Apollos is a figure mentioned several times in the New Testament, most notably in the book of Acts and in some of Paul’s letters. Here is an overview of what the Bible tells us about Apollos:
Apollos in Acts 18
The first time Apollos is introduced is in Acts 18:24-28. This passage tells us several key things about him:
– He was from Alexandria, a major cultural and intellectual center in the ancient world. As an Alexandrian Jew, Apollos would have been well-educated and articulate.
– He was an eloquent man and well-versed in the Old Testament scriptures. The text says he was “competent in the Scriptures.”
– He had been instructed in the way of the Lord and was fervent in spirit. Although the exact details are unclear, Apollos had received some Christian instruction before coming to Ephesus.
– When Apollos arrived in Ephesus, he began speaking boldly in the synagogue. However, he only knew of the baptism of John the Baptist. He did not yet fully understand the story of Jesus.
– When Priscilla and Aquila heard him speaking, they took Apollos aside and “explained the way of God more accurately” to him. So Apollos’ knowledge was incomplete until this Christian couple provided him with fuller instruction.
– After receiving this fuller training, Apollos went to Achaia and was greatly helpful to the believers there. He vigorously refuted the Jews in public debate, proving from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ.
So in summary, Apollos was already an eloquent speaker and teacher based on his OT knowledge. But he lacked complete understanding of the gospel and story of Jesus until Priscilla and Aquila filled in the gaps for him. Once he had full knowledge, he became a tremendous defender of the faith.
Apollos in 1 Corinthians
Apollos is also mentioned several times in 1 Corinthians. In this letter, Apollos appears as a leader and teacher known to the Corinthian church:
– In 1 Cor. 1:12, Paul notes there were rival factions developing in Corinth. Some claimed to follow Paul, others Apollos, others Cephas, and others Christ.
– In 1 Cor. 3:4-6, Paul expresses concern that the Corinthians were dividing into quarreling groups, some saying “I follow Paul” and others “I follow Apollos.” Paul insists Apollos and he were simply servants through whom the Corinthians had believed.
– In 1 Cor. 3:22, Paul states bluntly that Apollos, Paul, Cephas, and the world all belong to the Corinthians, because they belong to Christ, through whom all things were made.
– In 1 Cor. 4:6, Paul tells the Corinthians not to go beyond what is written in Scripture. This may be a reference to the eloquent speaking style of leaders like Apollos that led to pride.
– In 1 Cor. 16:12, Paul notes he strongly urged Apollos to visit the Corinthians with the brothers, but that Apollos was not willing to do so at that time.
So 1 Corinthians paints Apollos as an influential and popular speaker in the early church. Some even preferred his style to Paul’s. However, Apollos was still just a servant, not the leader of a faction. He and Paul were united in purpose, although Apollos declined to visit Corinth when asked.
Apollos in Titus 3
The only other reference to Apollos comes in Paul’s letter to Titus:
– In Titus 3:13, Paul instructs Titus to help Zenas and Apollos on their journey, making sure they have everything they need.
From this we can infer Apollos was still actively traveling and teaching in the early church during the time of Paul’s later letters. Paul wanted Titus to support Apollos in this role.
Key Lessons
In summary, here are some key lessons we can learn about Apollos from the Bible:
– He was well educated, articulate, and capable of bold public preaching and debate.
– He was zealous and devoted to using his abilities for the gospel.
– At first, his knowledge of Christianity was incomplete. But he was willing to learn from other believers like Priscilla and Aquila.
– Once fully instructed, he became hugely influential in spreading the gospel and defending the faith.
– He ministered independently but had a cooperative relationship with leaders like Paul.
– Occasionally, competitive pride over teachers like himself and Paul arose. But Apollos remained humble and focused on the mission.
– Apollos was willing to travel and preach the gospel wherever needed, with support from leaders like Paul.
So while details on Apollos are limited, the Bible paints a picture of an educated, devout, and gifted teacher and preacher who made a major impact on the early church. Despite becoming a renowned leader, he remained humble, faithful to the apostles’ teaching, and dedicated to the greater mission.
Apollos’ Name and Possible Connection to Apollonius
Apollos is the Greek form of the Hebrew name Apollonius. It means “of Apollo.” Apollo was the Greek and Roman god of the sun, healing, music, and prophecy.
Some scholars have proposed Apollos may have been the same person as Apollonius of Tyana, a Greek philosopher who lived around the same time as Jesus. Apollonius became famous for his purported miraculous powers and moral wisdom.
However, there is no solid evidence the two Apollos figures were the same person. The Apollos mentioned in the New Testament seems firmly rooted in Alexandrian Judaism, not Greek philosophy. Most scholars treat Apollonius and Apollos as being two distinct historical figures who happened to share a common Greek name.
