Apollos: Paul Writes Titus About
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Apollos is a significant figure in the New Testament, known for his eloquence and deep knowledge of the Scriptures. He was a Jewish Christian from Alexandria, a city renowned for its rich intellectual and cultural heritage. Apollos is first introduced in the Book of Acts, where he is described as "an eloquent man, well-versed in the Scriptures" (Acts 18:24). His ministry played a crucial role in the early Christian church, particularly in Ephesus and Corinth.

Background and Ministry

Apollos arrived in Ephesus, where he began to speak boldly in the synagogue. However, his understanding of the Christian faith was incomplete, as he only knew the baptism of John. Priscilla and Aquila, fellow workers in Christ, took him aside and "explained to him the way of God more accurately" (Acts 18:26). This encounter significantly enhanced his ministry, allowing him to become a powerful advocate for the Gospel.

After his time in Ephesus, Apollos traveled to Achaia, where he "greatly helped those who had believed through grace" (Acts 18:27). His ability to "powerfully refute the Jews in public debate, proving from the Scriptures that Jesus is the Christ" (Acts 18:28) made him an influential figure in the early church.

Paul's Reference to Apollos in His Letters

The Apostle Paul mentions Apollos in several of his epistles, highlighting the respect and recognition he had within the early Christian community. In 1 Corinthians, Paul addresses divisions within the church, where some believers claimed allegiance to different leaders, including Apollos. Paul writes, "I planted the seed and Apollos watered it, but God made it grow" (1 Corinthians 3:6), emphasizing that both he and Apollos were merely servants through whom the Corinthians came to believe.

Paul's mention of Apollos in his letter to Titus provides further insight into their relationship and Apollos' ongoing ministry. In Titus 3:13, Paul instructs Titus, "Do your best to speed Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way; see that they lack nothing" . This directive indicates that Apollos was actively involved in missionary work and that Paul held him in high regard, ensuring that he had the necessary support for his journey.

Theological Significance

Apollos' account underscores the importance of sound teaching and the role of mentorship in the early church. His initial lack of complete understanding, followed by his instruction by Priscilla and Aquila, highlights the necessity of accurate doctrine and the willingness to learn and grow in faith. Apollos' ability to effectively communicate and defend the Gospel serves as an example of the power of eloquence and knowledge when used in service to God.

Furthermore, Paul's references to Apollos in his letters illustrate the unity and cooperation among early Christian leaders. Despite potential for rivalry, Paul and Apollos worked towards the common goal of spreading the Gospel, demonstrating the importance of collaboration and mutual respect within the body of Christ.
Nave's Topical Index
Titus 3:13
Bring Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey diligently, that nothing be wanting to them.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Titus i. 4-Jan
... And he summons Zenas, and orders Apollos to be sent to ... time seems to have since elapsed,
and Paul, when he ... And he writes a short Epistle, with good reason, and ...
/.../homily i titus i 4-jan.htm

2 Timothy iv. 13-Sep
... For Titus was one of the most admirable men, so that ... and a man of fortitude; of him
Paul writes, "whose praise ... he had lodged, and who had taken Apollos to them ...
/.../homily x 2 timothy iv.htm

Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists.
... Mark, Luke, Timothy, Titus, Silas, Epaphras, Trophimus, and Apollos. ... Paul's own language
implies that the position which ... a close when the apostle writes." [705 ...
/.../section 60 apostles prophets evangelists.htm

1 Timothy iii. 4-Jan
... Luke 15:33.) Why are not these things required by Paul? ... For he had said, "I have
planted, Apollos watered, but ... to preside in every city, as he writes to Titus ...
/.../homily x 1 timothy iii.htm

The Epistles of Paul.
... towards the brethren to whom he writes, and the ... That was certainly written during
Paul's last imprisonment ... his third missionary tour (when Apollos appears for ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxx the epistles of.htm

Introduction. By the American Reviser.
... three lines; 2 Timothy, one to 3.22; Titus, one to ... He has the same advantage with
Apollos in having ... Paul writes from Rome to Timothy, "Take Mark and bring him ...
/.../introduction by the american reviser.htm

What is Sanctification?
... Then about four years later, while a prisoner at Rome, he writes back to ... the author
of the epistle to the Hebrews; but whether Paul or Apollos, it abounds ...
/.../byers/sanctification/chapter i what is sanctification.htm

The Epistle to the Hebrews.
... He answers the description of 2:3, writes pure Greek ... at the request and in the name
of Paul, who suggested ... The Apollos hypothesis has been the most popular until ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 100 the epistle to.htm

The Ecclesiastical History of sozomenus
... X.--The Bishop of Rome writes to the ... Concerning the Monks of Theba??s: Apollos, Dorotheus;
concerning ... John, Mark, Macarius, Apollodorus, Moses, Paul, who was ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sozomen/the ecclesiastical history of sozomenus/

Philippians i. 18-20
... still he writes to the Philippians, I may be ... my body." They forsooth expected to
catch Paul in this ... a figure transferred to myself and Apollos." (1 Corinthians ...
/.../homily iii philippians i 18-20.htm

Resources
Who was Chloe in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Why are there so many Christian denominations? | GotQuestions.org

Who wrote the Book of Hebrews? Who was the author of Hebrews? | GotQuestions.org

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Apollos: An Eloquent, Christian Convert at Corinth
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