Paul’s second missionary journey was winding down in our last reading, and here we start his third and final journey. First, Luke, the author of Acts, introduces us to Apollos. It’s always good to read about real-life people besides the apostles and how they responded to the Good News about Jesus and salvation. We can get clues for how we should or should not represent Jesus to our own circle of friends and acquaintances.
Apollos was a Christian Jew teaching about Jesus. It seems a little odd that he wouldn’t know about the Holy Spirit. Imagine his delight in hearing about the power from Paul’s students, Priscilla and Aquila (you may remember them from previous readings). That Jewish couple wanted to help clarify for their brother in Christ all that being a Christ-follower meant. What a great way to show up for Jesus!
Apollos will make a great teacher as he shared the gospel with boldness, not afraid to challenge his fellow Jews. Can you imagine how his life changed when he met Paul and was baptized in the Holy Spirit? Are we talking about Jesus, too, or do we keep that message to ourselves?
Leaders like Apollos are the kinds of leaders Paul’s ministry generated. It was all-hands-on-deck to spread the news about Jesus. Don’t forget Jesus’ other disciples were out in the world sharing the same message as Paul, only to different audiences. Thanks to Luke and the Book of Acts, we get up close and personal with Paul and his traveling companions.
What an exciting time to be a Christian, on the “ground floor” as the truth spread around the region. Just to be clear, the province of Asia was different than what we now know as the continent. This region included cities like Ephesus and would be present day Turkey. Paul’s travels made a huge impact as he shared the good news about Jesus.
Paul’s third missionary journey begins by strengthening Apollos with Holy Spirit wisdom and power. I’ve heard that usually when people accept and follow Jesus, the Holy Spirit is right there from the beginning. In fact, without the Holy Spirit’s direction we would not find Jesus in the first place. I’m guessing that Apollos had the Holy Spirit all along but didn’t know how to tap into that power.
Paul’s laying on of hands made the gift of the Holy Spirit come alive for Apollos. It’s still hard to fathom that the same Spirit resides inside us. As followers of Jesus, he sends this gift. I love how Jesus explains it in John 14:16-17: “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you.”
Luke also gives us an explicit example of what happens when non-believers try to access a power they haven’t been given. Because of that memorable incident, people began to honor the Lord. Even believers were moved to repent and be better followers. One might even say people began to “fear” the Lord once again. Sometimes we take God for granted and forget to be awed by such an amazing God.
Take some time today to reflect on how you are representing Jesus to the world. Remember that you have the same Holy Spirit alive inside you, giving you boldness and direction. You are never alone. As you reflect, remember all that Jesus has done for you and be awed by his presence in your life.
Let’s pray. Lord Jesus, I want to represent you well to the world. When people look at me, I hope that they see your love spilling out. Fill me anew with your Spirit, so I will have the boldness to speak and to love like you. Refresh me with new insights and open up the opportunities to share about you and your life-saving sacrifice. Forgive me for times I have missed those opportunities. Thank you for your love and patience with me as I draw closer to you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