Apollos’ Ministry and Impact
Although details on Apollos are scant, the information provided in Acts and 1 Corinthians give us a general picture of his ministry and impact:
– As an educated Alexandrian Jew, Apollos brought intellectual and philosophical rigor to his preaching and apologetics. This helped him engage educated Greeks and Jews of the time.
– His eloquent speaking style, rhetorical skills, and bold presentation of the gospel contributed to his popularity as a teacher. He was considered on par with Paul as a church leader.
– By vigorously debating Jews publicly and proving Jesus was the Messiah, Apollos provided a vital intellectual defense of Christianity in its early years.
– His willingness to travel extensively to cities like Ephesus, Corinth and Crete points to his commitment to broad dissemination of the gospel.
– As a disciple of Jesus initially taught only by John the Baptist’s followers, Apollos exemplified someone converted from incomplete doctrine to the full apostolic teaching.
– His cooperative relationship with Paul and other apostles showed Apollos’ submission to their authority and devotion to the greater mission.
– Occasional factionalism forming around Apollos illustrated the power of his reputation and persona as a Christian thought leader. But he remained humble.
So in many ways, Apollos served as a crucial Christian apologist, teacher, debater and traveling evangelist in the early church. He seamlessly bridged Jewish intellectual traditions with Greek philosophy and rhetoric. Along with the apostles, Apollos provided intellectual and philosophical substance to the rapidly growing Christian movement.
Relationship with Paul
Although we do not have specific details, Acts and 1 Corinthians suggest Paul and Apollos had a cooperative, mutually respectful relationship as Christian leaders:
– There is no hint of overt controversy between them in any text. The tension in 1 Corinthians stems from factions within the Church, not the men themselves.
– Paul refers warmly to Apollos as “our brother Apollos” in 1 Cor 16:12, suggesting familial fondness.
– Apollos declined Paul’s request to visit Corinth in 1 Cor 16, indicating he operated with some autonomy. But the very fact Paul asked showed a cooperative relationship.
– In Titus 3:13, Paul clearly expects Apollos to receive aid and support from Titus. This implies unity of purpose.
– The two men were independently promoting the same gospel message and theological truths in different cities and venues.
– As a Jew initially converted via John the Baptist’s followers, Apollos represented a different audience than Paul’s Gentile converts. This diversity strengthened the early Church.
So in conclusion, Paul and Apollos seemed to enjoy mutual trust, affection, and shared vision for growing the gospel across the Mediterranean world. Their approaches and target audiences differed, but they pointed to the same Lord.
Occasional tensions in places like Corinth stemmed from other issues, not disunity between these two important early church leaders. They offered separate but complementary gifts and callings that allowed Christianity to flourish.
Later Traditions About Apollos
Unlike Paul, Peter, and other apostles, Apollos largely disappeared from tradition and hagiography (writings about saints) after the close of the New Testament era.
A few notable later traditions about Apollos include:
– A late 2nd century tradition suggested Apollos became bishop of Caesarea Maritima in Judea. But this is considered doubtful by most scholars.
– A medieval legend claimed Apollos’ reason for declining to visit Corinth was an illicit romantic relationship with Paul’s opponent Alexander’s mother. But this fanciful tale has no historical basis.
– Various pseudo-epigraphal texts (falsely attributed ancient writings) from the 2nd-4th centuries purported to document further missionary adventures of Apollos. But these are generally deemed inauthentic.
– A church tradition held that Apollos co-authored the Epistle to the Hebrews with Paul. But authorship of Hebrews remains anonymous and open to debate.
– Some 19th century biblical critics theorized Apollos authored certain New Testament letters originally attributed to Paul (Ephesians, 1-2 Timothy). This theory has been widely rejected by modern scholars.
– Certain early sects like Marcionites and Jewish Christians revered Apollos over Paul. But these groups faded from prominence after the 2nd century.
In summary, unlike major apostles like Peter and Paul, clear early traditions about the later life and ministry of Apollos did not emerge or persist after the 1st century. But he remains one of the most notable Christian missionaries and teachers mentioned in the New Testament itself.
Apollos in Summary
In summary, here are the key facts on Apollos that emerge from the biblical texts:
– He was a Hellenistic Jew from Alexandria, suggesting high levels of education and intellect
– Already eloquent and learned in the Old Testament scriptures before becoming a Christian
– Initially taught an incomplete gospel by disciples of John the Baptist
– Received fuller instruction in the faith from Paul’s colleagues Aquila and Priscilla
– Became a formidable Christian apologist, debater, and teacher in churches across the Mediterranean
– Developed a large following due to his powerful speaking skills and command of scripture
– Maintained a cooperative, supportive relationship with Paul and other apostles
– Continued traveling widely as a missionary-evangelist in his later years
So while many details of his life and ministry remain uncertain, Apollos emerges from Scripture as one the most dynamic and influential early Christian missionaries and defenders of the faith. Along with Paul and the Twelve, Apollos helped anchor the intellectual edifice of the fledgling church.
