February 13, 2026

Bob Maas
"Meanwhile, a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was a learned man, with a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures. He had been instructed in the way of the Lord, and he spoke with great fervor and accurately taught about Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John. He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately. When Apollos wanted to go to Achaia, the brothers and sisters encouraged him and wrote to the disciples there to welcome him. When he arrived, he was a great help to those who by grace had believed. For he vigorously refuted his Jewish opponents in public debate, proving from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Messiah."
Act 18:24-28 (NIV)

Apollos was brilliant and “fervent in spirit,” but he was not a follower of Jesus. He only knew the baptism of John. Rather than shaming him, Priscilla and Aquila pulled him aside to explain the way of God “more adequately.”

This illustrates the value of a teachable heart. No matter how much we know, there is always more to learn from the brothers and sisters God places in our path. Humility allows us to be refined rather than replaced. Today, remain open to the “refining fire” of community. Greatness in the Kingdom isn’t about being right; it’s about being willing to grow in the light of the truth as it is revealed to us.

One of the things I have discovered as a pastor is the continual opportunities to grow. I will never, as long as I live, become perfect in my understanding of God and His Kingdom. I learn from everyone I meet and am grateful for every new insight. I thank God continually for the tremendous things that are happening around me. The longer I walk with Christ, the more dependent I become on Him.