Acts Chapter 18: Verses 24-28 (NIV-UK)
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 fervour 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. For he vigorously refuted his Jewish opponents in public debate, proving from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Messiah.
Apollos had clearly been a Godly man, even before he became a believer in Jesus. He knew the scriptures well and used them to explain his faith in Christ. As a relatively new believer he had not yet heard of the work and baptism of the Holy Spirit. But he was eager to share what he knew and was willing to speak boldly in the synagogue. Pricilla and Aquila recognised God’s hand was on him and took him under their wing to teach him all about the work and power of the Holy Spirit.
God continued to work in his life and he was sent off to continue sharing his faith. And he was a great encouragement to other new believers.
When we first become Christians, we don’t always know very much. We may have come from a background where the bible was familiar to us, but some people don’t have any previous knowledge. So we need to make sure that we encourage new Christians and take them under our wing if necessary. But even though they may be new in the faith, we need to recognise when God is moving through them and be careful not to stifle their gift. They may have much to offer and encourage others with their story of faith and testimony of what God has done in their lives. So we need to be gracious in allowing them the chance to do so, whilst at the same time making sure that they are learning and growing as God directs.
Dear Lord,
I rejoice when I read of how much of an encouragement Apollos was to others. Help me to be an encourager of all who are new in their faith, and not dampen their new found joy in Christ. Help me also to be a positive example to new Christians and to those who are seeking the truth. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.