Apollos

<<a NT gifted speaker>>

This Jew came to Ephesus soon after Paul had preached there on his second missionary journey, boldly and enthusiastically proclaiming the truth, as he understood it. He had a sound knowledge of the OT and the message of John the Baptist. Priscilla and Aquila invited him home and shared with him when they realised he was not conversant with the complete gospel – the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, and the coming of the Holy Spirit. At a later stage, some of the Corinthian believers formed groups named after their favourite preacher – one of whom was Apollos. Paul states all such leaders were working together for the Lord and the focus should be Him (1 Cor 1:12,13, 3:4-6; Tit 3:13).

His story is told in Acts 18:24-19:1.  He is mentioned in several of Paul's letters.

Lessons from his life: * He had sound biblical knowledge that is essential for debating or apologetics.

He desired for people to come into a right relationship with God, and didn’t twist the message but spoke from the understanding he had, which was enhanced when he knew the complete message and “was a great help to those who believed” (Act 18:27). Do we share the complete balanced message of salvation and the new life available in Christ?

* He never considered that as the preacher he had all the answers, but was humble enough to receive instruction himself. After willingly receiving further teaching, he had renewed vigor to share the full gospel with those who would listen (Act 18:28).  We can all benefit from the insight and input of others through networking and receiving from different sources. Do I submit to, listen, and humbly learn from mature Christians?

See also: apologetics, Aquila and Priscilla.