Once Lost Ministries

Did Apollos Need the Holy Spirit? – Acts 18-19 Explained!


Listen Later

The account of Apollos in Acts 18:24-28 and the disciples in Acts 19:1-7 raises an important discussion about the role of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer. Apollos was described as eloquent, mighty in the Scriptures, and fervent in spirit, yet he only knew of John’s baptism. It took Priscilla and Aquila to explain to him the way of God more accurately. Similarly, in Acts 19, Paul encounters disciples who believed but had not yet received the Holy Spirit—they had only been baptized into John's baptism. When Paul lays hands on them, they receive the Spirit and begin speaking in tongues and prophesying.This passage brings up key theological questions:What was Apollos lacking, and why did he need further instruction?Does this passage suggest a difference between believing in Jesus and being empowered by the Holy Spirit?What does this teach us about the relationship between water baptism and the baptism of the Holy Spirit?Why did Paul ask in Acts 19:2, "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?"—does this imply that receiving the Spirit is a separate experience?How do we apply this today? Should believers seek a post-salvation empowerment of the Holy Spirit for ministry?This discussion highlights the importance of the Holy Spirit’s role beyond just salvation—it’s about being equipped for effective ministry and boldness in proclaiming the Gospel (Acts 1:8). It also challenges us to seek not just knowledge of Christ but His power at work within us.

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

Once Lost MinistriesBy Kyle Peart