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1. The God of nature is the God of grace. In the world of nature, God not only brings creatures into life, but provides for their support. So in the world of grace. Christians are new creatures; but they require attention and supplies. And "He who giveth to the beast his food, and to the young ravens which cry," will not overlook the wants of His own children.

2. In harmony with this reflection are the words of the text, Apollos was "an eloquent man," etc. Here we remark that talent and knowledge are distinguishable; and that the heart may be right with God, while the judgment in Divine things is defective. It is well, however, to see a man using the light he has, and "to him that hath shall be given, and he shall have more abundantly." This was the case here (ver. 26).

3. This honours both parties.

(1) It commends Aquila and Priscilla. Though they found Apollos, in Christian knowledge, inferior to themselves, yet they did not disparage him, saying, "He may do for others; but such a young, raw preacher is not deep enough for us": — so many a gifted brother and sister in our day would have said — but they encouraged him, and communicated to him of their own experience. But observe — They did it with a delicate regard to his feelings alone in their own house.

(2) And it looks well in Apollos, that he so willingly received their instruction. He was a young preacher exceedingly cried up and followed — and it was not an apostle that undertook to teach him; nor even a brother minister; but two of his hearers, and mechanics too — but he listens to them with pleasure and gratitude.

4. Apollos was willing to go where there was least help, and most probability of usefulness. But no preacher ought to be countenanced till he is accredited. When, therefore, Apollos was "disposed to pass into Achaia," he travelled with letters of recommendation; and "when he was come, he helped them much which had believed through grace." Whence we observe that —

I. CHRISTIANS AND BELIEVERS. To believe is to have a persuasion of the truth of a thing submitted to our attention. It is obvious, however, that the credence which characterises the subjects of Divine grace does not rest in the judgment without producing a correspondent state of the heart: "for with the heart man believeth unto righteousness." "Faith worketh by love." James shows the inutility of that faith which admits the truth into the understanding, while the possessor is not sanctified by it. If a man believe anything, it is his own mortality; and yet the conviction is completely counteracted by his passions and sins, and he lives as if he were to live here always. Ungodly characters may, therefore, give credit to the Scriptures, and to the most interesting doctrines of the gospel, and yet "hold the truth in unrighteousness." The hazard of deception arises from the resemblance there often is between a counterfeit and a genuine faith; and the tendency there is in men to be satisfied with the assent of the mind, which costs nothing, without "obeying from the heart the form of doctrine which is delivered us." But such is the disposition of everyone that believes to the saving of the soul.

II. That they who believe, BELIEVE THROUGH GRACE. From this source comes —

1. The very object of faith as a revelation. This principally consists in the "record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and that this life is in His Son."

2. The existence of faith as a production. This may be inferred from our moral inability. "Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? Not one." But we are not left to infer the fact: we have the most express ascriptions of it to a Divine influence. "Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed this unto thee, but My Father which is in heaven." And so far was this from being peculiar to him, that it is said of the Ephesians, "By grace are ye saved, through faith: and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God."

3. The exercise of faith as a principle. This faith must be exerted in every condition. But as there is nothing of so much importance, there is nothing so much opposed. And how is it to be maintained? "I have prayed. for thee, that thy faith fail not." "Lord, increase our faith." Thus the continuance and the progress of the principle depend upon the same grace which produced it; and He who is the Author, is also the Finisher of our faith.

III. THEY NEED HELP. This they all feel. Paul himself, after all his proficiency, was not ashamed to say, "I have not yet attained, neither am I already perfect." The Christian feels a deficiency which requires help.

1. In his knowledge.

2. In his sanctification. His graces are imperfect. Something is wanting — and, oh! how much — to his patience, his love, his hope, his faith.

3. In his comfort.

IV. But ASSISTANCE IS AFFORDED BY THE MINISTRY OF THE GOSPEL. "Who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through grace." It is necessary, however, to observe that he did this only through the blessing of God attending his labours. "Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos," etc.? (1 Corinthians 3:5). Apollos helped the believers —

1. By his prayers. This was done by his praying with them and for them, not only in public, but in private. "The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."

2. By preaching. Preaching is an ordinance peculiar to the gospel. Every religion of old had its rites; and its votaries were accustomed to assemble together at stated times and on various occasions, in their temples and at their altars: but they never came to receive instruction. What instruction had their leaders to communicate? But when your ministers meet you, they have everything that is interesting to announce.

3. By example. Example is deservedly said to be more influential than precept. The physician is not likely to gain the confidence of the patient when he prescribes for a disease under which he labours himself.Conclusion:

1. "Dost thou believe on the Son of God?"

2. If faith comes from the grace of God, they are mistaken who place it in the virtue of man. "By the grace of God, I am what I am." Let the same truth which excludes boasting prevent despair.

3. Do not despise the day of small things. Despise it not —

(1) In others. Observe and cherish every serious conviction, and resemble Him who does "not break a bruised reed, or quench the smoking flax."(2) In yourselves. The life of God is progressive, and the commencement is often no more to the completion than the mustard seed to the mustard tree.

4. Pity those who are destitute of your religious advantages.

5. Be grateful for the privileges you enjoy, and be concerned properly to improve them.

(W. Jay.)

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KJV: And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him: who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through grace:

WEB: When he had determined to pass over into Achaia, the brothers encouraged him, and wrote to the disciples to receive him. When he had come, he greatly helped those who had believed through grace;