In Acts 18, we are introduced to Apollos, who was a Jew, “born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures” (verse 24). He had been “instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord,” (verse 25). He knew “only the baptism of John” (verse 25), but was taught the need for baptism in the name of Christ by Aquila and Priscilla (verse 26).
The phrase “fervent in the spirit” used to describe Apollos is an important phrase. In Romans 12:11, the Holy Spirit says this phrase should be true of each of us. Speaking of what we should be and not be, He says: “Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;”
The Greek word translated “fervent” in Acts 18:25 and Romans 12:11 is the root of the word often translated “zeal.” This word literally means “to boil with heat, be hot” (Thayer; see Strong G2204). It is used metaphorically at times to refer to one who is so passionate about something that it could be said he or she is “on fire.” Apollos had this much passion for the Lord.
The lukewarm church at Laodicea exemplified the more common approach to the will of God. The Lord commanded them, “be zealous therefore, and repent” (Rev. 3:19). Serving God is not something to be apathetic toward. The Laodiceans needed to get “fired up” for the Lord.
While God wants us to be zealous, He tells us that zeal must be properly directed.
In Galatians 1:14, Paul spoke of “being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of [his] fathers” prior to his conversion. In Philippians 3:6, he said “concerning zeal, persecuting the church.” Like those Jews he spoke of in Romans 10:2, Paul had “a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge” prior to his conversion.
These passages show that it is possible to be zealous for something, yet be wrong. What is more, it is possible to be zealous for God, yet be entirely wrong. Like Paul came to realize, our zeal must be based on God’s truth. The wide variation of beliefs among those who claim to be Christians indicates that many today have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. There are not many truths, but one truth (John 17:17).
God wants us to be fervent for the truth that is revealed in His Word (cf. Rom. 1:16). He wants us to be zealous for good works (Tit. 2:14), based on what His Word tells us is a good work (cf. 2 Tim. 3:16-17).
Apollos’ fervency caused him to “mightily [convince] the Jews” that Jesus is Christ (Acts 18:28). He loved God’s truth and was eager to share it with others, while putting it into practice in his life.
To please God, we must, like Apollos, be fervent for the Lord as He commands.
– Michael Hickox