Day 28 - Concord Student Journey

 Read Acts 18:18-28
Paul stayed on in Corinth for some time. Then he left the brothers and sisters and sailed for Syria, accompanied by Priscilla and Aquila. Before he sailed, he had his hair cut off at Cenchreae because of a vow he had taken. 19 They arrived at Ephesus, where Paul left Priscilla and Aquila. He himself went into the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews. 20 When they asked him to spend more time with them, he declined. 21 But as he left, he promised, “I will come back if it is God’s will.” Then he set sail from Ephesus. 22 When he landed at Caesarea, he went up to Jerusalem and greeted the church and then went down to Antioch.
23 After spending some time in Antioch, Paul set out from there and traveled from place to place throughout the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples.
24 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.
27 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. 28 For he vigorously refuted his Jewish opponents in public debate, proving from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Messiah.
In this passage, we see the story of Apollos, a man who was fervent in spirit and taught accurately about Jesus but only knew the baptism of John. Aquila and Priscilla, who were fellow believers in Christ, took Apollos aside and explained to him the way of God more adequately. Apollos received this teaching and went on to become a great help to those who believed through grace.
This story reminds us that even those who are passionate about Jesus can have incomplete understanding. It is important for us as believers to be willing to learn and grow in our understanding of God's word. It also highlights the importance of community in our spiritual growth. We need fellow believers who can encourage us, challenge us, and help us to grow in our faith.
Reflection questions:
Do I have a willingness to learn and grow in my understanding of God's word? How can I seek out opportunities to deepen my knowledge and understanding?
Am I a part of a community of believers who are helping me to grow in my faith? How can I seek out opportunities to build stronger relationships with other believers and to serve and support one another in our spiritual journeys?