Acts 18:23-28 – Paul’s third missionary journey & Apollos

Paul spent some time in Antioch before he started on his third missionary journey. He successively passed through the region of Galatia and Phrygia, places that he had been before (Acts 16:6). As he went through those region, he continued to strengthen the disciples.

In verse 24, we are introduced to Apollos, a Jew born in Alexandria, a leading city in Egypt in the ancient world and a center of learning. Apollos was described as an eloquent man, meaning he was a great orator and very well versed and thorough in his knowledge of the Scripture. Here he was in Ephesus.

As a believer, Apollos was well instructed in the way of the Lord. Having great eagerness, he spoke and taught everything concerning Jesus with accuracy. However, in matters relating to baptism, he was deficient being only acquainted with John’s Baptism. As he taught boldly in the synagogue, what he said caught Aquila and Priscilla’s attention. This couple remained in Ephesus to carry on the work that Paul had done there. It’s quite clear their ministry in Ephesus was still very much in the synagogue. Realizing Apollos’ lack, the couple took him aside and tutored him on God’s way more accurately. According to the NIV translation of the Bible, this was done in the privacy of the home.  

In verse 27 we read that he wanted to go to Achaia i.e. Corinth, where Paul had already established some work. Here we are not told the reason why he wanted to go to Corinth. But when he indicated his desire to go there, the brethren in Ephesus encouraged him and even wrote a letter of commendation.  It’s heartening to note that a church had already been established in Ephesus, in order for them to write this letter of commendation. When Apollos arrived at Corinth, he was a great help to those, who by God’s grace, had believed in the Lord. Being well acquainted with the Scriptures, Apollos was able to refute the Jews in public, and scripturally showed that Jesus was indeed the Christ. In Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians, we find the work of Apollos well documented in I Corinthians 1:2; 3:4-6, 22 and 4:6.

Here are two examples for our emulation:

(1)  Like Apollos, we must seek to be mighty in the Word and fervent in serving the Lord. How else can we be mighty in the Word except to make time to read, study, and reflect on the Word of God? How else can we be fervent in serving the Lord except to engage in a ministry committedly?

(2)  Like Aquila and Priscilla, we should not nitpick when we notice a fellow believer’s lack. Instead we should gently and graciously seek to correct without denigrating a brother or a sister.