Encouragement and Endorsement Matters
- Baptist Daily Devotional
- Nov 3, 2025
- 2 min read
Rev. Enoch Thompson | November 3 2025 | Acts 18:27-28
KEY VERSE: “When Apollos wanted to go to Achaia, the brothers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples there to welcome him. On arriving, he was a great help to those who by grace had believed.“ (Acts 18:27, NIV)
MESSAGE:
The journey of life involves movements from one location to another, from one engagement to another. Many of these transitions require encouragement from those we have known and recommendations to those we have yet to engage.
Our text depicts a beautiful moment of transition to a new calling for Apollos and the believers' demonstration of trust in Ephesus. Apollos, newly sharpened in his understanding of the Gospel through the intervention of Priscilla and Aquilla, felt called to go and send the Good News to Achaia. But he didn’t go alone; he went with the blessing and support of fellow believers. The believers in Ephesus encouraged him and wrote a letter of recommendation. Their letter opened doors for him to be received and to serve effectively.
It’s a reminder that God often uses community to affirm our calling. The church didn’t just send Apollos; they endorsed him, recognising his gifts and potential. And when Apollos arrived, he didn’t seek recognition; he sought to help. His ministry was marked by grace, not ego.
We see here the power of encouragement and the effect of recommendation. When we step into God’s calling with the support of others and a heart to serve, we become a blessing to those around us.
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
Who can you encourage today in their calling? And where might God be directing you to go or serve? Don’t underestimate the impact of a word of affirmation—or the power of stepping out in faith. Live in such a way that people who know you will not have to think twice to recommend you.
PRAYER:
Lord, thank You for the example of Apollos and the believers who supported him. Help me to be an encourager and to walk boldly into the places You’ve prepared for me. May I have the grace to live honourably to merit the recommendation of others. May I be encouraging and recommending to others by Your grace, wherever You send me. For your dear Name’s sake, Amen. THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING
DAILY word study: ENCOURAGED
The Greek word for Encouraged is parakaleō. It means “to call near,” “to comfort,” or “to urge forward.” It describes both comfort in hardship and motivation to continue. In Acts 18:27, the believers encouraged Apollos—not just with words, but through action and endorsement.
This same word is used in John 14:16, where Jesus promises the coming of the Paraklētos—the Comforter, the Holy Spirit—who would strengthen, guide, and help His followers. The root idea is that true encouragement draws people closer to purpose and empowers them to move forward in God’s will.
Reflect on this:
How can your words and actions strengthen someone’s confidence in their God-given calling today?
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