Making Jesus’ Team
The Church is called the bride of Jesus. A successful marriage is built on teamwork, and the Church needs to be reminded of this all the time. Sometimes when we’re doing the work of God, we can get focused on the outcome and not on Jesus Himself. Watching the team at work through the first century Church can help us to remember to put Jesus first, to trust Him for everything, and to give Him the Glory. God can achieve any outcome any time. Our focus needs to be on trusting and obeying Him regardless of the outcome.
Scripture
Acts 18:18-28 ESV After this, Paul stayed many days longer and then took leave of the brothers and set sail for Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila. At Cenchreae he had cut his hair, for he was under a vow. [19] And they came to Ephesus, and he left them there, but he himself went into the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews. [20] When they asked him to stay for a longer period, he declined. [21] But on taking leave of them he said, “I will return to you if God wills,” and he set sail from Ephesus. [22] When he had landed at Caesarea, he went up and greeted the church, and then went down to Antioch. [23] After spending some time there, he departed and went from one place to the next through the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples. [24] Now a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was an eloquent man, competent in the Scriptures. [25] He had been instructed in the way of the Lord. And being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John. [26] He began to speak boldly in the synagogue, but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately. [27] And when he wished to cross to Achaia, the brothers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples to welcome him. When he arrived, he greatly helped those who through grace had believed, [28] for he powerfully refuted the Jews in public, showing by the Scriptures that the Christ was Jesus.
Through the Scripture
Safe to stay because Jesus said so
Jesus made it safe for Paul to stay and teach in Corinth until the time came for him to move on to the next part of His plan. Earlier he’d not been allowed to minister in Ephesus, but the time was now right and he took the help of Priscilla and Aquila with him. Remember that the Church belongs to Jesus, and He builds it when and how He determines.
Acts 18:18-28 ESV After this, Paul stayed many days longer and then took leave of the brothers and set sail for Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila.
Acts 18:9-11 ESV And the Lord said to Paul one night in a vision, “Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent, [10] for I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many in this city who are my people.” [11] And he stayed a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.
Matthew 16:18-19 ESV And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. [19] I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”
Leaving Priscilla and Aquila to go to Jerusalem
Paul as usual starts the ministry with the Jews in the synagogue, but the wording shows that he had already decided to leave quickly, not taking up their invitation but trusting in God’s unfolding plan. Paul had made a vow, perhaps a Nazarite vow, perhaps in gratitude for God’s provision and protection in rescuing him from the darkness he’d experienced. Putting God before everything, even “building the church” is essential. God can do all things, we’re here to trust and obey.
Acts 18:19-20 ESV At Cenchreae he had cut his hair, for he was under a vow. [19] And they came to Ephesus, and he left them there, but he himself went into the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews. [20] When they asked him to stay for a longer period, he declined. [21] But on taking leave of them he said, “I will return to you if God wills,” and he set sail from Ephesus.
Acts 18:21 KJV But bade them farewell, saying, I must by all means keep this feast that cometh in Jerusalem: but I will return again unto you, if God will. And he sailed from Ephesus.
Down to Jerusalem up to Antioch
A particular;y short verse can conceal more than we can imagine. Paul just travelled a quick 100m on foot to Jerusalem and then about 500km back to Antioch which served as his base church on all his missions. He spent some time in Antioch preparing for another mission. We must remember that the Bible leaves out long periods of history, it cannot record it all, and must be read carefully and thoughtfully so that we can appreciate everything it does reveal.
Acts 18:22 ESV When he had landed at Caesarea, he went up and greeted the church, and then went down to Antioch.
Paul off to strengthen the churches again
The committent of Paul to continued strengthening of the churches in mind-blowing. This is the third time he’s making a circuit of thousands of kilometres to do God’s work and serve His Church. He remained comitted and achieved much for God, yet as he approached death he didn’t celebrate his works, but rather that he had kept his faith. Remember God does the works through us that he has prepared, we just need to keep trusting and obeying.
Acts 18:23 ESV After spending some time there, he departed and went from one place to the next through the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples.
Acts 16:6-8 ESV And they went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia. [7] And when they had come up to Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them. [8] So, passing by Mysia, they went down to Troas.
Acts 15:41 ESV And he went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.
2 Timothy 4:6-8 ESV For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. [7] I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. [8] Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.
The eloquent Apollos comes to Ephesus
Apollos was and eloquent and educated man, he brought his considerable gifts to the service of Jesus and His Church. He seemed different to Paul who apparently wasn’t eloquent. God uses all kinds of people in His Church. Paul was more of an evangelist, a planter, while Apollos was more of a teacher and pastor, someone who takes the next step and nourishes and grows faith. Apollos’ gifts could also cause trouble, as people began to follow him instead of staying focussed on Jesus. We must surrender our gifts to the glory of God whether we are eloquent or not, remembering that God is the one who does the work through us.
Acts 18:24-25 ESV Now a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was an eloquent man, competent in the Scriptures. [25] He had been instructed in the way of the Lord. And being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John.
1 Corinthians 3:4-5 ESV For when one says, “I follow Paul,” and another, “I follow Apollos,” are you not being merely human? [5] What then is Apollos? What is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, as the Lord assigned to each.
