Apollos is a fascinating figure in the New Testament, known for his eloquence, fervent spirit, and role in the early church. Although not a central figure like Paul or Peter, his contributions to the spread of the gospel and his interactions with others reveal significant lessons about humility, teachability, and the importance of sound doctrine. Below, we will explore every mention of Apollos in Scripture and examine why he is significant.
Who Was Apollos?
Apollos is first introduced in Acts 18, and his background and characteristics immediately set him apart. He was a Jew from Alexandria, a city renowned for its scholarship and intellectual culture. This background likely contributed to his eloquence and knowledge of Scripture.
Biblical References to Apollos
Acts 18:24-28 – Apollos’ Introduction
“Now a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man and mighty in the Scriptures, came to Ephesus. This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things of the Lord, though he knew only the baptism of John” (Acts 18:24-25).
Apollos was “mighty in the Scriptures,” showing a deep understanding of the Old Testament. His knowledge was, however, incomplete as he only knew about the baptism of John, indicating he had not yet fully understood the gospel of Jesus Christ. Despite this, his fervent spirit and desire to teach others about God are evident.
“So he began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Aquila and Priscilla heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately” (Acts 18:26).
Apollos demonstrated humility and teachability. When corrected by Aquila and Priscilla, he did not resist but embraced their instruction. This willingness to learn made him a more effective servant of Christ.
“And when he desired to cross to Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him; and when he arrived, he greatly helped those who had believed through grace; for he vigorously refuted the Jews publicly, showing from the Scriptures that Jesus is the Christ” (Acts 18:27-28).
After being corrected, Apollos went on to have a significant ministry in Achaia, where he strengthened believers and refuted Jewish opponents, using the Scriptures to prove that Jesus was the Messiah.
1 Corinthians 1:12-13 – Division in the Church
“Now I say this, that each of you says, ‘I am of Paul,’ or ‘I am of Apollos,’ or ‘I am of Cephas,’ or ‘I am of Christ.’ Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?” (1 Corinthians 1:12-13).
Apollos became a prominent figure in Corinth, but his name was unfortunately used to create factions within the church. Paul rebukes this divisiveness, emphasizing that all Christian leaders, including himself and Apollos, are merely servants of Christ, not figures to idolize.
1 Corinthians 3:4-9 – Servant of God
“For when one says, ‘I am of Paul,’ and another, ‘I am of Apollos,’ are you not carnal? Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers through whom you believed, as the Lord gave to each one? I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase” (1 Corinthians 3:4-7).
Paul highlights that Apollos and he had complementary roles in the church’s growth. Paul planted the seeds of the gospel, and Apollos nurtured and built upon that foundation. This passage emphasizes that the ultimate growth of the church comes from God, not from human leaders.
1 Corinthians 4:6 – A Lesson in Humility
“Now these things, brethren, I have figuratively transferred to myself and Apollos for your sakes, that you may learn in us not to think beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up on behalf of one against the other” (1 Corinthians 4:6).
Paul uses himself and Apollos as examples to teach humility. Both men served under the authority of God and did not seek personal glory, reminding the Corinthians not to exalt one leader over another.
1 Corinthians 16:12 – Apollos’ Autonomy
“Now concerning our brother Apollos, I strongly urged him to come to you with the brethren, but he was quite unwilling to come at this time; however, he will come when he has a convenient time.”
This verse shows that Apollos was not only a servant of God but also a man of conviction and autonomy. Even though Paul urged him to visit Corinth, Apollos chose to delay his visit, likely due to his own understanding of God’s leading.
Titus 3:13 – Final Mention of Apollos
“Send Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey with haste, that they may lack nothing.”
Apollos was still active in ministry later in Paul’s life, working alongside others like Zenas. Paul’s instructions to ensure their needs were met highlight the respect and value placed on Apollos’ ministry.
Why Is Apollos Significant?
A Model of Teachability: Apollos was mighty in the Scriptures but humble enough to be corrected. His willingness to learn from Aquila and Priscilla underscores the importance of a teachable spirit in ministry.
A Powerful Preacher and Teacher: His eloquence and deep knowledge of Scripture allowed him to effectively refute Jewish arguments and strengthen the early church.
A Complementary Ministry: Apollos demonstrates that different roles in ministry are all essential for the growth of the church. Paul planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God gave the increase.
An Example of Humility: Despite his prominence, Apollos did not seek personal glory. He worked collaboratively with others and remained focused on Christ.
Unity in the Body of Christ: The division in Corinth reminds us that leaders are not to be exalted above Christ. Apollos, like Paul, was merely a servant of God, emphasizing that Christ is the foundation of the church.
My Final Thoughts
Apollos serves as an example of how God uses people with different gifts to build His church. His eloquence, passion, and knowledge of Scripture were powerful tools in the early church, but his humility and willingness to learn made him truly effective. Apollos’ ministry reminds us that no matter how gifted or knowledgeable we are, we must always remain teachable and reliant on God for the increase.
Apollos’ life challenges us to seek unity in the body of Christ, to embrace correction when needed, and to use our God-given gifts for His glory.
