[From April 13, 2015]
"Now there came to Ephesus a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria. He was an eloquent man, well-verses in scriptures. He had been instructed in the Way of the Lord; and he spoke with burning enthusiasm and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus..."
(Acts 18:24-25)
Some people are just better speakers than the rest of us. That's no secret. We all can list folks that we admire for their oratory prowess. Pastors, politicians, entertainers... some simply seem to be gifted with great speaking skills.
Apollos was one of those types of people. The author of Acts tells us that he was a native of Alexandria, well-versed in Scripture, and eloquent... who spoke with "burning enthusiasm." Sounds like all the makings of a charismatic leader. But there have been more than a few charismatic leaders who've led people astray over the centuries. Even ones who were "well-versed in Scripture" (anyone remember Jim Jones?!?).
The note that I picked up on today re: Apollos, however, was that he "taught accurately the things concerning Jesus." Wow. That's a great thing to be known for, isn't it? That we represent Jesus accurately: His love and grace... his forgiveness & reconciliation... his challenge and call to give ourselves completely to God... and to love others unconditionally. I'd be honored to have that said of me, for sure.
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