Equipping Others for Ministry
Acts 18:23–26 (NASB95)
23And having spent some time there, he left and passed successively through the Galatian region and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples. 24Now a Jew named Apollos, an Alexandrian by birth, an eloquent man, came to Ephesus; and he was mighty in the Scriptures. 25This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he was speaking and teaching accurately the things concerning Jesus, being acquainted only with the baptism of John; 26and he began to speak out 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.
Here, we are introduced to Apollos, a Jewish believer from Alexandria who possessed great eloquence, a deep knowledge of the Scriptures, and a fervent spirit. However, his understanding of the Gospel was incomplete, as he only knew of John’s baptism and lacked a fuller grasp of Jesus’ teachings. Priscilla and Aquila, Paul’s trusted colleagues, graciously took Apollos aside and provided him with accurate instruction about the way of God. Their willingness to invest in Apollos’ growth not only sharpened his understanding but also empowered him to use his rhetorical gifts more effectively to proclaim Jesus as the Messiah. This moment underscores the unity and humility within the early church, where believers worked together to ensure that the Gospel message was shared clearly and effectively. Apollos’ subsequent ministry in Achaia demonstrates the fruitfulness of this equipping, as he became a powerful advocate for the Gospel, using the Scriptures to refute opposition and lead others to faith.
This passage reminds us of the importance of equipping and mentoring others within the church. Like Priscilla and Aquila, we are called to share our knowledge and experiences with humility and love, helping others grow in their faith and ministry. Additionally, Apollos’ example challenges us to remain teachable, no matter how gifted or knowledgeable we may be. The modern church thrives when believers invest in one another, equipping and empowering others to fulfill their God-given callings. Let us commit to fostering a culture of discipleship, where we encourage each other to grow in understanding and boldly proclaim the Good News of Jesus.