Preparing for Ministry: Lessons from Paul and Apollos in Ephesus

Oct 27, 2025

Devotional

Day 1: Servants Submit to God's Will

True ministry means faithfully serving and then entrusting the results to God, rather than insisting on our own plans or timelines. Paul, despite his desire to stay longer in Ephesus and the apparent strategic importance of the city, chose to leave when he sensed it was God's will, saying, "I will return to you again if God wills." This demonstrates a deep trust in God's sovereignty over the work, even when opportunities seem ripe or unfinished. We are reminded that our role is to be obedient and faithful, not to control outcomes, and that God alone orchestrates the growth and fruit of gospel ministry. [49:33]

Acts 18:19-21 (ESV)
"And they came to Ephesus, and he left them there, but he himself went into the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews. When they asked him to stay for a longer period, he declined. But on taking leave of them he said, 'I will return to you if God wills,' and he set sail from Ephesus."

Reflection: Where in your life or ministry are you struggling to let go of control and trust God with the results? What would it look like to submit your plans to His will today?

Day 2: God Prepares His Servants for Ministry

God is always at work preparing and raising up servants for His purposes, often in ways and places we do not expect, ensuring that His mission continues even when our part is finished. While Paul moved on from Ephesus, God brought Apollos—an eloquent, scripture-mighty man from Alexandria—to continue the work, showing that the ministry does not depend on any one person. This truth brings comfort and humility, reminding us that God’s plans are not thwarted by our absence or limitations; He equips and sends others to carry on His work in His perfect timing. [01:03:35]

Acts 18:24-26 (ESV)
"Now a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was an eloquent man, competent in the Scriptures. 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. 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: Can you recall a time when God used someone else to continue or complete a work you started? How does this shape your view of your own role in God’s greater plan?

Day 3: Humility in Correction and Growth

Spiritual maturity requires a humble posture—being willing to receive correction, instruction, and deeper understanding from others, no matter how much we already know. Apollos, though mighty in the Scriptures and eloquent, accepted private correction from Priscilla and Aquila, allowing his knowledge and ministry to be made more complete. This humility is essential for all believers, reminding us that none of us have arrived, and that correction is meant to edify, not humiliate, so that we may honor God more accurately in our lives and teaching. [01:19:26]

Proverbs 9:8-9 (ESV)
"Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you; reprove a wise man, and he will love you. Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning."

Reflection: When was the last time you received correction or instruction about your faith? How did you respond, and what would it look like to embrace such moments with humility and gratitude?

Day 4: The Results Belong to God, Not Us

We are called to be faithful in sharing the gospel and discipling others, but the growth, fruit, and ultimate results are in God’s hands—not ours. It is tempting to measure our worth or success by visible outcomes, but Scripture and experience remind us that sometimes we are only seed planters, and that God alone brings the increase. This truth frees us from pride and discouragement, allowing us to serve with joy and perseverance, knowing that our labor in the Lord is never in vain, even when we do not see immediate results. [53:37]

1 Corinthians 3:6-7 (ESV)
"I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth."

Reflection: Is there someone you have been praying for or ministering to without seeing fruit? How can you entrust their journey to God today, believing that He is at work even when you cannot see it?

Day 5: Keep Growing and Training Others in the Faith

Every believer is called to continual growth in the knowledge and love of God, and to invest in the spiritual development of others, passing on what we have learned. The example of Apollos, Priscilla, and Aquila shows that learning, teaching, and discipling are ongoing processes for all Christians—not just for leaders or teachers. We are to move beyond spiritual “milk” to “solid food,” deepening our understanding so that we can help others know Christ more fully, trusting that God will raise up new servants for every generation. [01:14:06]

Hebrews 5:12-14 (ESV)
"For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food, for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil."

Reflection: What is one area of biblical knowledge or spiritual maturity you want to grow in this month? Who is someone you can encourage or help grow in their faith as you learn together?

Sermon Summary

When we reflect on God’s holiness, we are struck by how unworthy we are of His kindness and grace. Yet, in His mercy, He not only saves us but also invites us to participate in His work—both in our local community and around the world. Our recent outreach, like the Fall Festival, is a reminder that every act of service, no matter how small, is a partnership in the gospel. We pray for fruit from these efforts, trusting that God alone brings the increase.