1 Corinthians 2:1-5 ESV And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. [2] For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. [3] And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, [4] and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, [5] so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.
Apollos taught by Priscilla and Aquila
The couple who took Paul in and were taught and encouraged by him for 18 months in Corinth were used to packing up and moving for God. Apart from being tent makers and thus capable of doing this with more ease than others could, they had shown themselves ready since being kicked out of Rome because of their faith. It’s not the last time they moved for Jesus after Corinth and Ephesus it seems they returned to serve the Church in Rome.
Acts 18:26 ESV He began to speak boldly in the synagogue, but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately.
1 Corinthians 16:19 ESV The churches of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Prisca, together with the church in their house, send you hearty greetings in the Lord.
Romans 16:3 ESV Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus,
Apollos the one who waters
Apollos had a desire to go to Corinth to minister there. Having been adequately prepared by the team, he received help, encouragement and recommendations from the team that Jesus had built up through people like Paul and became very effective in strengthening and growing the faith of the Church. Of course, we know who was actually doing the growing. That can take the pressure off us, when we are trying our best for God and not seeing results, and it can humble us when the results do come. All Glory to God.
Acts 18:27-28 ESV And when he wished to cross to Achaia, the brothers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples to welcome him. When he arrived, he greatly helped those who through grace had believed, [28] for he powerfully refuted the Jews in public, showing by the Scriptures that the Christ was Jesus.
1 Corinthians 3:6-7 ESV I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. [7] So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.
Daily Devotions
Monday: Transitioning with the Team
Today's Verse Acts 18:18 ESV: After this, Paul stayed many days longer and then took leave of the brothers and set sail for Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila.
Reflection Paul had stayed in Corinth for about 18 months, ministering there despite facing negativity and attacks. When the time came for him to leave and move on to the next part of Jesus’ plan, he took Priscilla and Aquila with him. This movement shows the continuity of ministry and the importance of teamwork. The church belongs to Jesus, and He builds it; He looks after His church like His bride. As He plans the growth and expansion of His church, no one can stop it. The movement of His servants is part of His determination of when and how His church is built.
Additional Scripture
Matthew 16:18-19 ESV: And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
Life Application We must remember that His church is His, and He is the one who does all the work, even during periods of intense setbacks, knocks, and battles. When it is time to move on from one area of service to another, we should recognize that He is directing the team. We should trust Him to guide us and lead us.
Prayer points
Pray for the realization that the church is His team and He is the one who builds it.
Pray for strength and commitment to continue serving Him, even when ministry is difficult or when facing attacks.
Pray for grace to be willing to transition and follow His direction alongside fellow believers.
Tuesday: Trusting His Work
Today's Verse Acts 18:19 ESV: And they came to Ephesus, and he left them there, but he himself went into the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews.
Reflection When Paul arrived in Ephesus, the phrasing suggests he had already predetermined he was only going to stop in briefly. He went into the synagogue to reason with the Jews, but the critical action was leaving Priscilla and Aquila there. Leaving them demonstrates incredible trust, not primarily in the couple, but in Jesus. Having spent time with them, Paul knew what they knew and how Jesus had gifted them. He could trust the Lord to carry on His work through them because He had prepared them and put them into place. This is an example of Jesus’ team functioning, where different people are given different roles, and they cover for each other.
Additional Scripture
Matthew 16:18-19 ESV: And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
Life Application We must avoid the temptation to think we have to do all the work ourselves, which makes the whole team weaker. Instead, we should labor to empower the people around us and trust God to empower them. Our role is to be His hands, feet, voices, and hearts to help build the team.
Prayer points
Pray for faith in Jesus to empower those around us to do His work.
Pray for the humility to hand the reigns over to others when necessary, trusting their gifting from Him.
Pray for the determination and commitment to follow through on our decision to build His team.
Wednesday: Obedience Over Opportunity
Today's Verse Acts 18:21 ESV: But on taking leave of them he said, “I will return to you if God wills,” and he set sail from Ephesus.
Reflection Paul had a wonderful opportunity in Ephesus; they invited him to stay for a longer period. However, he declined because he had made a promise to God—a vow that he needed to complete in Jerusalem. This decision highlights the essential priority: putting his relationship with God first, even before the seemingly immediate and fruitful work of ministry. Serving in the church cannot happen unless our personal relationship with God is the priority. Paul's commitment to return was conditional, submitting to God’s will.
Additional Scripture
Acts 18:21 KJV: But bade them farewell, saying, I must by all means keep this feast that cometh in Jerusalem: but I will return again unto you, if God will. And he sailed from Ephesus.
Life Application We often have plans we think are good, but we must remember that He knows the exact time to put His players in the right positions. We must not let ministry or busyness distract us from spending time with Jesus on our own—in His word, in prayer, in fasting, and in meditation—making sure our relationship with Him is right first.
Prayer points
Pray for the wisdom to discern His timing in our lives and ministry.
Pray for the strength to decline attractive opportunities if they interfere with our primary relationship with Him.
Pray for a commitment to honor our promises and vows made to Him.
