I once read a spy book and thought it to be okay. Then during the course of business I actually met the author of that book who wanted me to help create a website for him. I met with him a few times and listened to his story and got to know him quite well.
It turned out that he was an ex-spy and had written the book, mixing a little fiction and a lot of non-fiction events together. He revealed to me the reason for the book and who the actual characters were in the book…it turns out that they were all real people with just their names changed…and the events were all real. This was done to protected himself.
Having had the background explained, I then decided to re-read his book.
This time I knew the author and had an in depth knowledge behind the words written on the pages of that book – the book came alive. Wow!
The same is with Scripture.
Know the Author well and the Scriptures come alive!
Even Apollos was, in Acts 18:24-28, a learned man, with a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures and had been instructed in the way of the Lord, and he spoke with great fervor and taught about Jesus accurately, though he knew only the baptism of John.
He only knew of the Baptisim of John – Repentance.
He knew the Scriptures well and was still looking forward to the coming of the messiah.
But then…
When Priscilla and Aquila heard him (Apollos), they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately. Acts 18:26
He discovers faith through the finished work of Christ.
How much more alive does the Scriptures become to him. So much so that he now “vigorously refuted the Jews in public debate, proving from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Messiah” (Acts 18:28).
It is good to read and know Scripture…but it is even better when we know the Author!
Prayer: Lord, I ask that I get to know You more than I do right now. And as I read Scripture, I ask for understanding…make it come alive to me. I ask it in Jesus Name. Amen.
P.S. If you don’t know the Author of Scripture personally, you can come to know Him today – Click HERE.