Looking at Acts 18:18-28, we see the strategic advance of the gospel through Paul, Priscilla, Aquila, and Apollos. Paul’s journey demonstrates a deep submission to God’s will. Even when opportunities seemed ripe—like the invitation to stay longer in Ephesus—Paul entrusted the timing and results to God, not himself. He recognized that ministry is not about personal achievement or control, but about faithfulness and trust in God’s sovereignty. Paul’s willingness to leave Ephesus, despite its strategic importance, shows us that we are called to obedience, not to outcomes.

God’s preparation of His servants is evident in the story of Apollos. Though Apollos was eloquent and mighty in the Scriptures, his understanding was incomplete. Priscilla and Aquila, in humility and gentleness, took him aside and explained the way of God more accurately. Apollos received this correction with humility, and as a result, became an even more effective minister of the gospel. This reminds us that growth in Christ is a lifelong process, and that correction—when given and received in love—builds up the church.

We are reminded that the church and its ministries are not ours to possess or control. God raises up servants in every generation, and the advance of the gospel does not depend on any one person or program. Our role is to be faithful, humble, and teachable, trusting that God will accomplish His purposes through us and beyond us. Whether we see immediate fruit or not, we can rest in the assurance that God’s word never returns void, and that He is always building His church for His glory.

Key Takeaways

1. True ministry flows from a posture of gratitude and awe at God’s holiness and grace. When we recognize our unworthiness and God’s kindness, our service becomes an act of worship, not obligation or pride. This perspective keeps us humble and dependent on God, rather than seeking recognition for ourselves. [19:49]
2. Faithfulness in ministry means submitting to God’s will, even when opportunities seem urgent or strategic. Paul’s decision to leave Ephesus, despite its importance, shows that obedience to God’s timing is more important than our own plans or ambitions. We are called to plant and water, but God alone gives the growth. [49:33]
3. The results of our evangelism and discipleship are ultimately in God’s hands. It is tempting to measure our worth or success by visible fruit, but God may call us simply to plant seeds, trusting Him with the outcome. This frees us from anxiety and pride, and allows us to serve with joy and perseverance. [53:17]
4. Growth in Christ requires humility—both in giving and receiving correction. Apollos, though mighty in the Scriptures, was willing to be taught by Priscilla and Aquila. Likewise, we must be open to learning, recognizing that none of us has arrived, and that God often uses others to refine and equip us for greater service. [79:26]
5. The advance of the gospel and the health of the church do not depend on any one individual or ministry. God is always raising up new servants, and our role is to be faithful stewards of the opportunities He gives us. We must resist the temptation to make ministry about ourselves, remembering that it is God who builds His church for His glory. [84:17]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[19:49] - Contemplating God’s Holiness and Our Gratitude
[20:36] - Giving as Worship and Partnership in Ministry
[21:00] - Praying for Community Outreach and Missions
[32:13] - The Church’s Purpose: Proclaiming the Gospel
[33:23] - Thanking Fall Festival Volunteers
[34:39] - Introduction to Acts 18:18-28
[37:27] - Monopoly, Strategy, and the Mission of God
[41:26] - Two Lessons for Ministry from Ephesus
[42:00] - Servants Submit to God’s Will
[46:20] - The Strategic Importance of Ephesus
[49:33] - Trusting God with Ministry Results
[53:17] - The Temptation to Control Outcomes
[61:58] - God Prepares His Servants
[79:26] - Humility in Correction and Growth
[84:17] - God Raises Up New Servants
[86:47] - The Importance of Humility in Ministry
[88:08] - Invitation to Respond and Devotional Questions
[89:03] - Closing Prayer and Benediction

Bible Study Guide

Small Group Bible Study Guide: Faithfulness, Humility, and God’s Work in Ministry
(Based on Acts 18:18-28 and the sermon summary above)

Bible Reading

Acts 18:18-28 (ESV)

> 18 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.

Observation Questions

What reasons did Paul have for leaving Ephesus quickly, even though there was an open door for ministry there? ([49:33])
How did Priscilla and Aquila respond when they heard Apollos teaching with an incomplete understanding of the gospel? ([01:11:04])
What qualities are highlighted about Apollos in this passage, and how did he respond to correction? ([01:19:26])
According to the sermon, what was Paul’s attitude toward the results of his ministry in Ephesus? ([53:17])

