Apollos is first introduced in Acts 18:24 as “an eloquent man and mighty in the Scriptures,” who came to Ephesus. He was a Jew born in Alexandria, a center of learning, and he had been instructed in the way of the Lord. Apollos spoke and taught accurately the things of the Lord, though he only knew the baptism of John (Acts 18:25).
When Priscilla and Aquila, companions of Paul, heard him speak boldly in the synamagog/”>gogue, they took him aside and explained “the way of God more accurately” (Acts 18:26). This indicates that Apollos was teachable and open to further understanding of the Gospel, particularly the fullness of Christ’s work.
Apollos then traveled to Achaia and was greatly used by God to strengthen the believers there. He “vigorously refuted the Jews publicly, showing from the Scriptures that Jesus is the Christ” (Acts 18:28). His knowledge and ability to reason from Scripture made him a valuable apologist and teacher.
In 1 Corinthians, Paul refers to Apollos as a fellow laborer in God’s work. Paul writes, “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase” (1 Corinthians 3:6), emphasizing that each servant plays a role, but God brings the growth. Paul warns against factions in the church that exalt one leader over another, such as saying, “I am of Paul,” or “I am of Apollos” (1 Corinthians 3:4), reminding the church that all ministers are servants of Christ.
Apollos is also mentioned in Titus 3:13, where Paul instructs Titus to “send Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey with haste, that they may lack nothing.” This shows that Apollos remained active in ministry and continued to be respected in the apostolic community.
Apollos is a model of giftedness combined with humility. Though eloquent and knowledgeable, he was willing to be corrected and used his abilities to defend and proclaim Christ. His life encourages believers to grow in knowledge, remain teachable, and serve faithfully in the body of Christ.
