Lexical Summary logios: Eloquent, learned Original Word: λόγιος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance eloquent. From logos; fluent, i.e. An orator -- eloquent. see GREEK logos HELPS Word-studies 3052 lógios (from 3056 /lógos, "reason, word") – properly, characterized by divine reason (used only in Ac 18:24). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom logos Definition learned, eloquent NASB Translation eloquent (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3052: λόγιοςλόγιος, λόγιον (λόγος), in classical Greek 1. learned, a man of letters, skilled in literature and the arts; especially versed in history and antiquities. 2. skilled in speech, eloquent: so Acts 18:24 (which, however, others refer to 1 (finding its explanation in the following δυαντος κτλ.)). The use of the word is fully exhibited by Lobeck ad Phryn., p. 198. ((Herodotus, Euripides, others)) The adjective λόγιος (Strong’s Greek 3052) conveys the idea of cultivated learning expressed in articulate, persuasive speech. Scripture employs the word once, applying it to Apollos in Acts 18:24, yet its implications reverberate throughout biblical teaching on wisdom, instruction, and proclamation. Scriptural Occurrence Acts 18:24: “Meanwhile a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, arrived in Ephesus. He was a learned man, well versed in the Scriptures.” The narrative frames Apollos as a bridge between a Hellenistic center of scholarship (Alexandria) and the gospel-advancing hubs of Ephesus and Corinth. Historical and Cultural Setting • Alexandria’s intellectual climate: home to the famous library and the Septuagint translation, nurturing Jews trained in both Hebrew traditions and Greek rhetoric. Apollos in Apostolic Mission 1. Scriptural competency: Luke emphasizes Apollos’ thorough knowledge of “the Scriptures,” demonstrating that true eloquence rests on divine revelation, not human sophistication alone. Biblical Theology of Eloquence and Learning • Positive valuation: Moses was “mighty in words” (Acts 7:22); Wisdom literature extols persuasive speech that rests on God’s fear (Proverbs 15:23; 25:11-12). Related Concepts and Passages • διδάσκαλος (teacher) — Ephesians 4:11; James 3:1. Ministry Implications 1. Pursue disciplined study of Scripture while depending on the Spirit (2 Timothy 2:15; John 14:26). Reception in Church History Early Fathers commended Apollos as a model of Scripture-saturated preaching. Origen of Alexandria cited him when urging exegetical precision; Chrysostom appealed to his example to balance rhetorical training with doctrinal fidelity. Reformers likewise urged pastors to combine “holy learning” with pastoral warmth, echoing Apollos’ synthesis of scholarship and zeal. Contemporary Relevance Modern ministry faces information overload and rhetorical spectacle. The solitary use of λόγιος highlights that God can employ refined learning for kingdom advance, yet only when anchored in the Word and subordinated to Christ’s cross. Churches are thus called to nurture both Apolloses and Aquilas, merging scholarship, clear proclamation, and gracious correction for the health of the gospel witness. |
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