Advancing the Gospel with Skill and Encouragement

Acts 18:27–28 (NASB95) 

27And when he wanted to go across to Achaia, the brethren encouraged him and wrote to the disciples to welcome him; and when he had arrived, he greatly helped those who had believed through grace, 28for he powerfully refuted the Jews in public, demonstrating by the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ. 

In this passage, we see Apollos stepping into a pivotal role as he travels to Achaia with the support of other believers, equipped with letters of recommendation. Apollos, a gifted speaker with a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures, becomes a powerful asset to the church in Corinth. His ability to engage in public discussions and refute opposition using Scripture demonstrates both his rhetorical skill and his deep understanding of God’s Word. Apollos’s ministry builds on the foundation laid by Paul, further strengthening the church and advancing the Gospel in a challenging environment. His public refutations of the synagogue opposition show the importance of effectively defending the faith with both grace and intellectual rigor. This example highlights how the early church worked together, with believers equipping and encouraging one another to expand the reach of the Gospel. 

Apollos’s ministry reminds us of the importance of equipping believers to use their unique gifts to further the mission of the church. His example encourages us to develop our understanding of Scripture and our ability to communicate the Gospel clearly and effectively in both personal and public settings. The support he received from fellow believers through mentorship and letters of recommendation also underscores the importance of church community in empowering others for ministry. As a modern church, let us commit to training and encouraging one another, ensuring that we are prepared to boldly share and defend the truth of Jesus in all contexts. By working together and using our God-given talents, we can continue to build on the foundation of faith and carry the Gospel into the world.