Meanwhile a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was a learned man, with a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures. He had been instructed in the way of the Lord, and he spoke with great fervor and taught about Jesus accurately, though he knew only the baptism of John. 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. Acts 18:24-26
Dear Lord Jesus, there are many things I love in this story. I’m so thankful that, as with Apollos, so with us… we’re useful long before we’ve get every theological “t” crossed and every “i” dotted just right. Ultimately, it’s not how much we know but Who we know that “wins the day.” I praise you for revealing yourself to Apollos… and to me.
And, Jesus, I treasure the picture of a husband and wife offering hospitality and ministering the gospel together. The little I know of Priscilla and Aquila leads me to pray for marriages in general. O that more of us would live as partners in the gospel—co-saboteurs of the kingdom of darkness, rather than frittering our years away on less noble pursuits and passions. There are so many different story-lines clamoring for our marriages—so many distractions and seductions. A marriage, just like singleness, is too precious a gift to spent on pettiness and non-intentional living. Bring more gospel-sanity to our marriages, Jesus. Rescue us… resuscitate us… refresh us.
Lastly, Jesus, I’m convicted and drawn to Apollos’ teachability. Make and keep me that kind of man. I don’t want to suffer from the “hardening of the categories” as I get older. Continue to explain to me “the way of God more adequately,” through whomever you choose—children, PhDs, married couples, my wife, saints of old long since in heaven… that’s your call, Jesus. Free me from my provincialism, prejudices and presumption.
I’m hungry for you to expand my understanding and experience of life “in line of the truth of the gospel” (Galatians 2:14), until the Day when knowing in part gives way to worshipping you in full. So very Amen, I pray, in your all-sufficient and glorious name.