The early church · Ephesus, then Corinth, c. AD 52-55
Apollos in the Bible
The orator from Alexandria. Name meaning: A Greek name, borne by a Jew from Alexandria; the Bible does not comment on it
Apollos is a Jew from Alexandria, “an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures” (Acts 18:24). He teaches accurately about Jesus, though he knows only the baptism of John, until Aquila and Priscilla explain the way of God to him more accurately (Acts 18:25-26). At Corinth he is a great help to the believers; as Paul puts it, “I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase” (1 Cor 3:6).
Key moments
- He arrives at Ephesus, eloquent and mighty in the Scriptures Acts 18:24
- He teaches accurately, but knows only the baptism of John Acts 18:25
- Aquila and Priscilla explain the way of God to him more accurately Acts 18:26
- The brothers encourage him to go to Achaia Acts 18:27
- He shows by the Scriptures that Jesus is the Christ Acts 18:28
- At Corinth, some say, “I am of Apollos!” 1 Corinthians 1:12
- “I have planted, Apollos watered” 1 Corinthians 3:6
- Paul asks that his journey be provided for Titus 3:13
Strengths
- Eloquence
- Knowledge of the Scriptures
- Fervor
- Openness to correction
Weaknesses
Apollos knew only the baptism of John: his teaching about Jesus was accurate but incomplete, and Aquila and Priscilla had to explain “the way of God more perfectly” to him (Acts 18:25-26). At Corinth, his name was also used as the banner of a faction, though the text does not blame him for it (1 Cor 1:12; 3:4).
Lessons for today
- Even a brilliant speaker needs to be taught: Apollos lets Aquila and Priscilla take him aside (Acts 18:26).
- Eloquence and knowledge of the Scriptures are gifts to put at the service of Jesus Christ: Apollos shows “by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ” (Acts 18:28).
- Do not divide the church around personalities: “I am of Apollos!” is a cry Paul condemns (1 Cor 1:12-13; 3:4-5).
- Each has a task, but God gives the growth: “I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase” (1 Cor 3:6).
And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus. This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John.
And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.
I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.
People around Apollos
- Aquila and Priscilla — They take him aside and explain the way of God to him more accurately
- Paul — Plants, while Apollos waters; calls him “our brother Apollos”
- The Corinthians — Some say, “I am of Apollos!”
- Zenas — “The lawyer,” who travels with Apollos
- Titus — Told by Paul to see to Apollos’s journey
Quiz: how well do you know Apollos?
What city was Apollos from?
The text introduces him this way: “a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures.” Acts 18:24
Who took Apollos aside to explain the way of God to him more accurately?
“Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.” Paul had already left Ephesus. Acts 18:26
In Paul’s picture of the field, what job does he give Apollos?
“I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.” It was Paul who planted, and God alone gives the growth. 1 Corinthians 3:6
There are many more questions like these in Bible Academy, each with its explanation and verse. Start your free trial.