18 Paul stayed a while longer in Corinth, but then it was time to take leave of his friends. Saying his good-byes, he sailed for Syria, Priscilla and Aquila with him. Before boarding the ship in the harbor town of Cenchrea, he had his head shaved as part of a vow he had taken.
19-21 They landed in Ephesus, where Priscilla and Aquila got off and stayed. Paul left the ship briefly to go to the meeting place and preach to the Jews. They wPranted him to stay longer, but he said he couldn’t. But after saying good-bye, he promised, “I’ll be back, God willing.”
21-22 From Ephesus he sailed to Caesarea. He greeted the church there, and then went on to Antioch, completing the journey.
23 After spending a considerable time with the Antioch Christians, Paul set off again for Galatia and Phrygia, retracing his old tracks, one town after another, putting fresh heart into the disciples.
24-26 A man named Apollos came to Ephesus. He was a Jew, born in Alexandria, Egypt, and a terrific speaker, eloquent and powerful in his preaching of the Scriptures. He was well-educated in the way of the Master and fiery in his enthusiasm. Apollos was accurate in everything he taught about Jesus up to a point, but he only went as far as the baptism of John. He preached with power in the meeting place. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and told him the rest of the story.
27-28 When Apollos decided to go on to Achaia province, his Ephesian friends gave their blessing and wrote a letter of recommendation for him, urging the disciples there to welcome him with open arms. The welcome paid off: Apollos turned out to be a great help to those who had become believers through God’s immense generosity. He was particularly effective in public debate with the Jews as he brought out proof after convincing proof from the Scriptures that Jesus was in fact God’s Messiah.
Paul left Corinth but with the joining of Priscilla and Aquila in his mission team. They continued their works until to Ephesus and then back to Antioch. Paul made vow with God through shaving his head. He recommitted himself to respond to Jesus' calling in his life. The Holy Spirit continues His works, apart from adding Priscilla and Aquila in Paul's team, also chose Apollo as another powerful speaker in witnessing the Name of Jesus with the help of Priscilla and Aquila.
Dear Master Jesus and Holy Spirit, You are the One who lead Your mission. You choose your own servants; You form Your own mission team; You direct Your servants to carry out your works; You encourage Your servants through dreams and visions; You empower Your servants works and inspire their words for preaching Your Name; and You also give your people trusting hearts to believe in Your Name. All glory belongs to You. Help us to pray to You, seek Your face, know Your will, adjust and obey to Your way that Your good will is fulfilled in us.
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