Watering Apollos

Text: Acts 18:24-28

Theme: Apollos was poured into by others so he could pour into others.

Key verses: “Meanwhile, a Jew named Apollos, an eloquent speaker who knew the Scriptures well, had arrived in Ephesus…He had been taught the way of the Lord, and he taught others about Jesus with an enthusiastic spirit and with accuracy. However, he knew only about John’s baptism. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him preaching boldly in the synagogue, they took him aside and explained the way of God even more accurately. Apollos had been thinking about going to Achaia, and the brothers and sisters in Ephesus encouraged him to go. They wrote to the believers in Achaia, asking them to welcome him. When he arrived there, he proved to be of great benefit to those who, by God’s grace, had believed. He refuted the Jews with powerful arguments in public debate. Using the Scriptures, he explained to them that Jesus was the Messiah” (v. 24-28).

What I believe God said to me: Lots to glean here. Often, people focus on Apollos in this passage, and he is the obvious primary subject. However, you would be wise to also pay attention to the others mentioned here. They had a big role to play in how Apollos developed and ministered. Look closer now at the others. First, Priscilla and Aquila were at the right place and the right time. Why was that? This was their custom, to go my house each week and join themselves with other believers. They didn’t just happen to stumble onto Apollos. They were in a place mostly likely to attract such talent and passion as Apollos had. More importantly, they were being obedient to my command to worship me publicly with fellow believers. Second, they took initiative to go to Apollos whom they’d never met and instruct him in the Way. They weren’t OK with his partial knowledge of truth. It took time and boldness to approach him, make conversation with him, and then dare to also teach him. He was speaking in the synagogue; they were merely sitting in the synagogue. He was perceived as an authority, and yet, they weren’t intimidated or passive in correcting and helping him know more. Third, they along with other believers, encouraged him in his missionary journey. They urged him to go to Achaia, something he was already thinking about doing. They even used their influence, lending him their credibility with the saints in Achaia. They weren’t reluctant to trust him or place their stamp of approval on him. In all these ways, the “others” played a huge role in the development and effectiveness of Apollos. Don’t miss that their behind-the-scenes part in this story was just as important as Apollos’ public ministry out front.

What I said to God: Thank You, my Father, for speaking again to me through Your Word. I’m constantly amazed at how the Bible is so full of truths and guidelines and counsel. Please help me glean from what You’ve shown me today and put it into practice this week. Particularly, I want to be in the right place at the right time. That “place” is the place of obedience to You. Help me seize opportunities to teach and counsel others in the Way as those opportunities avail themselves. May I look for ways to encourage other ministers of the Gospel, lending them my credibility and assistance as I feel directed and able to do so. And I pray to do all of this for the sake of the Way, the Truth, and the Life. I don’t have to be the out front person. May I be content being one of the “others.” May my goal simply be that more and more people could hear about You through any and all “others” who love You too.