“Apollos, a wonderful Bible teacher and preacher, had just arrived in Ephesus from Alexandria in Egypt. While he was in Egypt, someone had told him about John the Baptist and what John had said about Jesus, but that is all he knew. He had never heard the rest of the story! So he was preaching boldly and enthusiastically in the synagogue . . . Priscilla and Aquila were there and heard him—and it was a powerful sermon. Afterwards they met with him and explained . . . ” (Acts 18:24-25, LB).
Characteristics of Apollos
- An educated (learned) man. Academic knowledge is not enough.
- Eloquent in speech.
- Mighty in the Scripture. He was dynamic in his preaching. He was well acquainted with the Old Testament law and the prophets. Note that the New Testament never records any other preacher as “mighty in the Scriptures.”
- Instructed in the way of the Lord.
- Fervent in spirit. He had the zeal and desire to spread the truth. He was on fire for God. The Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown Commentary says, “He burned to impart to others the truth he had himself received.”
- Taught diligently the things of the Lord. He was a hard worker.
- Well versed in Scripture. However, his message and understanding was incomplete.
- A bold man.
“Like many preachers what Apollos said was quite true. What he left out demonstrated his inadequate understanding of Christian truth.” (Holman New Testament Commentary—Acts; General Editor—Max Anders, Author—Kenneth O. Gangel)
He needed the rest of the story.
James Poitras 