Acts 18:24-28 ESV
[24] Now a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was an eloquent man, competent in the Scriptures. [25] 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. [26] He began to speak boldly in the synagogue, but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately. [27] And when he wished to cross to Achaia, the brothers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples to welcome him. When he arrived, he greatly helped those who through grace had believed, [28] for he powerfully refuted the Jews in public, showing by the Scriptures that the Christ was Jesus.
In Acts 18:24-28, we encounter an intriguing figure named Apollos, a Jew from Alexandria, known for his eloquence, his competence, and fervent spirit. This passage provides valuable insights into Apollos’ character, ministry, and the impact of his teaching in the early church.
Background of Apollos:
Apollos is introduced as a learned man, well-versed in the Scriptures and fervent in spirit (Acts 18:24). Hailing from Alexandria, a city renowned for its intellectual and cultural richness, Apollos likely received a comprehensive education that equipped him for effective communication and debate. As a Jew, Apollos would have been familiar with the teachings of the Old Testament and the traditions of his faith. In facg, his comnand of the scripture would have been impressive. His fervent spirit suggests a deep passion and zeal for God, which would later manifest in his ministry. He was baptized by John the Baptist so repentance of sin would be his root message of finding grace in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Ministry of Apollos:
Upon arriving in Ephesus, Apollos boldly proclaimed the message of Jesus in the synagogue, demonstrating his knowledge of the Scriptures and his ability to eloquently expound on them (Acts 18:25). His teaching captivated his audience, drawing attention to the truths of the Gospel and the significance of Jesus as the Messiah. Although Apollos preached with fervor and accuracy, his understanding of the Christian faith was incomplete. He knew only of the baptism of John, which focused on repentance, but was unaware of the fullness of the Gospel message, including the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and the gift of the Holy Spirit. In our modern world we might reject Apollos as a heretic. We must be careful not to cast out other ministries based on our understanding. Paul made a statement concerning this in;
Philippians 1:15-18 ESV
[15] Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. [16] The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. [17] The former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment. [18] What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice,
If Paul can say this about those who are using the gospel for gain, then we must be aware when condemning folks that we aren’t in 100 percent agreement with.
Influence of Priscilla and Aquila:
Priscilla and Aquila, a couple who had been instructed in the way of the Lord, recognized Apollos’ potential and his zeal for God. They took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately, filling in the gaps in his understanding and providing him with a deeper insight into the Christian faith (Acts 18:26). Priscilla and Aquila’s mentoring of Apollos demonstrates the importance of discipleship and mutual edification within the body of believers. Their investment in Apollos’ spiritual growth not only benefited him personally but also enriched the ministry of the early church. Can we approach others with a spirit of encouragement and edification? Correction through meekness.
Impact of Apollos’ Ministry:
Equipped with a more comprehensive understanding of the Gospel, Apollos continued his ministry with renewed fervor and effectiveness. He went on to Corinth, where his powerful preaching greatly contributed to the strengthening of the believers and the expansion of the church (Acts 18:27-28). Apollos’ story serves as a reminder of the importance of humility, teachability, and continual growth in our walk with God. Like him, we should remain open to correction, willing to learn from others, and committed to deepening our understanding of God’s Word. If I am wrong I want to know so I can make the necessary correction. Are we teachable or stubborn?
Additional Scripture References:
I have provided additional references on Apollos for your study. He was a pillar in the early church and his character is worth emulating. I hope you will enjoy looking deeper into his life. A life defined by eloquence, competence, and ferverence. B
- Acts 18:24-28: Introduction of Apollos and his ministry.
- Acts 19:1: Apollos in Ephesus, where he encountered disciples of John the Baptist.
- 1 Corinthians 1:12; 3:4-6, 22: Mention of Apollos’ influence in the Corinthian church.
- 1 Corinthians 16:12: Apollos’ intended visit to Corinth.
- Titus 3:13: Apollos mentioned in Paul’s letter to Titus.
- 1 Corinthians 16:19: Greetings from Aquila and Priscilla in Ephesus.
- Romans 16:3-5: Commendation of Aquila and Priscilla’s ministry.
- Acts 18:2: Background on Priscilla and Aquila as tentmakers.
- Romans 16:4: Priscilla and Aquila risked their lives for Paul’s sake.
- Acts 18:26: Priscilla and Aquila explaining the way of God more accurately to Apollos.