“He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. After Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained the way of God to him more accurately. When he wanted to cross over to Achaia, the brothers and sisters wrote to the disciples to welcome him. After he arrived, he was a great help to those who by grace had believed.”
Acts 18:26-27
A Growth Mindset
Can you think of a time when you were just a little misled? Maybe you spoke too boldly of something you weren’t so certain about. Or perhaps you walked with too much confidence in an area where humility would have served you better.
Each and every one us have these sort of growth areas assigned to us. And as followers of Jesus, we need people around us to help us grow. As they walk alongside us with their great care and concern, we are nurtured in the faith. This was true of the eloquent Apollos we’re reading about in Acts 18. And it’s just as true for us today, too.
The Way of Our God
Apollos was a smart man and a good speaker, and he was as zealous and fervent as they come. He spoke with conviction and with confidence and cared deeply about sharing Jesus with others in the synagogue. But he—not unlike ourselves—didn’t know all that there was to know about “the way of God,” as the book of Acts puts it.
But Apollos didn’t cower at correction. Nor did he hang his head in humiliation disguised as false humility. Instead, he allowed Priscilla and Aquila (two incredible apostles who were dedicated to discipleship) to receive him and teach him about the Lord in the areas where he lacked understanding.
Shaped by Our Sharing
Just like Priscilla and Aquila, the Lord has called us to disciple others by sharing what we know of Him. And just like Apollos, He has entrusted us with the task of sharing our faith and allowing others to disciple us by sharing what they know! This is how discipleship works: it didn’t begin with us yet continues on, and it will not end with us, either.
Like Apollos, you may not feel as though you know “enough” about the Scriptures. But so long as you have a heart yearning to serve, share, and receive the loving insight and correction of others, you have what you need to keep walking in obedience to Jesus. It’s with great care and concern that we are all better shaped into the image of Jesus, who loves and care for us so deeply. Remember: it takes a whole village to grow in the faith. Be a part of that village.
Now What?
Are you allowing yourself to walk alongside others in the faith? And in turn, are you allowing others to know Jesus better by the ways they have gotten to learn from you? Reflect on the role that discipleship plays in your life today. How can you invest in others, that they may invest in you in return?