And after he had spent some time there, he departed, and went over all the country of Galatia and Phrygia in order, strengthening all the disciples. And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus. This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John. And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly. And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him: who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through grace: For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publickly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ.

Acts 18:23-28

I have to admit, writing the last few devotionals has been hard to write because I’ve been so excited to write this one. As a pastor’s wife for years, I have gotten to know a lot of different preachers and their personalities. Many of them have degrees out the wazoo, which has nothing to do with their effectiveness. I have long learned and experienced that only a person filled with the Spirit is truly successful in doing the Lord’s work. Yes, education in the scriptures is very important; however, it is the Holy Spirit alone that fills us with God’s wisdom, understanding and knowledge.

I wish that there were more written about Apollos. Being a Jew from Alexandria in Egypt, he had an excellent education. Here he was, “an eloquent man, mighty in the scriptures” preaching and travelling around. He reaches Ephesus, teaches in the synagogue, and meets Priscilla and Aquila. Having a teachable spirit, which is quite extraordinary considering his education, Apollos allows this dear tent-making couple to disciple him in the ways of the Holy Spirit. I find that rather remarkable and I praise the Lord that Apollos’ example is written in scripture.

Priscilla and Aquila helped Apollos’ ministry when he crossed the sea to minister in Achaia. They wrote a letter asking the disciples in that country to accept him and his ministry as he had been a blessing in Ephesus. Apollos’ ministry, through the power of God, was successful in convincing the Jew’s that Jesus was Messiah. This is a big deal, because remember, Paul was driven out of most of the towns because the Jews did not accept his preaching. Paul planted, Apollos watered, and God gave the increase. (I Corinthians 3:6. By the way, there was no jealousy between them because they were filled with the Spirit…how unusual is that!) Praise the Lord for their partnership in ministry!

In today’s world, many in Christianity are trying to do ministry in their own power. This leads to “burn out” and stress. The Holy Spirit gives strength, gives might, gives rest. Each of us know how to do God’s work in our own strength, but how wonderful it is to do God’s work in God’s power! Praise the Lord that Apollos was humble enough to learn from Priscilla and Aquila about the Holy Spirit so God could use him in an even greater way. If Paul and Apollos and JESUS, needed the Holy Spirit to do ministry, how can we even think we can attempt great things for God without the Holy Spirit. Are you walking through this life without the power that God gives freely? Just ask.

Written by Kaye Dee Richards. Kaye Dee lives with her husband Colin in Morrison, CO. They have 4 children, Joshua, Amelia, Victoria, and Julia.
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