Pauls and Apolloses

  I (Paul) planted the seed, Apollos watered it...

1 Corinthians 3:6a

At the Bible study I attend, we are looking at Corinthians. This week was the passage containing the

verse above.

It got me thinking.

Who are our Pauls and Apolloses?

Specifically, for this blog, who are the Pauls and Apolloses of the Christian book world? The ones

who plant and water words?

A couple of weeks ago, I was at CRT, and I met some of them:

Booksellers

Speakers

Readers

Publishers

Authors

Sales Reps

Printers

Editors

Organisers

Illustrators

Empathisers

Cover designers

Reviewers

Distributers 

People who served food and tea (perhaps should have been top of the list!)

Yesterday, I met more Pauls and Apolloses.

I went to Torch Trust annual thanksgiving service, where I met people who make books

available in braille, audio, and large print.

So many people involved in making books, and there will be more than listed above.

So many Pauls and Apolloses.

Not forgetting our individual friends, families, supporters.

During our discussions on Corinthians, someone mentioned that they’d helped plant a church

overseas. And the church had grown.

I asked them their secret. What had they done to promote and produce growth?

The answer, said with a wry chuckle?

“I think the church started growing when we left.”

I (Paul) planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow.

1 Corinthians 3:6 

I think the church started growing when we left.

As those seeking to be Pauls and Apolloses in the Christian book world, let’s remember – and be

encouraged by – the fact that it is God’s work. 

We do what we can and, ultimately, we can take a step back and leave it in His hands.

I find that liberating.

Just as I find being amongst ‘bookish Pauls and Apolloses’ a great privilege.

And I’m thankful for each one.

 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the

Lord.

Ephesians 2:21