QT 5/2/2025 1 Cor 16:12–24, Listening to God speak to my heart through his Spirit and his Word

1 Corinthians 16:12–24 (ESV) —

12 Now concerning our brother Apollos, I strongly urged him to visit you with the other brothers, but it was not at all his will to come now. He will come when he has opportunity.

13 Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. 14 Let all that you do be done in love.

15 Now I urge you, brothers—you know that the household of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves to the service of the saints— 16 be subject to such as these, and to every fellow worker and laborer. 17 I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus, because they have made up for your absence, 18 for they refreshed my spirit as well as yours. Give recognition to such people.

19 The churches of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Prisca, together with the church in their house, send you hearty greetings in the Lord. 20 All the brothers send you greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss.

21 I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. 22 If anyone has no love for the Lord, let him be accursed. Our Lord, come! 23 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you. 24 My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.

 

NOTE: So, some of the factions claimed to be disciples trained by Apollos. It is clear in the letter that Apollos is not the cause. It is possible that the Corinthians might blames Paul for not allowing Apollos to visit, when apparently Apollos did not want to visit. Most likely Apollos was a little disgusted as Paul in the behavior. In any case, Paul strongly urges Apollos to visit, but Apollos chooses quite strongly not to visit. The rest is left to the Corinthians to figure out.

 

I think, given the fact that Apollos is not coming, the Corinthians are probably reevaluating their behavior and what led up to it. I would be embarrassed unless I was not in the word. Sometimes I wonder how as Christians we can behave so badly and still be in God's word daily. Isn't the Holy Spirit speaking to the believer? Or are the Christians in name only and not by true faith?

 

PONDER:

1. Am I listening to the Holy Spirit speak to me each morning?
2. How often do I actually listen to God's word each week? Daily, I hope?

 

PRAYER: Father, I pray for you to continue to speak to me through your word. Help me to be receptive to correction. I don't want to be like the horse who must be controlled by bit and bridle. I want to obey first.