Introduction of Apollos

“Now a Jew named Apollos, an Alexandrian by birth, an eloquent man, came to Ephesus; and he was proficient in the Scriptures.” (1) The scene now shifts to Ephesus. Luke records what happened in Ephesus after Paul departed. (2) Apollos was a Jew of the Diaspora from Alexandria, Egypt. Alexandria was a major center of academia and was a home to a large Jewish community (Athens, Alexandria, and Tarsus were the three great university cities). It was also a hub of Judaism in the Diaspora. (3) Apollos, from this city, was an eloquent preacher and well-versed in the Hebrew Scriptures. He likely received training in rhetoric while in Alexandria. “This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he was accurately speaking and teaching things about Jesus, being acquainted only with the baptism of John.” (1) In the synagogue at Ephesus, he taught accurately from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Messiah. “The way of the Lord” refers to the Christian faith. While his knowledge of Jesus was accurate, it was incomplete. (2) “Beng acquainted only with the baptism of John.” His understanding was similar to that of the disciples before the crucifixion. It is likely that he had been a disciple of John the Baptist. “And he began speaking boldly in the synagogue. But when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained the way of God more accurately to him. (1) Priscilla and Aquila were listening to Apollos’ message in the synagogue. The reason why the wife’s name appears first is unclear. This couple quickly recognized that Apollos’ message was incomplete. (2) They invited Apollos into their home and provided him with a more accurate understanding of the gospel. Since Apollos was fervent in spirit, he likely welcomed the new insights offered by this couple with joy. “And when he wanted to go across to Achaia, the brothers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples to welcome him…” Priscilla and Aquila, together with the believers in Ephesus, recommended Apollos to the church in Corinth. Lessons can be drawn from this couple’s approach to ministry: (1) They recognized the gift of evangelism that Apollos had received. (2) Instead of publicly criticizing Apollos, they shared the correct information with him privately. (3) They continued to stay humble throughout their interactions.