Great Help

“After he arrived, he greatly helped those who had believed through grace.” (Acts 18:27b)

Apollos was his name, the Scripture was his game. He was a Jew from Alexandria, Egypt, a renowned home of scholars, and he was gifted with expertise in the Scriptures.

Apollos first appeared on the Christian scene at Ephesus, sometime after Paul’s brief stopover there near the end of the 2nd missionary journey. Apollos had been instructed at least to some degree in the way of the Lord, and he spoke fervently. Great mind. Great speaker.

Paul left Priscilla and Aquila in Ephesus, and they heard Apollos speak. They took him to lunch. They had served with Paul for at least 18 months at Corinth, so they gave Apollos a more accurate understanding of “the Way.” Whatever his reason, Apollos wanted to go to Corinth and serve there, so they gave him a letter of introduction. He went to work after his arrival, and he greatly helped those who had believed through grace. He thoroughly refuted the Jews publicly and clearly demonstrated through the Scriptures that Jesus is the Messiah.

We hear little else in the Scripture about Apollos, other than Paul’s mention of him in 1 Corinthians. But we hear enough to know that God used this man to encourage the church at Corinth, because he was willing to learn and willing to serve, using his giftedness and skills for the glory of God.

Anyone who is willing to follow that same pattern can become a source of great help to the Lord’s church.

Lord, May we be willing to learn and serve and use our giftedness and skills for your glory and for the growth of Your church. Amen.