New Testament · New Testament
Apollos
“For he vigorously refuted his Jewish opponents in public debate, proving from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Messiah.”Acts 18:28
Biography
Apollos was a Jew from Alexandria, Egypt — a city famous for its learning — who was 'a learned man with a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures' and 'an eloquent speaker.' He had been instructed in the way of the Lord and taught accurately about Jesus, but knew only the baptism of John. When he arrived in Ephesus, Priscilla and Aquila heard him and privately explained the faith more fully. He received their correction and went to Achaia, where he 'greatly helped those who by grace had believed.' Paul placed him alongside himself and Peter in terms of influence in the Corinthian church.
Spiritual Lesson
Apollos is the model of the gifted person who can receive correction. He had real eloquence, real learning, real fervor — and was willing to be taught by tentmakers. That humility did not diminish his gifts; it completed them. He becomes the example Paul uses to illustrate that ministry is collaborative: Paul plants, Apollos waters, God gives the growth. The greatest gift is not always more talent — sometimes it is the willingness to let someone complete what is missing.
Walking Together