Zeal Without Knowledge
Acts 18:20
When they desired him to tarry longer time with them, he consented not;


And he began to speak, etc. The true knowledge is not learning, not even knowledge of the Scriptures as a written Word, but knowledge of the way of God. Priscilla and Aquila may know more, in this sense of knowledge, than Apollos. Spiritual things are spiritually discerned.

I. THOSE WHO PREACH AND TEACH SHOULD BE PREPARED FOR IT.

1. Much harm is done by zeal without true knowledge.

2. Progress cannot be rapid where knowledge is imperfect.

3. No amount of fervor in the spirit should be allowed to supersede a careful knowledge of the truth.

II. THE WAY OF GOD IS NOT THE WAY OF JON THE BAPTIST, BUT THE WAY OF CHRIST.

1. Many things about Jesus may be known, and still the saving truth of spiritual life in him may be unknown.

2. Repentance preparatory to faith, not instead of it.

3. The way of God in Christ is not a reformed Judaism, but an entirely new method of religion; spiritual, not formal; by the law of love, not by the law of works. New wine in new bottles. Defective views of the gospel still prevalent. Morality substituted for faith, ritualism for spiritual religion. The way of God is the way of a new creation. - R.



Parallel Verses
KJV: When they desired him to tarry longer time with them, he consented not;

WEB: When they asked him to stay with them a longer time, he declined;




The Strength Which is of Man
Top of Page
Top of Page