Apollos

Apollos, a short version of the Greek name Apollonius, was a Jew from Alexandria, an early convert to Christianity. He began teaching before his knowledge was well developed, however with help from Priscilla and Aquila, he soon became a very influential preacher of The Gospel. Not a great amount is written about him, and although he is largely unknown today, he must have become very popular among the people at the time because he is referred to at one point at the same level as Paul (see On The Road To Damascus) and Peter. Protestant reformer Martin Luther, and a number of scholars since, have speculated that Apollos may have been the author of Hebrews.

Apollos "Meanwhile a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was a learned man, with a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures [see By The Book and 52-Week Bible Reading Plan]. He had been instructed in The Way of The Lord [see The Logos and Rock Of Ages], and he spoke with great fervor and taught about Jesus [see They Never Called Him "Jesus"] accurately, though he knew only the baptism of John [see John The Baptist]. He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately. When Apollos wanted to go to Achaia, the brothers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples there to welcome him. On arriving, he was a great help to those who by grace [see Amazing Grace] had believed. For he vigorously refuted the Jews in public debate, proving from the Scriptures [i.e. from what is called the Old Testament today - the New Testament did not then exist] that Jesus was the Christ." [see The Messiah] (Acts 18:24-28 NIV) [this occurred during Paul's Third Missionary Journey]

"I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought. My brothers, some from Chloe's household have informed me that there are quarrels among you. What I mean is this: One of you says, "I follow Paul"; another, "I follow Apollos"; another, "I follow Cephas"; still another, "I follow Christ." Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized [see Baptism] into the name of Paul?" (1 Corinthians 1:10-13 NIV)

"You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere men? For when one says, "I follow Paul," and another, "I follow Apollos," are you not mere men? What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe - as The Lord has assigned to each his task. I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow." (1 Corinthians 3:3-7 NIV)

"Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till The Lord comes [see The Return Of Jesus Christ]. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men's hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God. Now, brothers, I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, so that you may learn from us the meaning of the saying, "Do not go beyond what is written." Then you will not take pride in one man over against another." (1 Corinthians 4:5-6 NIV)

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1 Corinthians 12:1-31

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