One of the people who played a significant role in the early Church, especially in the development of churches in Ephesus and Corinth,  was an Egyptian Jew named Apollos. We know that he interacted with the apostle Paul and with Paul's co-workers, Priscilla and Aquila. Paul mentions Apollos in his letter to Titus and in his first letter to the congregation at Corinth. Many scholars believe that Apollos was the unnamed author of the Book of Hebrews. In today's passage we learn a little more about this First Century influencer:

At that time a Jew named Apollos, who had been born in Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was an eloquent speaker and had a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures. He had been instructed in the Way of the Lord, and with great enthusiasm he proclaimed and taught correctly the facts about Jesus. However, he knew only the baptism of John. He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him home with them and explained to him more correctly the Way of God. Apollos then decided to go to Achaia, so the believers in Ephesus helped him by writing to the believers in Achaia, urging them to welcome him. When he arrived, he was a great help to those who through God's grace had become believers. (Acts 18:24-27)

In this passage we learn that Apollos was already a renowned public speaker who "had been instructed in the Way of the Lord." We also learned that he "had a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures." However, he only knew the baptism of John and repentance. So, when Priscilla and Aquila heard him speak, they took him home and explained The Way more fully to him. This is amazing to me! Apollos, already a well-known speaker, was invited by a couple into their home where they gently corrected his beliefs. Afterwards, he headed to Achaia to preach. With a letter of recommendation, he was welcomed and launched into effective ministry. There are some great lessons in this account for you and for me. From a couple who cared enough to correct an eloquent speaker, to a congregation who encouraged and supported him along his way, to a yet another congregation who gladly welcomed him, desiring to grow in Christ. Don't you wish church always worked this way? Nobody's ego seemed to get in the way. I believe the key to their interactions was humility.

If you and I will humble ourselves, God will use us to further His Kingdom in ways we can't even imagine...and that's very Good News!