What does the account of Apollos teach about the role ordinary believers have in bringing others to fuller understanding?
The account teaches that ordinary believers have a role in bringing others, even capable teachers, to fuller understanding. Two common, ordinary people helped Apollos move beyond his initial knowledge. Believers should humbly, without pride or sarcasm, use Scripture to point out what someone is missing.
Les explains that Apollos was already mighty in the Scriptures and publicly convinced the Jews that Jesus was the Christ. But two common, ordinary people brought him further revelation, so that he could go beyond the Old Testament Messiah and continue with Paul's gospel: Christ died for the sins of the world, was buried, and rose from the dead. Les says that is where you and I come in. We are to approach people, even a Sunday school teacher, humbly and by the grace of God—not with pride or sarcasm—and show them from the Book what they are missing. If they receive it, you gain a more informed teacher or pastor and appreciate their love and concern for you and the congregation.