Vigorously

DEVOTION

THE BOOK OF ACTS

VIGOROUSLY

Acts 18:27-28

27 When Apollos wanted to go to Achaia, the brothers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples there to welcome him. On arriving, he was a great help to those who by grace had believed. 28 For he vigorously refuted the Jews in public debate, proving from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ.

NIV

He vigorously refuted to the Jews in public debate, proving from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ. This is what we all should be doing, but it seems we merely live our lives as if everyone already knows about Jesus or that they know we know and they don’t want to know, so we don’t ever say anything to them about Jesus. It appears Apollos did not spent time in the synagogues as Paul did, but debated in the public square. He certainly was not afraid of rejection, or ridicule because he believed that Jesus was the Christ. Could these be reasons we do not vigorously debate? Have we been silenced by the so called rules of society to not bring up politics, money or religion in conversations? Certainly many in society know the moral restrictions of the scriptures and therefore do not want to hear it? But do we remain silent so as not to offend them in hopes they will change anyhow? Who is going to tell them about Jesus, about his love for them, about eternal life that is available if we keep silent? Of course the other lesson we could take from this is about either encouraging others or being a great help to those who by grace had believed. But of course the help Apollos performed was vigorously refuting the Jews in public debate. So we can help other believer by being a vigorous witness for Jesus. That requires a pro-active lifestyle rather than a sedative or passive one.  Believers should be encouraged or helped when new believers are brought into the fellowship. There should be an excitement among the body of Christ because of new members. But who will bring them in unless we do? If we all are waiting for someone else to do it, no one will and then it becomes us four and no more. We become introspective thinking only how blessed we are because we believe. Who will go? Who will vigorously debate? Here I am Lord, send me.