The Book of Acts: Week 6 - Devotion 1
Intro: While we often think of apostles such as Paul and Peter as the ones who are spreading the good news of Jesus Christ, there are many more who are also sharing the good news! Today’s devotion we will learn about Apollos, a man whose heart was on fire Jesus and shared everything that he could about Jesus.
Text: Read Acts 18:24-28
Information: Now the narrative of Acts moves to Ephesus as the author Luke introduces us to Apollos of Alexandria. It is worth noting that Alexandria was a Jewish convert, living in one of the leading intellectual cities in the world at the time. Alexandria was known for its great university and library. Most likely educated at the university, Apollos is described as an “eloquent man, competent in the scriptures.” He was gifted and well-trained. From 1 Corinthians, we also know that Apollos became an important minister of the gospel in the early church. Yet, Luke also tells us that Apollos is still on a learning journey at this point, as he only knows of the baptism of John the Baptist.
Interestingly, unlike the disciples of John the Baptist that Paul meets in Acts 19, Apollos has been taught about Jesus, knows him as the Messiah, and could show Jesus’ identity based on scripture, but his knowledge does not yet include Christian baptism. Luke also points out that Apollos was filled with the Holy Spirit, who most certainly led him to Priscilla and Aquila who teach him of Chrisitan baptism. Although Apollos likely attended one of the finest universities in the world, the best education and training that Apollos ever received was given him in this tentmaker’s shop, and the best professor Apollos ever had was this tentmaker’s wife, Priscilla.
This underscores the importance of ongoing teaching and training in the church body, which leads to sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with all people. Yet, it also gives us a picture of humility from a formally educated servant of God, Apollos, who received correction from other church teachers and believers. The lesson that Apollos gives us is this: though we may believe that we are right in our thinking and doctrine, there is always room for further correction and discipleship.
Questions
- What does this passage say about God? (His character, actions, or nature)
- What does this passage say about me or other people? (Human nature, needs, or behavior)
- If this is true, what will I do differently this week? (Specific, measurable, and personal obedience)
- Who will I share this with?
Prayer: Good and gracious Father, I/we give you thanks for the gift of your Word, which is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. I/we thank and praise you for the example of your servant Apollos, who, being fervent in spirit, was taught with accuracy. I/We thank you for providing faithful mentors like Priscilla and Aquila who spoke the truth in love to instruct others more perfectly in the ways of God.
Father, in a world that prizes pride over truth, I/we pray for the humility of Apollos. Give us teachable hearts that are willing to be corrected by your Word, so that our doctrine and teaching may be sound. Father, please also forgive us when our enthusiasm is misplaced, or when we fall into the sins of arrogance or laziness in our learning and teaching.
Like Priscilla and Aquila, give me/us wisdom to come alongside others to build up the Body of Christ. By your Holy Spirit, give us a passionate desire to study the scriptures and a boldness in my/our proclamation of the good news of Jesus. I/we ask all of this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.