Theme: The Impact of Unsung Heroes in the Bible
Topic: Apollos: An Evangelist
Main Texts: Acts 18:24-28
Key verse: Acts 18: 25a – ‘This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things of the Lord,’ (NKJV)
Introduction:
Apollos is a significant but sometimes overlooked figure in the New Testament. He played a key role in spreading the gospel and strengthening the early church as a gifted, learned, and anointed preacher, teacher, and robust apologist. Apollos was a Jewish Christian born in Alexandria, the second most important city in the Roman Empire and home to a great university. He was well taught in the Old Testament Scriptures (which was what the early church had), passionate about God, eloquent, and bold. However, he knew only “the baptism of John” (Acts 18:25). John focused on repentance from sin, and his baptism was to prepare Israel for the Messiah’s arrival. Apollos accepted that message, which included the truth that Jesus of Nazareth was the Messiah, but he did not understand the significance of Christ’s death and resurrection, the ministry of the Holy Spirit, and the place of the church. His knowledge was incomplete but, with what knowledge he had, ‘he spoke and taught accurately, and with boldness, the things of the Lord’ (Acts 18:25a). Aquila and Priscilla, having heard him, took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately, filling in the gaps in his understanding of Jesus Christ (Acts 18:26). The interaction of Apollos with Aquilla and Priscilla was of tremendous benefit to the church in general. This godly couple refined his knowledge, increasing his effectiveness as an evangelist. This interaction also shows that Apollos was a willing learner, responsive to correction, and focused on the work God called him to do.
Q1. (1a) What are some of the characteristics of Apollos as described in Acts 18:24-28? Which of these characteristics do you admire the most and why? (1b) What was Apollos lacking in his understanding of the gospel? (1c) What does this passage teach us about mentorship and discipleship in Christian growth?
Paragraph 2:
Apollos was a scholar, orator, and debater. After he gained a more complete understanding of Christ and the gospel, Apollos—mighty in Scriptures, eloquent in speech, and fervent in spirit—continued his preaching ministry with great effectiveness. He made such a significant impression on the church in Ephesus that when he left for Achaia (which included Athens and Corinth), the church sent him with letters of commendation. God used him as a powerful apologist in Achaia (Acts 18:28), enabling him to vigorously refute the Jews in public, proving that Jesus is the Messiah. Through his ministry, many turned to God and grew in faith. Apollos had a remarkable talent for public speaking and a great message to go along with it. Effective communication of the gospel includes an accurate message delivered in God’s power. God greatly used Apollos’s gifts to strengthen and encourage the church. Not everyone is an orator, but everyone is gifted by God in some way and your gift can help the church grow if you offer it to God and develop it under His guidance.
Q2. (2a) What impact did Apollos have after receiving further instruction from Aquila and Priscilla?
(2b) Everyone has a role in God’s Kingdom. Read Romans 12:4-8. Let participants discuss how this Scripture played out in our text (Acts 18:24-28). (2c) Read 2 Timothy 2:15 and Romans 12:11. These passages point to where every believer should be. What role do you think these characteristics played in the life of Apollos? How can we practice these Scriptures in our situation today?
Paragraph 3:
In Corinth, Apollos built upon Paul’s foundation, “watering” what Paul had sown (1 Corinthians 3:6). Unfortunately, some believers began to focus more on him than his message, and division arose in the church as a result of such carnality (1 Corinthians 1:12-13). Paul addressed this issue by reminding them that both he and Apollos were simply servants through whom they had come to believe (1 Corinthians 3:5). Apollos dedicated himself to evangelism and apologetics while Aquila and Priscilla focused on discipleship, each playing a vital role in the other’s ministry behind the scenes. Like Apollos, we too can make a meaningful impact by using the gifts and skills He has given us to do what we can where we are.
Q3. (3a) What does 1 Corinthians 3:5-7 teach us about church growth? (3b) What unseen roles have people played in your spiritual growth? (3c) Are there areas in your life where you need to be more open to correction and deeper teaching? What will you do about it?
Prayer: Our dear heavenly Father, we thank You for the many unsung heroes You have used to help us in our walk with You. Today, we pray that each one of us, like Apollos will become unsung heroes in the lives of others just by doing what You have called us to do. Amen.
