Who Was Apollos in the Bible?
Who Was Apollos in the Bible? Apollos was an eloquent Jewish Christian from Alexandria, mighty in the Scriptures, who powerfully refuted the Jews and helped build the church at Corinth.
Key verse: Acts 18:24-25 (KJV)
Apollos was an eloquent Jewish Christian from Alexandria, mighty in the Scriptures, who powerfully refuted the Jews and helped build the church at Corinth.
Apollos was an eloquent Jewish Christian from Alexandria, mighty in the Scriptures, who powerfully refuted the Jews and helped build the church at Corinth.
"And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus. This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John." — Acts 18:24-25 (KJV)
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The Biblical Answer
Apollos was a Jew from Alexandria, Egypt — a city renowned for learning — who came to Ephesus around AD 52. Luke describes him as 'an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures,' fervent in spirit, and accurate in teaching about Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John. Priscilla and Aquila took him aside and 'expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.' He then went to Achaia, where he 'mightily convinced the Jews, and that publickly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ.' In Corinth, he became so popular that some believers formed factions around him, prompting Paul to write, 'I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.' Apollos was a powerful preacher, a humble learner, and a faithful laborer — but never a rival to Paul. His story reminds us that God's work requires many hands, and that even the most gifted need further instruction.
Key Scripture References
"And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus. This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John."
"For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publickly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ."
"I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase."
Frequently asked questions
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Related Questions
Who Was Paul the Apostle?
Paul was a Pharisee who violently persecuted Christians until a dramatic encounter with the risen Christ on the road to Damascus transformed him into the greatest missionary and theologian in church history.
Who Was Priscilla in the Bible?
Priscilla was a prominent early Christian woman who, with her husband Aquila, worked alongside Paul, instructed Apollos, and hosted churches in Corinth, Ephesus, and Rome.
Who Was Aquila in the Bible?
Aquila was a Jewish tentmaker from Pontus who, with his wife Priscilla, became Paul's close co-worker, instructed Apollos, and hosted house churches in multiple cities.
Who Was Melchizedek in the Bible?
Melchizedek was a mysterious king of Salem and priest of the Most High God who blessed Abraham and received tithes from him.
Who Was Abraham in the Bible?
Abraham was the father of the Jewish nation, called by God from Ur of the Chaldees, and known as the 'father of faith.'
Deep Dive Commentary
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The answer above sits inside Acts. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Acts on day 309 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
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