Something Good Out of Alexandria
Today’s Verse:
And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus. ~Acts 18:24
The city of Alexandria was the citadel of higher learning, and a place that thrived with many philosophies, occultism, and godlessness. Corrupted manuscripts of the scripture came out of Alexandria and gave way to a corrupted translation that later would be rejected. As a believer, you would have to be discerning and careful about what came out of this city. However, we are told of a special man from Alexandria who was unlike everything else that came out of that city. Let us see how Apollos was a testimony of something good that came out of Alexandria.
We see that Apollos was articulate.
“An eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures… he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord.” Apollos was a gifted and eloquent speaker. He had a powerful way of communicating the Word of God and persuading people about the things of the Lord. It is one thing to be an eloquent man. It is a better thing to use your eloquence to diligently speak and teach the things of the Lord. First, he was wise in his articulation. He made it his goal to be mighty and well-instructed in the Scriptures. When Aquila and Priscilla took him aside and explained the way of the Lord more perfectly, he humbly saw this as part of God’s training for him. Second, he was not wasteful in his communication. He used his speaking ability to the fullest every chance he could. If God has gifted you in speaking, use this gift to advance the gospel.
We see that Apollos was ardent.
He was fervent in spirit. Being mighty in the Scriptures means that he was read-up. Being read-up led to him being fired up. Apollos was so excited and fired up about God’s Word that he preached in the synagogue at Ephesus and found opportunities to preach as he traveled through Achaia. He was bold in his preaching. This indicates that he preached, “Thus saith the Lord.” He held nothing back in his preaching. As God moved in him, he moved others through his preaching. John Wesley used to say, “I just set myself on fire and people come to watch me as I burn.” We need men and women who are fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.
We see that Apollos was advantageous.
“And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him: who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through grace.” Apollos was not a puffed-up and proud man. He made himself useful to God’s people. Luke says that he “helped them much which had believed through grace.” Our preaching and teaching should follow his model of helping others much. His words were apples of gold in pictures of silver. Be sure that when you open your mouth, you help them much.
We see that Apollos was authentic.
“For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publicly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ.” Apollos was so well-versed in Scripture that many were convinced of their need for salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. While it is necessary that we demonstrate credibility through a godly testimony, our credibility as a speaker is in how thoroughly we use the Bible to explain and convince people of their need. What a powerful description that he mightily convinced the Jews.
Yes, something good came out of Alexandria! God is looking for some Apolloses who will be filled with unction and will be useful in the Word.
Have a fervent God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Psalm 17-20