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Monday, 16 February 2015

Priscilla, Aquila and Apollos: Inspiring Trio



This devotional is based on Acts 18 that is read in accordance with the Revived by His Word initiative of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.

I was drawn to trio of Priscilla, Aquila, and Apollos in this text; intrigued at how with Apollos' great potential he was taken under the wings of Aquila and Priscilla and groomed for a more fulsome ministry in the Church. Having laboured over the thought that this sort of mentorship is so needed today - not excluding aiding young ones of promise to access the benefit of our formal educational offerings - I am the more convinced that we need emulate the example of this committed couple in ministry.

The name Apollos is of Greek origin and means "destroyer, or one that destroys." It seems to be a variation of Apollo, who in Greek (and Roman) mythology is the god of prophecy, medicine, music, art, law, beauty, poetry, light and wisdom. Apollos' profile seems to more so fit this bill - contrary to what his name actually means. Context would however aid us in extracting some sense from this seeming conflict of terms.

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Imagine that being filled with the Holy Spirit, competent in Scripture, and endowed with eloquence of speech (in line with the meaning of Apollo) that Apollos is equipped as terrible destroyer of Satan's kingdom as he tears down the bars and fenced walls of ignorance that have held people captive to the vices of the Devil.

As we look in our local churches today we should seek to reach individuals where they are and do our best to aid in their empowerment for ministry. Is there a vibrant education fund in your local church? How seriously do we take this matter of mentorship. Mind you, it's not just about money; it's also about modeling appropriate behaviour, befriending the young, and just simply loving everyone into the Kingdom. The existence of such a fund however is a key indicator of how seriously we take supporting the mission of the Church.

Father, thank you for the inspiration of Priscilla and Aquila who were willing to support young Apollos. Thank for the demonstration of humility of Apollos who didn't think he knew it all, but allowed himself to be helped. Today I ask that that situation be repeated many times over in our experience we pray, in Jesus' name, amen.

To read and/or listen to Acts 18 and to read other related blogs, please click here.
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