Forever Home in the Eternal Family of God

Daily Encouragement for the Family of God by Kenton Cheek

27 November 2024

Reading From Acts 18:19-19:41

“Meanwhile a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was a learned man, with a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures. ²⁵ He had been instructed in the way of the Lord, and he spoke with great fervor^[a] and taught about Jesus accurately, though he knew only the baptism of John. ²⁶ 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.” —Acts 18:24-26

When reading the book of Acts it is fascinating to me that many of the people we encounter were so well traveled in the ancient world. Apollos was a native of Alexandria which is 475 miles from Ephesus, a 4 1/2 day journey by sea under favorable conditions. God used the advanced road network of the Romans and the trade and transportation routes of the sea to advance His Kingdom, bringing together people from all walks of life into His eternal family.

Evidently Apollos was well educated and did the best he could with the knowledge that he had, but his story is an apt reminder that there is always room for the sons and daughters of God to grow in trust, knowledge and understanding. It takes humility to have our understanding expand beyond what we already know. We must be willing to have our preconceived notions of God and the Way challenged by the Holy Spirit guiding us into all the truth of His Word. If you are teachable, there is something new to learn each and every day.

Apparently Priscilla and Aquila still attended synagogue even though they were now mature Christians. This is where they heard Apollos and must have not only seen his potential but also that they had the tools to help him continue developing spiritually. Priscilla is listed first before her husband. This indicates that she was the more prominent minister in the family. Here we find yet another fine example of God demolishing strongholds in a very chauvinistic culture. God empowers men and women equally to do His work upon the Earth.

“Lord, please grant us the humility we need to receive spiritual instruction from those more advanced in the faith than we are. Our desire is to know You more and deepen our understanding of our faith. Revealed to us more about who You are and what You would have us be about. We want to better reflect Your glory in the world around us. In the brilliant Name of Jesus Christ I pray. Amen.”

There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. —Galatians 3:28