Skip to main content

Apollos Tells His Story

News Letter Journal - Staff Photo - Create Article
Apollos tells his own story, a passionate teacher from the New Testament. Follow his life of zeal, learning, and faith as he grows into a powerful instrument in God's hands.
By
Dean Butler

This is a fictionalized account based on the biblical story of Apollos. While inspired by Scripture, it includes imaginative elements to explore his thoughts and experiences. Please read with the understanding that this is a creative retelling, not a verbatim biblical account.

Apollos is mentioned several times in the New Testament, primarily in Acts 18:24-28 and 1 Corinthians 3:4-6. These passages highlight his eloquence, knowledge of the Scriptures, and his significant role in the early church as a teacher and defender of the gospel. Though his knowledge was initially incomplete, Apollos' willingness to learn and grow in his understanding of Christ made him a powerful instrument in God’s hands. Let Him tell his story.

I grew up in Alexandria, a city known for its learning and culture. From an early age, I had a thirst for knowledge, especially concerning the Scriptures. The words of Moses and the prophets spoke to me deeply, igniting a passion to understand God and His ways. Little did I know, that passion would take me far beyond anything I imagined.

When I first heard of John the Baptist, I was captivated. His call to repentance and his proclamation of the coming Messiah stirred something in my soul. I embraced his message and was baptized, committing myself to prepare for the One he declared would come after him.

I traveled to Ephesus, eager to share what I had learned. I spoke with zeal, teaching about the Messiah as best as I understood. But even then, my knowledge was incomplete. I had not yet heard the full story of Jesus Christ—His life, death, and resurrection. Still, I spoke boldly, trusting that God would use my words to point others to Him.

It was in Ephesus that I met Priscilla and Aquila (Acts 18:26). They listened to me preach in the synagogue, and afterward, they invited me to their home. There, with kindness and wisdom, they explained the way of God more accurately. They told me of Jesus, the fulfillment of John’s proclamation: “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29).

Their words transformed my understanding. For the first time, I saw the Scriptures in their fullness. The prophecies I had studied since childhood came alive in the person of Jesus Christ. I marveled at the depth of God’s plan—how the promised Messiah had not only come but had given His life for our sins and risen again in victory.

After that, I knew I couldn’t stay silent. With the blessing of the believers in Ephesus, I traveled to Achaia to encourage the church there. Along the way, I often thought of Isaiah’s words: “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the one who brings good news, who announces peace and brings good news of happiness, who announces salvation, and says to Zion, ‘Your God reigns!’” (Isaiah 52:7).

In Achaia, God continued to work through me. By His Spirit, I was able to powerfully refute those who opposed the gospel, showing from the Scriptures that Jesus is the Christ. I could not have done this without the correction and teaching of Priscilla and Aquila. They exemplified the humility and love of Christ, and their willingness to invest in me changed the course of my ministry.

To anyone who hears this story, I want you to know that God uses those who are willing to learn and grow. None of us begins with complete understanding, but through His Word and His people, He equips us for the work He has prepared. As Paul wrote to Timothy, “All Scripture is inspired by God and beneficial for teaching, for rebuke, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man or woman of God may be fully capable, equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

May my story remind you that it is not about where you start but about your willingness to follow where God leads. He takes our passion and zeal, shapes it with His truth, and uses it to bring glory to His name.

______________________________________________________________________________

“What I write is not for everyone, but what I write is meant for someone.”

I am the author of two books: Embracing God's Wisdom: A Journey of Faith and Reflection and Embracing God’s Wisdom: Paul’s Commands for Victorious Living. Both are available on Amazon.

I’d love to hear how this post spoke to you. Have you experienced anything similar in your walk with God? Feel free to share. Let’s encourage one another in faith! Please reach out at: hopeinchrist2024@yahoo.com

I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service. (1 Timothy 1:12)

--- Online Subscribers: Please click here to log in to read this story and access all content.

Not an Online Subscriber? Click here for a one-week subscription for only $1!.