Calling and Purpose 40—Apollos—Different Roles—Equal Value

Apollos is mentioned in Scripture eleven times.  Such a thoroughly Greek name.  But, he is believed to have been Jewish.  Formative things in our lives like our names, our childhood culture, our genealogy, our religious practices, our upbringing—all come together in a unique package that God can use for His purposes. No one else has the same combination as you.

 We learn in Acts 18 that Priscilla and Aquila have been left by Paul in Ephesus, to continue the ministry there.  Apollos, a Jew from Alexandria, arrives.  He is learned, knowledgeable of Scripture, intense (speaks with “great fervor”), and able to talk of Jesus “accurately.”  However, we are told that he only knows Jesus through the baptism of John—clearly not the whole story, nor the rest of the story.  Priscilla and Aquila hear him and invite him to their home to fill him in—to explain “to him the way of God more adequately.”

 Apollos appears to have been teachable—humble enough to submit to correction and re-teaching by this couple. He is not cowed by the accountability, but learns well—and then puts his newfound knowledge into practice immediately. He wants to travel to Achaia, is encouraged by the believers to do so—and recommended to the disciples there by letter.  When Apollos comes to Achaia, “he was a great help to those who by grace had believed. For he vigorously refuted his Jewish opponents in public debate, proving from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Messiah” (Acts 18).

 Apollos was also in Corinth.  After he left, “some from Chloe’s household” let Paul know that the church was split over who was the better leader:  Paul, Apollos, Peter, or Christ? (1 Corinthians 1). In his letter of response, Paul implores that there be no divisions over human leadership.  He goes on to emphasize unity, Jesus’ supremacy, and God’s wisdom.  Later in the same letter, Paul reminds the Corinthians that he and Apollos are simply God’s servants—playing different roles, living out different purposes:  “…as the Lord has assigned to each his task. I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building”  (1 Corinthians 3:5-9).

 Paul continues to argue the point in the next chapter—emphasizing different roles but equal value—with our talents and gifting and purpose and calling all from God:  “For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?” (1 Corinthians 4:6-7).

 Of what are you most tempted to boast when it comes to your talents, gifts, and/or accomplishments?

 How can you shift your thinking to recognize God as the giver of those things—and see yourself as the receiver and steward?

 With whom are you sometimes inclined to compare yourself?

 How can you embrace the concept that each of you has equal value in the eyes of God, and that each of you has a different—yet essential—purpose?

 What is one way you can focus on your own God-given calling the purpose this week, allowing God to produce the growth/result?

 Shirley Giles Davis, author of the God. Gifts. You. Your Unique Calling and Design workbook, is a consultant, coach, facilitator who has worked with faith-based organizations, nonprofit agencies, and a diversity of leaders for over 30 years.  Shirley has been EquipConnectServe Director at a 1,200-member church since 1999. Contact Shirley

 Photo © Shirley Giles Davis, all rights reserved.