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Acts

Acts Part 35 | Three Keys to Being Used by God | 18:18-28

October 19, 2025Pastor Chris May

Acts 18:18-28

18 After this, Paul stayed many days longer and then took leave of the brothers and set sail for Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila. At Cenchreae he had cut his hair, for he was under a vow. 19 And they came to Ephesus, and he left them there, but he himself went into the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews. 20 When they asked him to stay for a longer period, he declined. 21 But on taking leave of them he said, “I will return to you if God wills,” and he set sail from Ephesus.
22 When he had landed at Caesarea, he went up and greeted the church, and then went down to Antioch. 23 After spending some time there, he departed and went from one place to the next through the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples.
24 Now a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was an eloquent man, competent in the Scriptures. 25 He had been instructed in the way of the Lord. And being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John. 26 He began to speak boldly in the synagogue, but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately. 27 And when he wished to cross to Achaia, the brothers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples to welcome him. When he arrived, he greatly helped those who through grace had believed, 28 for he powerfully refuted the Jews in public, showing by the Scriptures that the Christ was Jesus.

Discussion Guide

God desires to use every believer to accomplish His work in the world. In Acts 18:18–28, we see that being used by Him isn’t about talent or position but about the posture of our hearts. God uses the heedful like Paul who follow His will, the humble like Apollos who receive correction, and the honest like Priscilla and Aquila who speak truth with courage. When every member of the church plays their part, the song of the Gospel becomes powerful and beautiful.

Ice Breaker

1. When have you seen a group (a team, band, or workplace) come alive when everyone played their part? What difference did it make?

Observation

2. Read Acts 18:18–21. Why do you think Paul declined to stay in Ephesus even though he finally found a place where he was accepted? What does this reveal about his priorities?

3. How did Apollos show humility when Priscilla and Aquila corrected him (Acts 18:24–28)? What stands out to you about his response?


4. What risks did Priscilla and Aquila take by confronting Apollos, and what risks did Apollos take when speaking truth publicly?


5. How does the story of Jonah illustrate the danger of not speaking what God tells us to say?

Application

6. Of the three qualities—heedfulness, humility, and honesty—which do you think God wants to grow most in you right now, and why?


7. What might it look like for you to use your specific gifts in the “song” God is conducting at Real Life Community Church?


8. Who in your life might need you to speak truth in love, even if it’s uncomfortable—and how can you do that with both honesty and grace (e.g. is there someone you need to share the Gospel with)?

Closing Thought

Read 1 Cor. 12:12-31. What does this tell us about the importance of value of every Christian and the role of spiritual gifts in the church?

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