Acts 18:24-28
Now there came to Ephesus a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria. He was an eloquent man, well-versed in the scriptures. He had been instructed in the Way of the Lord; and he spoke with burning enthusiasm and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John. He began to speak boldly in the synagogue; but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained the Way of God to him more accurately. And when he wished to cross over to Achaia, the believers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples to welcome him. On his arrival he greatly helped those who through grace had become believers, for he powerfully refuted the Jews in public, showing by the scriptures that the Messiah is Jesus.
This text follows some back and forth by Paul. Originally accompanied by Priscilla and Aquila (this is one of those sections where Priscilla is named first), he has now left them behind in Ephesus to continue the work without him.
He's equipped them for ministry and they - both of them - seem to be ready to pass that on.
Equipping isn't the job of one. It's the job of all. Priscilla and Aquila followed Paul, listened to him, watched him in action and then he went on his way and they did the same for Apollos.
Equipping is passed on.
Ministry is also passed on.
Our jobs in ministry are transportable and transferable.
We don't own them.
We learn. We do. We show. We demonstrate. We pass on.
And we move on.
It's one of the hardest parts of ministry. Moving on. It's hard for leaders and it's hard for disciples. But each person is part of a moving system that has been operating for 2000 years.
Our job is to keep moving. Keep passing on. Not to stay still.
To listen, to learn, to show, and then to let go.
Lord: Prepare me. Move me. Give me courage. Set me loose and then help me to move on to whatever comes next. Amen.
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