophecy). Apollos and the twelve both come to accept Christ, one through the scriptures and the witness of a couple, the twelve through hearing the good news from Paul and others.

Today’s sermon will focus on the wonderful privilege we have of sharing God’s truth and God’s power with those seeking Him.

Five Questions:
1. Finish the following sentence: “My New Year’s resolution is to…”
2. What is the most important part of a worship service?
3. What was your life like before you became a Christian?
4. How did you become a Christian?
5. How has your life been different since you became a Christian?