I love the story of Apollos. This man had something to share, and he poured his whole heart and the fullness of his inborn abilities into the sharing.
Now a Jew named Apollos, an Alexandrian by birth, an eloquent man, came to Ephesus; and he was mighty in the Scriptures. This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he was speaking and teaching accurately the things concerning Jesus, being acquainted only with the baptism of John; and he began to speak out boldly in the synagogue. But when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately. And when he wanted to go across to Achaia, the brethren encouraged him and wrote to the disciples to welcome him; and when he had arrived, he greatly helped those who had believed through grace, for he powerfully refuted the Jews in public, demonstrating by the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ. Acts 18:24-28
From this passage in Scripture, we know that Apollos lacked the full story. He had to know that the story was incomplete, and I can only imagine how he must have been caught up in anticipation, excitedly awaiting the fulfillment of John’s teaching.
Oh the excitement, joy, and utter delight that must have coursed through this man when Aquila and Priscilla pulled him aside and told him the rest of the story. For me, though, this part of the story brings conviction. How long might it have been before Apollos heard the truth had he just quietly awaited the fulfillment of John’s teaching? Would he still have found Priscilla and Aquila? Would they have found him? Would anyone have known of his seeking?
I often find myself waiting for completion before sharing with others. Perhaps it is completion of a skill, not wanting to do something imperfectly. It might be completion of learning, fearful of giving inaccurate information. Perhaps I feel incomplete in experience, believing that others with more experience must have more to share than I. Whatever the case, I hold back, all because of fear.
Apollos, however, was bold. He stepped out in what he knew, convinced that the truths he held, although incomplete, were still truth. He had to share what he knew. He had to minister to the hearts of others. He could not wait until the story was over. His fervent spirit and bold heart demanded that he share now. When he did, two strong believers who knew the rest of the story were able to find him and complete his joy with the full story of Christ – all because of his boldness.
I must be careful to be accurate, but I cannot allow my lack of completion to prevent me from stepping out boldly in service to my God. When I step out in bold obedience, He will ensure that my service is accurate. He will equip others to help train and grow me. And He will use me for His glory, just as He did Apollos.
Not Quite Ordinary 