The Leaders Not on Stage

Scripture: A Jew named Apollos, a native Alexandrian, an eloquent man who was powerful in the use of the Scriptures, arrived in Ephesus. This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught the things about Jesus accurately, although he knew only John’s baptism. He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. After Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him home and explained the way of God to him more accurately. Acts 18:24-26

Observation: Paul leaves Corinth with Priscilla and Aquila. In Ephesus they meet Apollos, and it is Priscilla and Aquila who advance and mature Apollos' ministry. Apollos will later go to Corinth, and collectively he and Paul bounce around the region to strengthen the churches in eastern Greece. In this way, there are some who see Apollos as a rival to Paul - some claiming they follow Paul's teaching and others Apollos - but Paul will eventually shut that down by stating it is all about Jesus and they are just two men with the same good news.

Through Priscilla and Aquila, we see Paul and Apollos are not rivals, but rather part of a team. They partner and speak differently, but they grow and mature and speak and educate others through a collective community ... a community that, in the end, is actually organized by two other people. Paul and Apollos come and go, but Priscilla and Aquila are the constants.

Application: It is easy for churches to see the speakers, teachers, and worship leaders as the ones who run everything. That is rarely the case. In our church, Bob and Cheryl are the Priscilla and Aquila. There are others as well in that mold ... people around whom activities organize, who lead from the sideline, and who council the "leaders" because of their hearts and their wisdom.

It is good to see that the ancient churches ran the same way. Traveling evangelists - the ones held up as "leaders" - came and went. A few core leaders administered and provided a foundation of faith for others.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for Evergreen Church, a place with different strengths and gifts that focus on evangelism. May our service bless you next week, by blessing others in a way that demonstrates your love, and perhaps brings hopes and thoughts to others. Amen.