Acts 18:24-28 – The Missing Piece

Read Acts 18:24-28

It seems this Chapter is closing with a scene change and diversion. We meet a new believer, Apollos. He is using his natural talent of speaking to proclaim the Good News. We hear he is a Jew from Egypt, specifically Alexandria, the second most important city in the Roman Empire. It doesn’t take long, and he meets up with Priscilla and Aquila. Thankfully, they are able to fill him in on the whole story. There was a missing piece in his understanding — he was only aware of John’s baptism.

I liked how even though Apollos was well educated and his knowledge of Scripture spot on, he was coachable. He was open to learning more, to digging deeper into his faith. He welcomed the counsel of Priscilla and Aquila and incorporated it into his teaching. He always relied on the Scriptures. Once clarified, his message was clear and bold, “The Messiah you are looking for is Jesus.” When we can be willing and open to learning more, imagine then moving closer to all that God wants for us to be.

I loved how this Chapter concludes – with triumphant victory! Paul had paved a way for people to hear the Good News. Priscilla and Aquila continued to nurture. Then Apollos comes along to further strengthen the believers using his God-given gifts. It’s a beautiful thing when we can use our talents to further the kingdom, to encourage believers, and to strengthen and edify one another. We truly are working as God wants us to be.

How has God gifted you to serve? Are you listening to him? Are you willing to stretch and grow yourself to be more productive for God? What is your missing piece?

I was recently thrust into a situation where I was made to defend my faith. If I had only been the eloquent speaker Apollos was. At that moment, I was hoping for the right words to express what I was feeling inside. Every word I said sounded so good as it came out of my mouth, but it was twisted and manipulated by the other person.

For a split second, that man had me questioning my place in eternity. My spirit is still a bit crushed because of my lack of boldness. I need to realize it is not up to me to convince someone else they are wrong. The Holy Spirit will convict. My salvation is between me and God, and I have placed my trust in Jesus, the way, the truth and the life.

What about you? If your life ended today, are you confident you’d be seeing Jesus face to face?

We will all face difficult situations. Some of them will rattle our cages, make us question our faith, or even cripple us from serving. The missing piece for all of us is probably the Holy Spirit. The same missing piece Apollos didn’t know about. We will face trouble and challenge. But we need to cling to the Holy Spirit living inside us. He has given us gifts and abilities many of us forget about. What you can forget is what hurt you, not what it taught you. Serve God with boldness today!

Let’s pray. Father, I thank you for your Spirit inside me. May I be keenly aware of your presence today. I know I am dealing with situations out of my control, help me let go. May I be listening for you to prompt me into action. Bring those people into my life that you want me to touch. Thank you for the clarity you bring to each conversation. Forgive me for my lack of boldness on that call yesterday. Thank you for the peace that has washed over me despite my confusion. In Jesus’ name. Amen.