twelve christians? - Paul’s question, Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you became believers?" suggests that Paul apparently regarded these twelve "believers" as Christians. Though only baptized into John’s baptism, it is conceivable that they would also have at least heard of the other baptism that John alluded to-the coming of the Spirit. Theirs as Paul soon learns is a pre-Pentecost anticipatory baptism rather than one of fulfillment. [1] Now that Christ had died, is risen and will come again, Paul considered the former baptism inadequate given the Christian Pentecost.

twelve theologues? - According to NIB, Luke describes the twelve men without qualifying them as "disciples"-a term used exclusively of Christians in Acts. The commentary further suggests that these Ephesians were itinerant "theologues" searching for a mentor to replace John; they find him in Paul. Their ignorance of the Holy Spirit has placed them outside of Christian fellowship. [2]

theological issue - Could it be that Paul’s question and subsequent answer reflects and early Christian theological problem? The narrative gives no hints, but one could plausibly infer is that within early Christianity various views of baptism existed and that Paul provides what would become the textbook answer. Christian baptism is subsequent to John’s and necessary for inclusion in the Christian community. And the normative sequence is evident: baptism followed by the conferring of the Spirit through the laying on of hands.

[3] What does this story suggest about John the Baptist-message, influence, meaning?

Why would Luke take a head count of Paul’s conversants? What significance did the number twelve have in Christian memory?

How would you contrast/compare the two baptisms of which this story speak?

I would hold the story of Apollos and the story about the twelve together: in both cases people needed to be taught more clearly the Christian way. For all of his excellent oratorical skills, Apollos was an immature teacher; he needed to be taken aside and mentored by Aquila and Pricilla. The thing happened with the twelve in Ephesus that Paul met with.

Such stories recalls our own ministries-the valuable task of instructing and teaching those who come to our communities.

NIB:

A congregations’s theological formation depends on its teachers; misguided teaching can result incorrect beliefs that divert believers from the way of God. For this reason no pastoral activity is mre critical to the spiritual health of a congregation than overseeing those who instruct the flock concerning the things of God. [4]

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[1] F.F. Bruce, The New International Commentary on the New Testament (Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publ., 1981), page 386.
[2] New Interpreter’s Bible X (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2002), page 262.
[3] Serendipity Bible (Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing Co., 1998), page 354.
[4] NIB, page 263.