There is a very brief note in Acts 18 about one of those who did great things to spread the Good News. His name is Apollos, and he is a native of Alexandria who shows up in Ephesus. Of him it is said, "He was an eloquent man, well versed in the scriptures. He had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John." (emphasis mine)
In other places, when followers of The Way are found not to have received the baptism of Jesus, they are immediately instructed and baptized. This baptism is linked with the granting of the Holy Spirit. This practice is not insisted upon for Apollos.
The story may explain why - he spoke accurately, etc. But there may be something to gain from noting the alteration in practice. Apollos doesn't fit all the expected criteria, and yet he is described as one who was of great help to the emerging church.
What criteria might you fail to meet? And yet, surely, you know of your value.
How many times have we dismissed the witness of someone, because they did not meet some pre-established criteria set by the structures or by us individually?
The work of Jesus is carried out by a great many of witnesses. Some of them have the credentials to go with their names; others have only the assurance of God's help. That assurance is surely enough.
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