Justin Houtz

Leviticus 15-17; Acts 18

DateVersionReading Plan
February 11, 2026ESV (2016)ESV Life Journal Plan – 2026

Leviticus 15-17

Observation & Interpretation

Chapter 15 primarily describes what was to be done in cases of bodily discharges. For both men and women, this could be a perpetual discharge or for men a discharge of semen and for women a discharge of blood during her menstrual period. The handling of discharges was very similar between men and women, especially once the discharge had abated and they had been cleansed; a counting of seven days and an offering of two turtledoves or two pigeons on the eighth day. Worth noting is that it was not just the physical aspect of cleanness that needed to be addressed but also spiritual, requiring atonement made by offering.

Chapter 16 describes the Day of Atonement (or Yom Kuppur), a once-per-year sacrifice made for the sin of the people. According to the Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible, it was “the most important day in the religious calendar of Israel, falling on the tenth day of Tishri (the Hebrew month corresponding to mid-September through mid-October).”

Chapter 17 regards the place in which sacrifices were to be made. The opening verses (v. 1-9) have differing views on the prohibitions given on the location of sacrifices. Burnt offerings and sacrifices were to brought to the entrance of the tent of meeting and offered to the LORD. The consequence of not following this command was being cut off from the LORD’s people.

The common theme throughout these chapters continues to be that the LORD provided parameters of health and Godly living such that He would be exalted and they would flourish. As with the Israelites, we should be in awe that the God of all creation—against Whom we have transgressed and deserve His just, eternal punishment—would shower us with such abundant grace.

Acts 18

Observation & Interpretation

Regarding the account of Apollos (his first appearing here in the NT), we read that he was an eloquent man and competent in the Scriptures (v. 24). He spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus (v. 25), but even this accuracy needed refinement. Upon hearing Apollos’ bold speech in the synagogue, Priscilla and Aquila took him aside and explained to him the way of God with greater accuracy. His response was not defensive or retaliatory but wishing to cross to Achaia and, being encouraged by the brothers, greatly helped those who through grace had believed (v. 27).

There are three aspects of Apollos’ story here that seem worthy of note. First is that even as accurate as Apollos was in his understanding of the gospel, he need to be sharpened by others in the faith. There is no point in this life where we reach full comprehension of the full immensity and implications of the gospel, thus requiring a life-long desire for continuous learning.

Second is that Apollos responded with humility to the instruction of Pricilla and Aquila. We should never be in such a state as to think that we know all that there is to know on matters of the faith. We should be open to others pouring into us and be grateful for the Lord’s grace in providing us with such individuals.

Third is the encouragement from the brothers the Apollos received. With these elements of correction and encouragement did Apollos proceed to greatly help those who through grace had believed. We see in this the healthy combination of both of these components and our need to carry out our ministry in their proper balance.

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