Thursday: The Work Behind the Scenes
Today's Verse Acts 18:22 ESV: When he had landed at Caesarea, he went up and greeted the church, and then went down to Antioch.
Reflection This brief verse summarizes a massive amount of travel and foundational ministry. Paul landed at Caesarea and went up to Jerusalem to greet the church. To "go up to the church" in this context is understood to mean travelling up in elevation to Jerusalem, likely to finish the vow he was under and to attend a festival. This trip demonstrates his consistent focus on putting his relationship with God first. After Jerusalem, he went down 500 kilometres to Antioch, which was the base church where all the missionary work had started. We must remember that immense amounts of activity would have happened during this period, even though Scripture does not record all of it.
Additional Scripture
Proverbs 30:5-6 ESV Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. [6] Do not add to his words, lest he rebuke you and you be found a liar.
Life Application We should be careful not to rush past short verses in Scripture, as they can conceal more than we imagine. We must prioritize our personal relationship with Him, which is an eternal thing we can take with us. We should also value the central church—our base—that supports and sends out ministry.
Prayer points
Pray for the diligence to read His word thoughtfully and not overlook the significance of small details.
Pray for commitment to prioritize personal relationship with Him above all else.
Pray for the strength to complete personal commitments to Him, even when travel is required.
Friday: Strengthening the Disciples
Today's Verse Acts 18:23 ESV: After spending some time there, he departed and went from one place to the next through the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples.
Reflection Paul spent time at his base church in Antioch before departing on his third missionary journey. His purpose in going through Galatia and Phrygia was to strengthen the disciples and the churches he had previously planted. He was making a circuit of thousands of kilometres for the third time, demonstrating incredible focus and devotion. Though he worked tirelessly, he did not celebrate his works as his great achievement at the end of his life; instead, he rejoiced that he had kept the faith. Jesus is the one getting the results; we just have to keep the faith.
Additional Scripture
Acts 16:6-8 ESV: And they went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia. And when they had come up to Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them. So, passing by Mysia, they went down to Troas.
Acts 15:41 ESV: And he went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.
2 Timothy 4:6-8 ESV: For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved His appearing.
Life Application We must continuously seek God’s kingdom first in relationship with Him, and then in obedience to making disciples. Part of keeping the faith is actively being part of the team and building up the team. We must ensure our efforts are put into loving Him and loving our neighbour, rather than building up our own reputation or legacy.
Prayer points
Pray for the strength to commit to strengthening other disciples in the team.
Pray for the focus to keep the faith through beatings, hardships, and suffering.
Pray for Him to empower us by His Holy Spirit to make disciples.
Saturday: God Builds His Team
Today's Verse Acts 18:24 ESV: Now a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was an eloquent man, competent in the Scriptures.
Reflection While Paul was away, an eloquent man named Apollos arrived in Ephesus. He was educated and instructed in the way of the Lord. He is the one who builds His team. He brings in different people at different times and gives them different roles. Apollos’ gifts—being eloquent and competent in the Scriptures—show that He uses people with diverse skills. While Paul was a planter and evangelist, Apollos was a teacher and pastor. This new person was part of God’s plan, even though Paul might not have known about his existence.
Additional Scripture
1 Corinthians 3:4-5 ESV: For when one says, “I follow Paul,” and another, “I follow Apollos,” are you not being merely human? What then is Apollos? What is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, as the Lord assigned to each.
1 Corinthians 2:1-5 ESV: And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.
Life Application If we have genuinely believed in Him, we will want to build His team, seeking skills and abilities in others to bring into the church. We must remember that we are merely servants through whom others believed, as the Lord assigned to each person. We must surrender our gifts to His glory, knowing that He is the one who does the work through us.
Prayer points
Pray for the ability to see and encourage the diverse gifts He brings to His church.
Pray for humility, recognizing that He builds the church, and we are merely His hands and feet.
Pray for Him to fill us with joy so we can glorify Him.
Sunday: Building on Accurate Truth
Today's Verse Acts 18:26 ESV: He began to speak boldly in the synagogue, but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately.
Reflection Apollos was speaking and teaching accurately concerning Jesus, but he only knew the baptism of John. Priscilla and Aquila, having been left in Ephesus, heard him and took him aside. This demonstrates essential team ministry: they corrected his understanding and explained the way of God more accurately. If we are going to build the church and our lives, we must do it on the foundation of accurate Scripture and be open to correction. A misunderstanding or wrong view of Scripture can rip apart everything we do.
Additional Scripture
1 Corinthians 16:19 ESV: The churches of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Prisca, together with the church in their house, send you hearty greetings in the Lord.
Romans 16:3 ESV: Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus,
Life Application We must constantly seek to be corrected and set on the right path by studying the Bible and engaging in teaching settings. We need to ensure that the focus of all teaching is Jesus, and not merely human leaders. Pastors and teachers are interchangeable members of the team, and we must not let our fascination with a person take our eyes off Jesus.
Prayer points
Pray for the grace to speak boldly the truth concerning Jesus.
Pray for the humility to receive correction from others regarding His word.
Pray that we will continually ensure our understanding of Him is accurate and based entirely on Scripture.