Acts 18:24-28 (NRSV)
A new disciple preaches
Now there came to Ephesus a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria. He was an eloquent man, well-versed in the scriptures. He had been instructed in the Way of the Lord; and he spoke with burning enthusiasm and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John. He began to speak boldly in the synagogue; but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained the Way of God to him more accurately. And when he wished to cross over to Achaia, the believers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples to welcome him. On his arrival he greatly helped those who through grace had become believers, for he powerfully refuted the Jews in public, showing by the scriptures that the Messiah is Jesus.
Now there came to Ephesus a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria. He was an eloquent man, well-versed in the scriptures. He had been instructed in the Way of the Lord; and he spoke with burning enthusiasm and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John. He began to speak boldly in the synagogue; but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained the Way of God to him more accurately. And when he wished to cross over to Achaia, the believers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples to welcome him. On his arrival he greatly helped those who through grace had become believers, for he powerfully refuted the Jews in public, showing by the scriptures that the Messiah is Jesus.
Reflection
Apollos was a native of Alexandria which may have given him the skill of interpreting the Scripture in allegory. Apollos was a smart man and full of fire and enthusiasm. Apollos was able to show by the scriptures that Jesus is the Messiah.
That's how God moves us forward. The Spirit grants a few gifts and we are given the Scripture. As believers we boldly step forward in use of those gifts while at the same time our faith and belief in Jesus continues to grow. Scripture is our constant source of God's Word. We hear God's Word spoken and we see it acted out through other fellow Christians. We grow and go in our walk with Jesus here and now.
All in so many different ways too. Some go and grow in faith as teachers, politicians, engineers, manufacturing technicians, business workers, pastors, housekeeping, child-care workers, veterinarians, doctors, nurses... Throughout the day we interact with people in more ways than we can imagine. As we grow and go, with the fire and enthusiasm of Jesus' love in our belly, we are living demonstrations of what Jesus can do in your life.
Think about it. Gain a passion for the gifts God has given to you. And go forth in love to use them to show Christ to the world you live in that you may honor God and honor your neighbor with love and help. And this not to just look good, but to be sincere and life giving to another. Give your life and show them the life of Jesus. Thanks be to God!
Prayer
Lord, send your Spirit today to fill me with your Word and your Love, that I may combine these with the gifts you have given me and the love your have taught me, to proclaim your Word, Will, and Way... today... tomorrow...and forever. --- Amen
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