How can we "greatly help" those who have "believed through grace" today? Setting of Acts 18:27 “When Apollos resolved to cross over to Achaia, the brothers wrote to welcome him. On his arrival, he was a great help to those who by grace had believed.” — Acts 18:27 Apollos, already “competent in the Scriptures,” received additional equipping from Priscilla and Aquila (Acts 18:24-26) and was then commended by the church. His ministry strengthened believers who had trusted Christ solely by grace (Ephesians 2:8). The meaning of “great help” • Strengthened their grasp of sound doctrine • Defended them against error (v. 28) • Encouraged them to grow in faith and service • Added his Spirit-given gifts to the life of the body (Romans 12:6-8) Ways to greatly help believers today • Scripture-centered teaching – Explain God’s word clearly and accurately (2 Timothy 2:15) – Apply truth to daily life (James 1:22-25) • Personal encouragement – Speak edifying words (1 Thessalonians 5:11) – Share testimonies of God’s faithfulness (Psalm 66:16) • Prayerful support – Intercede regularly (Ephesians 6:18) – Stand with those under trial (Colossians 4:12) • Fellowship and hospitality – Open homes and tables (Acts 2:46) – Cultivate genuine relationships marked by love (John 13:34-35) • Protection from false teaching – Guard the flock with biblical discernment (Acts 20:28-30) – Equip believers to test doctrine (1 John 4:1) • Mobilizing for ministry – Identify and affirm gifts (1 Peter 4:10-11) – Provide opportunities to serve alongside mature believers (2 Timothy 2:2) • Material and practical aid – Share resources with those in need (Galatians 6:10) – Bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2) Practical actions in church life • Establish regular, expository Bible studies • Create mentoring pairs or small groups • Schedule corporate prayer times focused on member needs • Offer training workshops for evangelism and discipleship • Maintain a benevolence fund and organized helps ministry • Invite sound guest teachers and missionaries, writing “letters of welcome” as the first-century church did Personal action list • Read and meditate on Scripture daily, ready to share insights • Speak encouraging truth to at least one believer each day • Keep a prayer list and follow up with those prayed for • Open your home this month for a meal or Bible study • Give financially or provide a needed service to someone in the body • Stay alert to doctrinal drift, graciously correcting with Scripture Encouragement to move forward God equips every believer “for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up” (Ephesians 4:12). By faithfully teaching, encouraging, praying, sharing, guarding, and mobilizing, each of us can be a “great help to those who by grace have believed,” just as Apollos was. |
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