Apollos in the bible new testament
Apollos is a significant figure in the New Testament of the Bible, mentioned in Acts 18:24-28, 1 Corinthians 1:12, 3:4-6, 4:6, 16:12, and Philemon 1:24. Here's a brief overview of his life and significance:
Who was Apollos?
Apollos was a Jewish Christian from Alexandria, Egypt, who was well-versed in the Scriptures and had a strong understanding of the Old Testament. He was a skilled speaker and teacher, and his eloquence and knowledge of the Scriptures made him a popular figure in the early Christian church.
Meeting with Priscilla and Aquila
Apollos arrived in Ephesus, where he began to preach about Jesus, but he only knew about John's baptism and not about the Holy Spirit. Priscilla and Aquila, a Christian couple who had been expelled from Rome, took Apollos under their wing and instructed him about the way of God more accurately (Acts 18:24-28). This encounter had a profound impact on Apollos, and he became a powerful preacher and teacher in his own right.
Ministry in Corinth
Apollos traveled to Corinth, where he preached about Jesus, using his eloquence and knowledge of the Scriptures to win many converts. However, his ministry was not without controversy. Some of the Corinthian Christians began to identify themselves as "followers of Apollos" rather than "followers of Christ" (1 Corinthians 1:12), which caused Paul to write a letter to the Corinthians to correct this error.
Paul's relationship with Apollos
Paul and Apollos had a close relationship, and Paul considered Apollos a brother in Christ. In 1 Corinthians 3:4-6, Paul writes that Apollos was a fellow worker, and in 1 Corinthians 4:6, he mentions Apollos as one of the leaders in the Corinthian church. Apollos also appears to have been a trusted emissary of Paul, as he is mentioned alongside Timothy and others in Philemon 1:24.
Legacy
Apollos' legacy is significant, as he played a key role in spreading the gospel in the early Christian church. His eloquence and knowledge of the Scriptures made him a powerful preacher and teacher, and his ministry helped to establish the church in Corinth. Additionally, his relationship with Paul and his involvement in the Corinthian church demonstrate the importance of unity and cooperation among early Christian leaders.
Overall, Apollos is an important figure in the New Testament, representing the power of the gospel and the importance of unity and cooperation among early Christian leaders.