Get in the Way
In Acts, Luke uses the expression “the Way” (19:9, 19:23, 22:4, 24:14, 24:22; cf. 18:25; Mt. 7:14; Mk. 12:14) and other expressions such as the
ways of God (Acts 18:25), the way of the Lord (Acts 18:26) and the way of
salvation (Acts 16:17). The Way is another name for Christianity (Acts 24:14). Christianity is not just a system of beliefs; it is a way of life (Barclay on Acts 18:26). It is the way of salvation, thinking, and living (Alexander on Acts 9:23).
Christianity is the way of salvation (Acts 16:17). Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life” (Jn. 14:6). Salvation is trusting Jesus Christ, Who died for our sins and arose from the dead, for the gift of eternal life (1 Tim. 1:16).
Christianity is a way of thinking. Those who have trusted Christ for eternal life, soon discover that God’s thoughts and ways are vastly
different than their own. As they are exposed to the Word, especially the Word about Christ (2 Cor. 3:18), they are transformed by the renewing of their minds (Rom. 12:2). They begin to think like God thinks. They develop the mind of Christ (2 Cor. 2:16; Phil. 2:5).
Christianity is a way of living. Commentators say this new way of living in the early church included practicing baptism and gathering together
once a week to observe the Lord’s Table. Granted, but living in “the Way” was more than rituals and meetings. It was a way of living life. According to Pliny the Younger (110 AD), believers met before dawn to sing to Christ as to God and to bind themselves by a solemn oath not to commit crime. In other words, this government official saw that believers were different; they were law-abiding citizens. They were that and much more. The way of the Lord is living a righteous and loving life by the grace of God.
Trusting, thinking, and living life God’s way is the way of joy. David wrote, “You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of
joy” (Ps. 16:11).
It is possible to be passionate about the Lord and yet need instruction about the ways of the Lord. Luke says Apollos was “fervent in spirit.” He was enthusiastic, zealous, passionate, but he “only knew the baptism
of John” (Acts 18:25). “When Aquila and Priscilla heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately” (Acts 18:26). Aquila and Priscilla did not correct or denounce Apollos publicly. This wise husband and wife team took Apollos aside privately to explain to him the way of God more accurately. Some commentators say the “way of God” here is God’s method of salvation (Alexander). Others claim it was instruction in “the new life of the Spirit in the church” that Apollos needed (Rackham). Whatever it was, the point is that it is possible to be passionate about the Lord and yet need to be instructed in the ways of the Lord. Believers and even leaders (Apollos was preaching!) need more instruction in the way of the Lord.
Are you living life the Lord’s way or are you living life your way? One way is the right way and the other is the wrong way. Don’t travel down
the wrong road. Get in, and stay in, the Way.
© G. Michael Cocoris, 12/27/2011.
ways of God (Acts 18:25), the way of the Lord (Acts 18:26) and the way of
salvation (Acts 16:17). The Way is another name for Christianity (Acts 24:14). Christianity is not just a system of beliefs; it is a way of life (Barclay on Acts 18:26). It is the way of salvation, thinking, and living (Alexander on Acts 9:23).
Christianity is the way of salvation (Acts 16:17). Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life” (Jn. 14:6). Salvation is trusting Jesus Christ, Who died for our sins and arose from the dead, for the gift of eternal life (1 Tim. 1:16).
Christianity is a way of thinking. Those who have trusted Christ for eternal life, soon discover that God’s thoughts and ways are vastly
different than their own. As they are exposed to the Word, especially the Word about Christ (2 Cor. 3:18), they are transformed by the renewing of their minds (Rom. 12:2). They begin to think like God thinks. They develop the mind of Christ (2 Cor. 2:16; Phil. 2:5).
Christianity is a way of living. Commentators say this new way of living in the early church included practicing baptism and gathering together
once a week to observe the Lord’s Table. Granted, but living in “the Way” was more than rituals and meetings. It was a way of living life. According to Pliny the Younger (110 AD), believers met before dawn to sing to Christ as to God and to bind themselves by a solemn oath not to commit crime. In other words, this government official saw that believers were different; they were law-abiding citizens. They were that and much more. The way of the Lord is living a righteous and loving life by the grace of God.
Trusting, thinking, and living life God’s way is the way of joy. David wrote, “You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of
joy” (Ps. 16:11).
It is possible to be passionate about the Lord and yet need instruction about the ways of the Lord. Luke says Apollos was “fervent in spirit.” He was enthusiastic, zealous, passionate, but he “only knew the baptism
of John” (Acts 18:25). “When Aquila and Priscilla heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately” (Acts 18:26). Aquila and Priscilla did not correct or denounce Apollos publicly. This wise husband and wife team took Apollos aside privately to explain to him the way of God more accurately. Some commentators say the “way of God” here is God’s method of salvation (Alexander). Others claim it was instruction in “the new life of the Spirit in the church” that Apollos needed (Rackham). Whatever it was, the point is that it is possible to be passionate about the Lord and yet need to be instructed in the ways of the Lord. Believers and even leaders (Apollos was preaching!) need more instruction in the way of the Lord.
Are you living life the Lord’s way or are you living life your way? One way is the right way and the other is the wrong way. Don’t travel down
the wrong road. Get in, and stay in, the Way.
© G. Michael Cocoris, 12/27/2011.