This passage talks about Apollos. Here is a description of him:
1. He was Educated v. 24
He was originally from Alexandria which was the second most important city in the Roman Empire. Egypt was the center of learning during this time. Alexandria contained one of the largest libraries. It was here where the Old Testament was translated by scholars into the Greek language. There is no doubt that he was a very educated man.
2. He was Eloquent in Speech v. 24b
Not only was he very educated but eloquent or competent in speech. There is no doubt that he was his education included training in rhetoric.
3. He was Skilled in the Scriptures v. 24c
Apollo was able to take Old Testament Scripture and prove that Christ was the Messiah. He was very skilled in doing this.
4. He was Instructed in the Way of the Lord v. 25a,c
We don’t know how he came to know about the Gospel but he was “catechized” or instructed in the way of the Lord. But not completely. He knew the facts about Jesus, that he died, was buried and rose from the grave but didn’t know about the application of the Gospel, specifically what Matthew 28:10 says regarding baptism. He didn’t know about Pentecost and the outpouring of the Spirit.
5. He was Fervent in Spirit v. 25b
This man was passionate about what he believed. He was not a man who was shy or calm about it.
6. He Spoke Boldly in the Synagogue v. 26 a
Apollos was bold in proclaiming in the synagogue that Jesus was the Messiah.
7. He was Affirmed by Aquilla and Priscilla v. 26b
Aquilla and Priscilla both explained the things he didn’t know. It is important to note both are involved and also how it was done in private.
This is a good precedent for both having couples serving the Lord and how we should approach others who need to be explained things they still don’t know.
8. He was Received in Corinth v. 27-28
We know he was well-received from 1 Corinthians 1-3 where we find that divisions had taken place based on personalities such as Apollos.
Apollos gifts came in handy. He was able to defend successfully the faith concerning Jesus the Messiah.
We need more men like Apollo. Men who are educated, trained, fervent and humble who can preach the Gospel and defend the faith.
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