Daily Devotional

The initials CV in Latin refer to “Curriculum Vitae”—a course of life. It is a summary of one’s accomplishments often used in applications for roles in academia, scientific research, medical fields, and other professional fields. In Europe, the term CV is used to mean the same as a “resume” in the U.S.

In Acts 18 we have a lengthy resume for a man named Apollos, who became a champion for the gospel throughout the ancient world. Let’s consider his resume…his CV…his curriculum vitae…a short summary of the course of his life. I believe we will find it both impressive and instructive. It comes straight from Acts 18:24-28:

• He was a Jew and very familiar with the Old Testament laws and customs. At a young age he chose to be a diligent student of the Word.
• He was an Alexandrian, one of the greatest of existing cities, known as a center of academic study. Apollos obviously took advantage of that.
• He was an eloquent speaker, a learned skill, especially in that day when he was surrounded by great orators. It took hard work and practice.
• He was mighty in the Old Testament Scriptures. He was a powerful man of the Word.
• He had been well instructed in the ways of the Lord. He listened to his teachers.
• He was fervent in spirit. The Word he learned burned in his soul.
• He was known to boldly speak and teach as accurately as he knew concerning Jesus. What he knew, he shared with others. The more he knew, the more he shared.
• He was acquainted with John the Baptist’s appeal for repentance. Such a good place to start.
• He spoke boldly in the Jewish synagogue even though initially his knowledge of the fuller details of the Gospel was limited.
• He was humble and teachable, allowing others to teach him the more accurate ways of God. He was a lifelong learner.
• He willingly traveled to present the gospel to others. He didn’t keep what he knew to himself.
• His fellow workers willingly wrote him letters of recommendation. He has a solid reputation.
• He was a great help to fellow believers. He didn’t just teach; he discipled.
• He powerfully and publicly refuted those who were against the gospel.
• He used the Scriptures to prove that Jesus was the Christ (i.e., the Promised Messiah). He was a man of content, not opinions.
• He became well-known as a champion for the faith (cf. 1 Corinthians 1:12; 3:4-7, 22; Titus 3:13).

Beyond his academic diligence, theological pursuits, and developing speaking skills, Apollos demonstrated a teachable spirit, fervent passion, great boldness, and sincere humility. That’s quite a resume….a curriculum vitae…the course of a spectacular life well worth imitating. In fact, one might call Apollos’ example an LC— a “Life Curriculum” for all ages.

New American Standard Bible (NASB)
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