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Paul was able to leave such a strategic city as Ephesus, trusting God with the results, instead of staying to ensure the ministry’s success? What does this reveal about his view of God’s sovereignty? ([49:33])
What can we learn from Priscilla and Aquila’s approach to correcting Apollos? How does their example challenge the way we give or receive correction in the church? ([01:11:04])
The sermon emphasized that “the church and its ministries are not ours to possess or control.” What are some dangers of thinking ministry depends on us, and how does this passage correct that thinking? ([01:24:17])
Apollos was already “mighty in the Scriptures” but still needed to learn. What does this teach us about spiritual growth and humility, even for those who are already knowledgeable or experienced? ([01:19:26])

Application Questions

The sermon said that true ministry flows from gratitude and awe at God’s holiness and grace, not from obligation or pride. When you serve—whether in church, at home, or in the community—what motivates you most? How can you cultivate a heart of worship in your service? ([19:49])
Paul submitted his plans to God’s will, even when it meant leaving a “golden opportunity” behind. Is there an area in your life or ministry where you struggle to let go of control and trust God with the outcome? What would it look like to surrender that to Him this week? ([49:33])
The results of our evangelism and discipleship are ultimately in God’s hands. Have you ever felt discouraged by a lack of visible fruit in your efforts? How can remembering God’s role in growth free you from anxiety or pride? ([53:17])
Apollos received correction with humility, even though he was already a gifted teacher. When was the last time you received correction or feedback about your faith or ministry? How did you respond, and what might help you be more teachable? ([01:19:26])
Priscilla and Aquila corrected Apollos privately and gently. Think of a time when you needed to correct or encourage someone in their faith. How can you do this with humility and love, following their example? ([01:11:04])
The sermon reminded us that God raises up new servants in every generation, and the advance of the gospel does not depend on any one person or program. Are there ways you have made ministry about yourself or your preferences? How can you shift your focus to God’s glory and purposes? ([01:24:17])
What is one practical step you can take this week to be a faithful, humble, and teachable servant in your family, workplace, or church? ([01:24:17])

Let’s pray that God would help us to serve with gratitude, humility, and trust in His sovereign work—both in us and through us.

Sermon Clips

“When we think about our Lord's commission to his disciples, we understand that nothing short of world conquest for Jesus Christ is in mind. We are out to conquer the world for our Lord Jesus Christ, to bring the gospel to the ends of the earth. His disciples, the original twelve, he told them that they were to be his witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and even to the ends of the earth. Now they were going to be the instruments by which Jesus did this, but Jesus himself was going to be the one who built his church. He was the one who gave them the Holy Spirit to empower them to do their task. He is the one who gives them the insight so that they can purposefully and strategically witness to the world.”

“One of the hardest things to do in the Christian life is to just do your job in evangelism and then leave the results up to God. Right? Because regardless of whatever your evangelical ministry is, whether it's day camp, summer camp, evangelism outside the church, or even the raising up of children in your own homes, it's difficult to leave the results up to the Lord, isn't it? Because we want results. We want to see the fruit of our evangelism because of our love for others. We want them to be saved, and if at all possible, we want them to be saved now.”

“We often forget that the Lord God is sovereign in salvation. The Lord God himself is sovereign in salvation. We want to see results now because we can't bear that thought of people facing the wrath of God, and that's understandable. But what if God only intends for you just to be one of the long, a part of the long list of seed planters in a person's life? He doesn't promise fruit, just a seed planting. Or what if that's all you are? It's just another seed planter in this person's life.”

“The gospel goes forth and it does not return to the Lord void. The word of God goes forth and it accomplishes its purposes always. So the gospel that goes forth, even if it's not responded to right away or even in that person's lifetime, it's not wasted.”

“That feeling that we feel when we are disappointed that people don't come to Christ when we share the gospel with them—it just wasn't the Lord's will for you to play that particular role that you may have wanted in that person's life. And that should be okay with us because it's not about us saving them, it's about the Lord saving them. So it's not on you to save people.”

“We have to remember that the Lord can use all sorts of things to help people grow more in their knowledge and love of him. It's not all or nothing. We do our job, we faithfully proclaim, we faithfully teach, we faithfully submit everything to the will of the Lord. We submit the teaching gone forth to the Lord. We submit the results of the work in a person's life to the Lord. We submit the rate of maturity of the other person to the Lord. We even submit our own desire to be impactful to the Lord. Everything is submitted to him because it's not about us, it is about him.”

“Jesus Christ is the one who causes the growth. He is the one who saves. He is the one who grows. God certainly can and does use our efforts to bring people to a saving place in knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. God certainly can and does use our efforts to help grow people in their love of God and in their knowledge of him. But lest any of us be proud, let us remember that we are merely the instrument in the redeemer's hands and we have no right or ability to boast in anything that we do.”

