Helping Each Other

Text: Acts 18:1-3 & 18:24-28 International Children’s Bible (ICB)

Scripture Reading: 

Acts 18:1-3 International Children’s Bible (ICB)

Paul in Corinth

18 Later, Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. 2 Here he met a Jew named Aquila. Aquila was born in the country of Pontus. But Aquila and his wife, Priscilla, had recently moved to Corinth from Italy. They left Italy because Claudius commanded that all Jews must leave Rome. Paul went to visit Aquila and Priscilla. 3 They were tentmakers, just as he was. He stayed with them and worked with them.

Acts 18:24-28 International Children’s Bible (ICB)

Apollos in Ephesus and Corinth

24 A Jew named Apollos came to Ephesus. He was born in the city of Alexandria. He was an educated man who knew the Scriptures well. 25 He had been taught about the Lord. He was always very excited when he spoke and taught the truth about Jesus. But the only baptism that Apollos knew about was the baptism that John taught. 26 Apollos began to speak very boldly in the synagogue, and Priscilla and Aquila heard him. So they took him to their home and helped him better understand the way of God. 27 Now Apollos wanted to go to the country of Southern Greece, so the believers helped him. They wrote a letter to the followers there, asking them to accept him. These followers had believed in Jesus because of God’s grace. When Apollos went there, he helped them very much. 28 He argued very strongly with the Jews before all the people. Apollos clearly proved that the Jews were wrong. Using the Scriptures, he proved that Jesus is the Christ.

Reflection: Priscilla and Aquila were jewish refugee tentmakers from Italy who lived in Corinth. They welcomed Paul into their home and had him work with them. They later welcomed Apollos into their home and educated him on the part of Jesus’ story that he had not heard yet. Welcoming others into their homes and helping each other learn is a common theme in early church stories. How can we help others grow and feel welcome?

Prayer: Dear God, please give us open hearts and open ears so that we learn, grow, and support each other just like members of the early church did. Amen.

Focus for the Day: Helping Each Other

Author: Rachel Dudley, Director of Children’s Ministry