Scripture: Now a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was an eloquent man, competent in the Scriptures. He had been instructed in the way of the Lord. And being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John. He began to speak boldly in the synagogue, but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately. And when he wished to cross to Achaia, the brothers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples to welcome him. When he arrived, he greatly helped those who through grace had believed, for he powerfully refuted the Jews in public, showing by the Scriptures that the Christ was Jesus.
Acts 18:24-28 ESV [Click here to read the entire chapter.]
Observation: Recapping Yesterday’s Daily Focus Luke concludes Paul’s second mission journey by returning to his sending church in Antioch, Syria. With Priscilla and Aquila accompanying him, they first traveled by land to Cenchreae, where Paul cut his hair per a Nazirite vow. They then sailed to Ephesus. Briefly stopping over, Paul reasoned the Gospel to the synagogue Jews, who asked Paul to extend his stay with them. But Paul declined, promising he would return if God wills. Leaving Priscilla and Aquila behind to continue the mission, Paul set sail for Caesarea, where, upon arrival, he visited his church plant before traveling by land to Antioch (presumably to reconnect with the congregates of his sending church). After some time there (as Luke notes), Paul set out on his third missionary journey through Galatia and Phrygia (Asia Minor), encouraging and strengthening all those he discipled on his first and second missionary journeys.
Today’s reading takes us back to Ephesus. Luke introduces us to Apollos, a native of Alexandria, Egypt, who was eloquent in speech, competent in his knowledge of the Hebrew Scriptures, and instructed in “the way of the Lord” (i.e., Christ’s mission and Gospel). But while he knew about John the Baptist’s baptism of repentance, he was ignorant of Pentecost and the baptism in the Holy Spirit. So Priscilla and Aquila, after listening to Apollos speak boldly in the synagogue, pulled him aside and filled in the gaps. And since he yearned to continue his ministry in Achaia (Southern Greece), the brothers encouraged Apollos and sent him on his way to the church in Corinth with a letter of recommendation in hand. Upon arrival, Apollos went to work refuting the Jews in public forums by showing Jesus is the Christ of their Scriptures.
Takeaway: We know little about Apollos from the Scriptures. Outside of this story in Acts, Paul mentions Apollos in his first letter to the Corinthians regarding baptizing church members and their idolization of church leaders like Apollos (1 Corinthians 1:12; 3:4-6) and in Paul’s closing remarks to Titus (Titus 3:13), but only in passing. We can deduce from these brief references that Apollos played a significant role in defending and spreading the Gospel through the Greco-Roman world. Moreover, Martin Luther and several contemporary scholars surmise the eloquence of the Book of Hebrews with its high Christology points to Apollos’ authorship. But his character distinguished him above his excelling oratory skills and intelligence, for Apollos exhibited a teachable spirit marked by humility and a passion for the truth. And Apollos possessed the apostolic gift of adapting to new cultures.
Our takeaway? God calls some of us to obtain a higher education in theology or ministry, largely to equip others. But the Lord calls all of us to present the reason for our hope with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15). And while some of us are well suited for cross-cultural missions, with the help of the Holy Spirit and a humble, teachable attitude, all of us can witness to any God brings across our paths, whether in our neighborhood, workplace, or fitness center—to name a few. But our ace in the hole, like Apollos, is our eagerness to share the Good News. Our passion and joy will garner the attention of our audience. And if you lack passion and joy, ask for it. As Jesus’ half-brother James reminds us, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change” (James 1:17 ESV). Indeed, there’s no variation in God: He’s the same good Father who continues to gift each generation with his perfect Son. And the Father and Son have given us the same Helper, who instills in us his fruit of love and joy (Galatians 5:22), first for Jesus, then for the Gospel, when we ask by faith. That’s all we need, and all others need from us.
Prayer: Father God, we thank you for your Son, who, for the joy set before him (us), endured his cross, scorned its shame, and now is enthroned in glory over all creation (Hebrews 12:2). And we thank you for the Holy Spirit, our Helper who guides, protects, and gifts us with spiritual fruit that equip us to proclaim the Good News. Still, many of us feel ill-equipped and intimidated by the prospect of sharing our faith. So would you graciously help us to cooperate with your Holy Spirit by receiving a greater outpouring of your love and joy that will compel us to passionately and joyfully tell others about you and your Son and how you have changed our lives? Amen.
Rev. Gordon Green, M.Div., M.A. Counseling
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