Apollos
Israelite / Jew Jewish, born at Alexandria · Early Church · New Testament
- Role
- Eloquent teacher and preacher
- When
- c. AD 52-60s
What they did
An eloquent man, mighty in the scriptures, he was taught the way of God more perfectly by Priscilla and Aquila, then greatly helped the believers in Achaia, showing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ.
Why it matters: the purpose of their role
Paul wrote that he planted and Apollos watered, but God gave the increase, a reminder that all servants work together under God.
I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. 1 Corinthians 3:6 (KJV)
Bible references
And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus. This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John. And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly. Acts 18:24-26 (KJV)
And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him: who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through grace: For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publickly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ. Acts 18:27-28 (KJV)
Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. 1 Corinthians 3:5-6 (KJV)
Bring Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey diligently, that nothing be wanting unto them. Titus 3:13 (KJV)
Family
Scripture records little about this person's family.