In brief
Apollos is a Jew from Alexandria, an eloquent man with a strong knowledge of the Scriptures, who arrives in Ephesus in the time of Paul. He teaches accurately about Jesus but knows only the baptism of John. Aquila and Priscilla take him aside and explain the way of God to him more accurately. Encouraged by the brothers, he crosses over to Achaia, where he greatly helps those who had believed. In Corinth, Paul says of him: I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. His story speaks of humility and teamwork.
What does the name Apollos mean?
The name Apollos is a Greek name, generally linked to the name Apollo, but the biblical text gives no explanation of the name. The Bible does say who he is: a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, an eloquent man, competent in the Scriptures (Acts 18:24).
The story of Apollos
An eloquent man arrives in Ephesus
Acts 18:24-25A Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, comes to Ephesus. He is eloquent and competent in the Scriptures. He has been instructed in the way of the Lord and, fervent in spirit, he speaks and teaches accurately the things concerning Jesus, though he knows only the baptism of John.
Welcomed by Aquila and Priscilla
Acts 18:26Apollos begins to speak boldly in the synagogue. Aquila and Priscilla hear him, take him aside and explain the way of God to him more accurately. The text does not say they criticize him in public: they welcome him and teach him. Apollos accepts this teaching, despite his eloquence and his knowledge of the Scriptures.
A help in Achaia
Acts 18:27-28As Apollos wishes to cross over to Achaia, the brothers encourage him and write to the disciples to welcome him. When he arrives, he greatly helps, by the grace of God, those who had believed. He powerfully refutes the Jews in public, showing by the Scriptures that Jesus is the Christ.
Planting, watering, and God gives the growth
Acts 19:1 and 1 Corinthians 3:4-9While Apollos is in Corinth, Paul arrives in Ephesus. In his letter to the Corinthians, Paul corrects the spirit of division: some say they follow Paul, others Apollos. He answers that Paul and Apollos are servants, fellow workers for God, and that it is God who gives the growth.
What Apollos teaches us
- Even a good preacher may need to be taught more fully, and Apollos receives this teaching with humility.
- Correcting someone privately and kindly, as Aquila and Priscilla did, helps the church grow.
- God's servants are not in competition: one plants, another waters, and God gives the growth.
- Gifts of speech and knowledge of the Scriptures are tools to serve the glory of Jesus Christ.
Key verses
Aquila and Priscilla, having heard him, took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately. An example of brotherly support that helps a servant of God move forward.
Paul says he planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. Paul reminds us that each servant has a part to play, but growth comes from God alone.
Paul asks who Apollos is and who Paul is, and answers that they are servants through whom the Corinthians believed. Paul puts Apollos and himself in their proper place: servants, not party leaders.
Sermons about Apollos
Frequently asked questions
Who was Apollos in the Bible?
Apollos is a Jew from Alexandria, an eloquent man competent in the Scriptures, who teaches in Ephesus and then in Achaia (Acts 18:24-28). Aquila and Priscilla explain the way of God to him more accurately. In Corinth, Paul cites him as a servant he works alongside (1 Corinthians 3:5-9).
What does the name Apollos mean?
Apollos is a Greek name, generally linked to the name Apollo. The Bible does not explain it, so it is best to stay cautious: what the text stresses is his origin in Alexandria, his eloquence and his knowledge of the Scriptures.
Where can I find the story of Apollos in the Bible?
His main story is in Acts 18:24-28, then he is mentioned in Acts 19:1 as being in Corinth. Paul speaks of him in his first letter to the Corinthians, especially in chapter 3, verses 4 to 9.