“When Apollos wanted to go to Achaia, the brothers and sisters encouraged him and wrote to the disciples there to welcome him. When he arrived, he was a great help to those who by grace had believed. For he vigorously refuted his Jewish opponents in public debate, proving from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Messiah.” (Acts 18:27–28 NIV11)

  1. Learned man
  2. Self-motivated
  3. Passionate

zeo – to boil, to be hot, to be fervent, ardent, zealous
“Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervour, serving the Lord.” (Romans 12:11 NIV11)

parresiazomai – to speak plainly, freely, boldly, and confidently, Acts 13:46; 14:3
“Then Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly: “We had to speak the word of God to you first. Since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles.” (Acts 13:46 NIV11)
“So Paul and Barnabas spent considerable time there, speaking boldly for the Lord, who confirmed the message of his grace by enabling them to perform signs and wonders.” (Acts 14:3 NIV11)

eutonos – intensely, vehemently, strenuously,
“The chief priests and the teachers of the law were standing there, vehemently accusing him.” (Luke 23:10 NIV11)

  1. His passion took him into hostile places – synagogues; “vigorously refuted his Jewish opponents in public debate” (Acts 18:28 NIV11)
  2. His passion helped to win the day – needed vigour to endure tough situations
  3. His passion was characteristic of the most effective church planters and speakers of the early Christian movement

Don’t bore your hearers!

Thank you for listening to this recording. You can find more teaching tips here and on the on the YouTube teaching tips playlist.

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Thanks again for listening. Have a terrific Tuesday, and a wonderful week.

God bless,

Malcolm