Acts Chapter 18: Verses 24-27 (NIV)
Meanwhile a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was a learned man, with a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures. He had been instructed in the way of the Lord, and he spoke with great fervor and taught about Jesus accurately, though he knew only the baptism of John. He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately.When Apollos wanted to go to Achaia, the brothers and sisters encouraged him and wrote to the disciples there to welcome him. When he arrived, he was a great help to those who by grace had believed.
Our connection with others ripples much further than we think!
Paul’s friendship with Acquila and Pricilla saw them setting off from Corinth to Ephesus, before Paul left them to travel on. Pricilla and Acquila had grown in faith over the months that they had spent with Paul. Consequently, when they met Apollos, another new believer, they were able to teach him about things that he was unfamiliar with. In turn he took what he had learned and used it to encourage others to whom he was described as “a great help.”
This account shows us what John Donne, the 17th Century Dean of St Paul’s meant when he said that, “No man is an island.” We can learn so much from people who mentor and encourage us, and in return we should be willing to do the same for others. After all that’s how the Gospel spread in the beginning. Let’s keep that ripple going!
Dear Lord,
Pricilla and Acquila had much to thank Paul for as he taught them and encouraged them in their faith, so they did the same for Apollos. I thank You for those who have encouraged and supported me. Help me to pass on the same encouragement, and what I have learned from You. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.