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Education - A ministry of the Church
Acts 18:24-28
Elizabeth Mathews
Epiphany MTC, NY
On his arrival he greatly helped those who through grace had become believers, 28 for he powerfully refuted the Jews in public, showing by the scriptures that the Messiah[b] is Jesus.
 
Tell me and I will forget,
Show me and I will remember,
Involve me and I will understand
                           …. a Chinese proverb
Apollos was an eloquent man born in Alexandria a place dominated by Jews, and known to be a city of scholars.
Have a Conviction: “know your fundas” this was what one of my professors wrote on the board at the beginning of his class. Knowing your fundamentals gives you an understanding to the root of the subject. We as Christians need to have this understanding to have a conviction. Apollos, we see had firm belief and was mighty in the scriptures. He came to Ephesus to trade with his talent. He was instructed in the way of the Lord and being strong in the sprit he spoke and taught diligently the things of the Lord.  He was well versed with the Old Testament, but he knew only the baptism of John. That was not enough, for God had more plans ahead for him. We all have potential, God uses us to reform us, wants us to do better. Do we use our talents, our understanding for the betterment of His kingdom? Do we have conviction? Jesus asked the disciples if they have conviction of the Messiah.
Be a mentor: Those who are to teach others, must first themselves be taught. It is not enough to tune our tongues to the word of the Lord but our feet should be directed in the way of the Lord. Apollos was taken in by Aquila and Priscilla. They explained systematically and in detail the way of the Lord. Apollos who knew Jesus as a historic figure, now, came to know him as a living presence through them. We need not all be good speakers but we can be mentors, as parents, Sunday school teachers, as church leaders and influence others.  
Be humble:  Apollos an excellent speaker, strong at debate was humble enough to be taught by Aquila and Priscilla who were tent makers. Mat 23:12 says whoever humbles himself shall be exalted.

PRAYER

Lord, help us understand that academic excellence is not as important as having a Christian conviction and mentoring to transform others. Humble us Lord for the sake of Your kingdom. Amen

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
Let the wise listen and increase their learning; let the person of understanding receive guidance. Proverbs 1:5 

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