September 4-Apollos

Its Wednesday! And after a shot yesterday, I’m feeling like I may be on the mend—praise the Lord. While we are here in Acts, I didn’t want to overlook in chapter 18 the first introduction to Apollos. We don’t have any idea how Apollos came to know anything about Jesus, but he is described as an evangelist, apologist, church leader, and friend of the apostle Paul. Apollos was a Jew from Alexandria, Egypt, characterized as “eloquent,” “mighty in the Scriptures,” “fervent in the spirit” and “instructed in the way of the Lord” (Acts 18:24). In A.D. 54, he traveled to Ephesus, where he taught boldly in the synagogue. 

However, at that time, Apollos’ understanding of the gospel was incomplete, since he was “acquainted only with the baptism of John” (Acts 18:25). This probably means that Apollos preached repentance and faith in the Messiah—he maybe even believed that Jesus of Nazareth was the Messiah—but he didn’t understand the full magnitude of Jesus’ death and resurrection. Aquila and Priscilla, the friends of Paul whom he lived and worked with in Corinth, met Apollo’s and invited him to their home. They spent time with him and filled in the gaps in his understanding of Jesus. Apollos, now armed with the complete message, immediately began a preaching ministry and was used of God as an effective apologist for the gospel. 

“For he vigorously refuted his Jewish opponents in public debate, proving from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Messiah.” Acts‬ ‭18:28‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Apollos traveled through Achaia and eventually found his way to Corinth, where he “watered” where Paul had “sown” (1 Corinthians 3:6). 

The last mention of Apollos in the Bible comes in Paul’s letter to Titus: “Do everything you can to help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way and see that they have everything they need” (Titus 3:13). Obviously, Apollos was on his way through Crete (where Titus was) at this time. And, just as obviously, Paul still considered Apollos to be a valuable co-laborer and friend.

Some believe that Apollos eventually returned to Ephesus to serve the church there. Some also identify Apollos as the unknown author of the book of Hebrews; although, there is no biblical support for such an identification.

What we do know is Apollos was a man of letters with a zeal for the Lord and a talent for preaching. He labored in the Lord’s work, aiding the ministry of the apostles and faithfully building up the church. His life is an encouragement. I love the fact He knew what was right, and when he spoke it was not haphazardly, but accurately which was why he could refute opponents in public debate. He was a man who had studied the scripture and he surely knew who he was in Christ. 

“He had been instructed in the way of the Lord, and he spoke with great fervor and taught about Jesus accurately, though he knew only the baptism of John.”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭18:25‬ ‭NIV‬‬

 It should truly encourage each of us to “grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord” (2 Peter 3:18) and to use our God-given gifts to promote truth.

Thank you Lord for examples of the faith line Apollos. We pray Lord that you would give us the burning desire to seek the truth and knowledge of scripture so that when we are callled to defend we too can refute the darkness and prove with that Jesus is the Messiah. We want to be co-laborers and water where others plant and even at times, perhaps plant. Guide us Father and teach us to be your hands and feet as we walk through this life. We want to know you better, love you more, and align our lives with you. We praise and worship you this day El Elyon. Amen and amen 

Love you dear friend,

Pam