Luke tells us only that paul spends "some time" in Antioch following the Completion of his second Journey. But he is soon on the move again, following the initial course of his second mission through Gallatia and Phygia. There he likely visits the churches founded on his first trip, those in Derbe Iconium, and Pisidian Antioch. His work in these young churches consist of strenghtening all the disciples."
Meanwhile, in a small sign of the gathering and reach of the church a skilled speaker and expositor of Scripture appears in Ephesus. This man, Apollos is a Jew from Egypt. City of Alexandria, a major city of the Roman Empire, a major center for Jews of the dispersion, and a great seat of learning. Apollos apparently has been well-educated and has received advance training in the interpretations of Old Testament writing, he is learned, eloquent, and "mighty in the Scripture." However, he also has been "instructed in the way of the Lord." Where did he hear the Gospel? Did one of the Egyptian Jews who were in Jerusalem at Pentecost ( Acts 2:10 ) believe and take the Gospel back to Egypt? Luke does not say, but Apollos' evident faith indicates that the Gospel may have reach the Nile by this time.
Apollos comes proclaiming the faith accurately and with great fervor in the Ephesian synagogue. However, there ia a flaw in his doctrine he knows only the baptism of John. "John had proclaimed a baptism of repentance, not a baptism of faith in Jesus Christ," although Apollos accurately articulated the facts about Jesus...he was not familiar with the work of the Holy Spirit, the progress of God's kingdom, and the way of God." Aquila and Pricilla, who had been left by paul in Ephesus (18:19 ), take Apollos under their wing and explain to him the way of the Lord more accurately. Apollos shows himself to be teachable spirit, receiving instruction even from a tentmaker and a woman.
Perhaps having heard of the work in Corinth from Aquila and Priscilla, Apollos then sets his heart on ministering in Achaia. So Aquilla, Priscilla, and the other believers in the developing Ephesian church send him with letters recommending him to the believers in Corinth.?and he fulfills their expectations, helping the believers there by refuting the Jews' interpretation of the Scripture.
Apollos' willingness to received instruction from fellow believers is an example for us. None of us will ever grasp the truths of God perfectly in this life. But in God's providence, all of us have better or worse understanding of the faith. Thus , there are some we can teach and some who can teach us. Be willing to teach and be taught.
Willingness to received instruction only those whose heart are right with Him and placing them where they can make difference for His Kingdom. Some of the great missionaries in history did not live long lives, but their lives dramatically affected eternity. God continue to seek those as responsive like Apollos has a teachable spirit. Have you seen the Activity of God around you? What is God presently inviting you to do? How are you responding?
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