Saturday 5 January, 2013

24 At that time a Jew named Apollos came to Ephesus. He was an educated man from Alexandria. He knew the Scriptures very well. 25 Apollos had been taught the way of the Lord. He spoke with great power. He taught the truth about Jesus. But he only knew about John’s baptism. 26 He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. Priscilla and Aquila heard him. So they invited him to their home. There they gave him a better understanding of the way of God. 27 Apollos wanted to go to Achaia. The brothers agreed with him. They wrote to the believers there. They asked them to welcome him. When he arrived, he was a great help to those who had become believers by God’s grace. 28 He argued strongly against the Jews in public meetings. He proved from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ.

Apollos was an Egyptian Jew who was not only familiar with the Scriptures but also in the ways of God.  He was also an effective speaker and debater. To top this, he also spoke with great boldness and enthusiasm.  The guy was truly gifted.  He taught others accurately about Jesus up to the point of John’s message about baptism.  That was where his understanding and knowledge ended.

While in Ephesus Priscilla and Aquila invited Apollos into their home and helped him understand God’s way even better.  After Apollos gained this knowledge he travelled to Achaia with a note of introduction and

recommendation and had a great impact among the believers there. In particular he used his knowledge of the Scriptures to prove that Jesus was the Messiah.

What struck me here is that although Apollos was gifted he didn’t know it all.  He was open to learning more and applying it in his life and the lives of others. Apollos was teachable and because of this he was an even more effective minister of the gospel.  We also see the body of Christ in action as Priscilla and Aquila

recognised the gift of God within Apollos.  They were prepared for him to stay at their home while they imparted further knowledge.  This couple were hospitable teachers!  Other believers also encouraged Apollos by providing him with a letter of introduction for his travels.  It’s good when believers back each other and God gets the glory!

Lord please help me to be teachable like Apollos and also to work with others for the advancement of your Kingdom, Amen.

Written by Ainslie Woods