<p>18:25 <em>This man had been instructed</em>- Literally, 'catechized'. Luke's community were instructed or learned by rote the Gospel of Luke (Lk. 1:4). This was how the Gospel was spread in the 1st century especially amongst the illiterate. The Gospel records were memorized. Perhaps the form of the Gospel record which Apollos had was incomplete, an early version; for &quot;he knew only the baptism of John&quot;. That could mean however that he only recognized John's baptism and did not consider baptism into the Lord Jesus and receipt of His spirit to be necessary (see a similar case in 19:1-5).</p><p><em>In the way of the Lord</em>- A nice description of the Gospel. It is all about the way of the Lord Jesus, the way He took and the way we are to follow in. This is also reflected in how the early Christian community is called &quot;the way&quot;.</p><p><i>And being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, although he knew only the baptism of John</i>- Although his knowledge was lacking, he is commended for acting with integrity according to the knowledge he had. Cornelius would be another example. These cases show that God does indeed take notice of those who love but misunderstand His Son; but He rewards their diligence and integrity by revealing His fuller truth to them. The principle of Phil. 3:15 is important: &quot;Let us therefore, as many as are mature, be thus decided; and if in anything you are otherwise decided, this also shall God reveal to you&quot;. Spiritual maturity involves tolerance of others whilst they too are on the same journey we were earlier on, and continue upon.</p><p><em>&ldquo;Being fervent in spirit&rdquo; is</em> Gk. <em>the </em>Spirit. The idea of being fervent in the Spirit suggests a degree of freewill control on his part, rather than the Holy Spirit just as it were zapping Apollos. So the reference to <em>the </em>Spirit suggests the Holy Spirit, but his 'fervency' suggests his own human spirit; but God's Spirit confirms the human spirit. He who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with Him (1 Cor. 6:17). The only other time this phrase &quot;fervent in spirit&quot; occurs is in Rom. 12:11, where Paul exhorts us all to be like this. Paul may mean: 'Emulate Apollos'.</p>