“When it comes to ministry, whether it be to newer teachers or more experienced teachers, whether it be in the private ministry of the word or in the public ministry of the word, a person's spiritual growth and maturity, like their salvation, does not depend on us. It depends on the Lord.”

“As we think about ministry, whether it's evangelical ministry or discipleship ministry in the church, we must all remember that the ministries that we are privileged to be a part of are not our ministries, but they are the Lord's. None of us are indispensable. In fact, the Lord himself is the one who prepares his servants for the task he will have them do.”

“If the Lord were to take away Pastor Henry, Pastor Ray, Pastor Theo, and myself in some Shepherd Conference accident, you guys will be okay. You guys will be okay because the Lord is the one who will raise up servants to pastor this church.”

“While Paul is doing that ministry in Galatia and Phrygia, God's working in other parts of the world, raising up and training up people in his word. And a good example of that is seen in Apollos. And he's even described in very impressive language. He's described as being eloquent. Apollos's eloquence signified that he was very intelligent and good with his words. That combination with his knowledge of the scriptures meant that he was a mighty force for the Lord.”

“A helpful summary, a quick summary of the lessons that we should learn from this interaction between Apollos and Priscilla and Aquila, is that we are to remember that we are all in process of growing. None of us have arrived. We're all in process of growing. If we must correct or instruct someone further on something that is revealed in God's word, we should generally strive to do so in private. We need to do it, just do it in private. And third, when we are recipients of correction or instruction, we should strive to take it with all humility.”

“Learning more about God, studying theology, hearing more sermons, reading more books—that's not just for nerds. That's for all of us. That's for all of our growth. We're supposed to eventually eat solid food, to eat meat. It's not supposed to be you're here to get your gospel fix, your encouragement that you could easily get from Caleb, and then move on. You're supposed to grow. You're supposed to mature in the faith. We're never done learning about God.”

“Correction is not meant to humiliate. We receive correction humbly, recognizing that it's not meant to humiliate, it is meant to edify. It is meant to build up so that we can accurately know and honor God. And of all people, of all people, Christians should be the most humble when it comes to correction or instruction because we don't know everything.”

“The sovereign God who controls all things will raise up for himself servants who will serve the church. SFBC as it exists does not need to continue to exist in order for God to do his work in the world. By his grace we'll be here for a long time, and we'll continue to be faithful to the scriptures. We'll continue to be faithful to Christ. By his grace we will continue to do that, but God will raise up his servants wherever Christians are and he will be the one who builds his kingdom.”

“It's always tempting for Christians to get overly amped up about the ministries that we are a part of. Right, we're thinking strategy, we're thinking we have to do this because if we don't do this, then fill in the blank, right, then nobody will do it and the gospel won't be preached. But that's not true. God knows that not only do we have a tendency to get overly amped up about ministry, but that we also have a tendency to glory steal in ministry too, right, to make it about us, to make church about us and our involvement in it, when church has always been about him.”

“For those of you who are involved in ministry in this church, may we always remember the importance of humility in our lives. Humility to submit ourselves to God's will and humility to allow others to speak into our lives, to call us out and to call us up and correct us when we're wrong, because we only are where we are because of the grace of God. We have no pride in and of ourselves. So let's always be humble, let's always remember that there will be someone else to do the work. There will always be someone else to do the work. Don't think that it all depends on you and that you have to keep propping up ministries in order for the gospel to be proclaimed, because maybe it's just not in that particular ministry that the gospel will be proclaimed, and that's okay because it doesn't depend on us to keep the work going. It depends on the Lord.”

“As we see how you worked, as we understand your great sovereignty in it all, we pray that you would help us to learn the lessons that you intend for us to learn, that you would help us to have the attitude of Paul, that though we do our job and take responsibility for our part in gospel ministry, that we leave the results up to you. And not only that, but we also remember that you are the one who grows your church, you are the one who prepares your servants for the task of the gospel.”

“We want to see our Lord Jesus receive his inheritance. We want to see our Lord Jesus worshiped by every tribe, every tongue, every person. And so we pray, in light of the fact that this is all yours, that you would give us a heart that loves you, that loves you enough to go out to lost people, to proclaim the goodness of Christ so that all may praise the name of Jesus.”

“May we strive to see how we can live even the most mundane parts of our lives to accomplish this purpose that you've given us. Thank you, Father, for this time where we could worship you together in song and in the teaching of your word. All glory be to your son Jesus Christ.”

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