The Apostles: Apollos

The name Apollos is Greek and means destroyer.

He described as being a devout Jew born in Alexandria.

We first meet Apollos in Acts 18. He is described as being “well-versed in the scriptures…he spoke with burning enthusiasm and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John.” 

The narrative goes on to explain that Priscilla and Aquila pulled him aside and explained about Jesus and “the way of God” to him. He was encouraged to write to the disciples and by grace was accepted. {Acts 18:24-28}

He is spoke fervently and passionately. “for he powerfully refuted the Jews in public, showing by the scriptures that the Messiah is Jesus.”   {Acts 18:28}

The next chapter gives us more information, which seemingly goes along with this passage.

When Paul arrived in Corinth, where Apollos is specifically mentioned as being, he asked the disciples he came upon if they received the Holy Spirit. They stated no, they only knew of John’s baptism. Paul told them of Jesus and laid hands on them and the Holy Spirit came upon them.  {Acts 19:1-6}

When Paul writes to the divided Corinth church, he specifically mentions Apollos.  “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth.”  {1 Corinthians 3:6}

Paul mentions him later, “Now concerning our brother Apollos, I strongly urged him to visit you with the other brothers, but he was not at all willing to come now. He will come when he has the opportunity.”  {1 Corinthians 16:12}  Although we are not told why Apollos wasn’t willing to come at that time, but it is promised he will come later.

He is mentioned on last time in Titus 3:13, “Make every effort to send Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way, and see that they lack nothing.”.

The early Christian writer, Jerome, states “that Apollos was so dissatisfied with the division at Corinth that he retired to Crete with Zenas” and goes on to say once Paul writes to the church and healing takes place “Apollos returned to the city and became one of its elders.”

Apollos is regarded as a saint by some of the churches, but I was unable to find any additional information on him.