Apol'los
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Apol'los is a significant figure in the New Testament, known for his eloquence and deep knowledge of the Scriptures. He is mentioned primarily in the Acts of the Apostles and the First Epistle to the Corinthians. Apol'los was a Jewish Christian from Alexandria, a city renowned for its rich intellectual and cultural heritage. His account highlights the early Church's diversity and the spread of the Gospel beyond the original circle of the apostles.

Background and Ministry

Apol'los first appears in Acts 18:24-28. He is described as "a learned man, with a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures" (Acts 18:24). This indicates his strong foundation in the Hebrew Scriptures, which he used to teach about Jesus. Apol'los had been instructed in the way of the Lord and spoke with great fervor, teaching accurately about Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John.

His encounter with Priscilla and Aquila in Ephesus was pivotal. They took him aside and "explained to him the way of God more accurately" (Acts 18:26). This mentorship equipped Apol'los to be even more effective in his ministry. After this, he traveled to Achaia, where he "was a great help to those who by grace had believed" (Acts 18:27). He vigorously refuted the Jews in public debate, proving from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Messiah.

Role in Corinth

Apol'los played a significant role in the early Christian community in Corinth. The Apostle Paul references him in 1 Corinthians, addressing divisions within the church. Some members of the Corinthian church claimed allegiance to Apol'los, while others aligned themselves with Paul, Cephas, or Christ (1 Corinthians 1:12). Paul emphasizes that both he and Apol'los are merely servants through whom the Corinthians came to believe. He writes, "I planted the seed, Apol'los watered it, but God has been making it grow" (1 Corinthians 3:6). This illustrates the complementary nature of their ministries and underscores that God is the source of growth in the Church.

Theological Contributions

Apol'los is often associated with the intellectual and rhetorical tradition of Alexandria, which may have influenced his approach to teaching and debate. His ability to engage with the Jewish community and demonstrate from the Scriptures that Jesus is the Messiah highlights the importance of apologetics and scriptural literacy in early Christian witness.

Legacy

Apol'los' legacy is one of collaboration and humility. Despite his eloquence and knowledge, he was open to learning from others, as seen in his relationship with Priscilla and Aquila. His ministry in Corinth and beyond exemplifies the early Church's mission to spread the Gospel through diverse and complementary gifts. Apol'los serves as a model for Christian teachers and preachers, emphasizing the importance of grounding one's message in Scripture and working in unity with fellow believers for the advancement of God's kingdom.
Concordance
Apol'los (10 Occurrences)

Acts 18:24
And a certain Jew, Apollos by name, an Alexandrian by birth, a man of eloquence, being mighty in the Writings, came to Ephesus,
(See RSV)

Acts 19:1
And it came to pass, in Apollos' being in Corinth, Paul having gone through the upper parts, came to Ephesus, and having found certain disciples,
(See RSV)

1 Corinthians 1:12
and I say this, that each one of you saith, 'I, indeed, am of Paul' -- 'and I of Apollos,' -- 'and I of Cephas,' -- 'and I of Christ.'
(See RSV)

1 Corinthians 3:4
for when one may say, 'I, indeed, am of Paul;' and another, 'I -- of Apollos;' are ye not fleshly?
(See RSV)

1 Corinthians 3:5
Who, then, is Paul, and who Apollos, but ministrants through whom ye did believe, and to each as the Lord gave?
(See RSV)

1 Corinthians 3:6
I planted, Apollos watered, but God was giving growth;
(See RSV)

1 Corinthians 3:22
whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things about to be -- all are yours,
(See RSV)

1 Corinthians 4:6
And these things, brethren, I did transfer to myself and to Apollos because of you, that in us ye may learn not to think above that which hath been written, that ye may not be puffed up one for one against the other,
(See RSV)

1 Corinthians 16:12
and concerning Apollos our brother, much I did entreat him that he may come unto you with the brethren, and it was not at all 'his' will that he may come now, and he will come when he may find convenient.
(See RSV)

Titus 3:13
Zenas the lawyer and Apollos bring diligently on their way, that nothing to them may be lacking,
(See RSV)

Thesaurus
Apol'los (10 Occurrences)
Apol'los. Apollos, Apol'los. Apollyon . Multi-Version Concordance
Apol'los (10 Occurrences). Acts 18:24 And a certain Jew, Apollos ...
/a/apol'los.htm - 9k

Apollyon (1 Occurrence)

/a/apollyon.htm - 12k

Apollos (11 Occurrences)

/a/apollos.htm - 16k

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