SEPTEMBER 10 - PAUL IN EPHESUS
READ Acts 18
Paul embarks on his third journey that takes him first to Ephesus.
INSIGHT
Apollos combines the eloquence of the Greek with the religious instinct of the Jew. Most likely a student from the great university at Alexandria, Apollos is a convert to the Gospel, deeply conversant with the Old Testament. Gifted with marvelous eloquence, he is a strong ally of the Christian forces of his age. But he needs to understand the death, resurrection, and ascended power of Christ. Aquila and Priscilla teach Apollos these things. How wonderful is that holy wisdom that the Spirit of God gives to humble believers so that they can become teachers of men and women who are intellectually their superiors! When teaching children or new believers, encourage them and have hope that some may become “mighty in the Scriptures” (v. 24).
PRAYER
Offer your praise to the Lord for the ministry that He provides in your life through other believers:
Oh, Lord God! You yourself made the heavens and earth by your great power and with your outstretched arm. Nothing is too difficult for you! You show faithful love to thousands but lay the fathers’ iniquity on their sons’ laps after them, great and mighty God whose name is the Lord of Armies, the one great in counsel and powerful in action. Your eyes are on all the ways of the children of men in order to reward each person according to his ways and as the result of his actions (Jeremiah 32:17-19).
Pause for praise and thanksgiving. Pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin:
For our transgressions have multiplied before you,
And our sins testify against us.
For our transgressions are with us,
And we know our iniquities (Isaiah 59:12).
Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind, and pray this affirmation to the Lord:
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me, even if he dies, will live (John 11:25).
As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:
Finally, offer this prayer to the Lord:
Let the favor of the Lord our God be on us;
Establish for us the work of our hands —
Establish the work of our hands!
(Psalm 90:17).
Paul embarks on his third journey that takes him first to Ephesus.
INSIGHT
Apollos combines the eloquence of the Greek with the religious instinct of the Jew. Most likely a student from the great university at Alexandria, Apollos is a convert to the Gospel, deeply conversant with the Old Testament. Gifted with marvelous eloquence, he is a strong ally of the Christian forces of his age. But he needs to understand the death, resurrection, and ascended power of Christ. Aquila and Priscilla teach Apollos these things. How wonderful is that holy wisdom that the Spirit of God gives to humble believers so that they can become teachers of men and women who are intellectually their superiors! When teaching children or new believers, encourage them and have hope that some may become “mighty in the Scriptures” (v. 24).
PRAYER
Offer your praise to the Lord for the ministry that He provides in your life through other believers:
Oh, Lord God! You yourself made the heavens and earth by your great power and with your outstretched arm. Nothing is too difficult for you! You show faithful love to thousands but lay the fathers’ iniquity on their sons’ laps after them, great and mighty God whose name is the Lord of Armies, the one great in counsel and powerful in action. Your eyes are on all the ways of the children of men in order to reward each person according to his ways and as the result of his actions (Jeremiah 32:17-19).
Pause for praise and thanksgiving. Pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin:
For our transgressions have multiplied before you,
And our sins testify against us.
For our transgressions are with us,
And we know our iniquities (Isaiah 59:12).
Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind, and pray this affirmation to the Lord:
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me, even if he dies, will live (John 11:25).
As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:
- Greater love for the lost
- The work of missions in Africa
- Whatever else is on your heart
Finally, offer this prayer to the Lord:
Let the favor of the Lord our God be on us;
Establish for us the work of our hands —
Establish the work of our hands!
(Psalm 90:17).
A Dogwood Church Discipleship Ministry Resource. © Walk Thru the Bible 2025.