Topical Bible: Diligence: Apollos

◄ Diligence: Apollos ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Apollos is a notable figure in the New Testament, recognized for his fervent spirit and diligent work in the early Christian church. His account is primarily found in the Acts of the Apostles and the Pauline Epistles, where he is depicted as a learned and eloquent man, deeply committed to the spread of the Gospel.

Background and Early Ministry

Apollos was a Jew from Alexandria, a city renowned for its great library and as a center of learning and culture. Acts 18:24-25 introduces him as "an eloquent man, well-versed in the Scriptures." His knowledge of the Hebrew Scriptures and his ability to teach them effectively made him a valuable asset to the early Christian community. Apollos was "fervent in spirit" and "taught accurately about Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John" (Acts 18:25). This indicates that while he was passionate and knowledgeable, his understanding of the full Christian doctrine was initially incomplete.

Instruction by Priscilla and Aquila

Apollos' diligence is further exemplified by his willingness to learn and grow in his faith. In Ephesus, he encountered Priscilla and Aquila, a Christian couple who took him aside and "explained to him the way of God more accurately" (Acts 18:26). This encounter highlights Apollos' humility and openness to correction, traits that are essential for anyone seeking to diligently serve in ministry.

Ministry in Achaia

After his time in Ephesus, Apollos traveled to Achaia, where he continued his ministry with great effectiveness. Acts 18:27-28 records that "he greatly helped those who had believed through grace. For he powerfully refuted the Jews in public debate, proving from the Scriptures that Jesus is the Christ" . His ability to engage in public debate and his deep understanding of the Scriptures were instrumental in strengthening the faith of believers and convincing others of the truth of the Gospel.

Role in the Corinthian Church

Apollos' work in Corinth is mentioned in 1 Corinthians, where the Apostle Paul addresses divisions within the church. Some members of the Corinthian church claimed allegiance to Apollos, while others aligned themselves with Paul or Cephas. 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. This passage underscores Apollos' significant role in the growth of the Corinthian church and highlights the collaborative nature of ministry.

Legacy and Influence

Apollos' diligence in ministry left a lasting impact on the early church. His commitment to teaching and his ability to articulate the Gospel with clarity and conviction made him a respected leader among early Christians. His account serves as an example of how diligence, coupled with humility and a willingness to learn, can lead to effective ministry and the advancement of God's kingdom.

In summary, Apollos exemplifies the virtue of diligence through his fervent spirit, his dedication to learning and teaching, and his impactful ministry in the early church. His life and work continue to inspire believers to pursue their calling with zeal and commitment.

Nave's Topical Index

Acts 18:25
This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spoke and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The First Epistle to the Corinthians
... for the party spirit, when he says: "Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas ... With great
diligence and care and solicitude for the welfare of the congregation the ...
/.../drummond/introduction to the new testament/the first epistle to the.htm

2 Timothy iv. 13-Sep
... "Do thy diligence to come ... and Aquila." These are they of whom he makes continual
mention, with whom too he had lodged, and who had taken Apollos to them. ...
/.../homily x 2 timothy iv.htm

The Answer Concerning the Trampling Down of Shame, and the Danger ...
... of old men are not to be measured by grey hairs but by their diligence in youth ... to
cure his passion, but how to gratify his lust, the Abbot Apollos, [1188] the ...
/.../cassian/the works of john cassian /chapter xiii the answer concerning 2.htm

The Trading Servants
... Equal diligence will issue in equal results in the development of character, and ...
It is the 'pound' that gains the 'pounds.' 'Paul planted, Apollos watered, but ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/the trading servants.htm

1 Cor. I. 10
... But if it was not by wisdom of speech,' why did they send Apollos who was ... the present
is a season of peace;)"but so as to display that diligence which cometh ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily iii 1 cor i.htm

Ep. vi.
... and Apollos (I mean your honourable self) watered; [4734] but God gave the increase
to our honour, that a memorial might remain among you of my diligence, as ...
/.../cyril/select letters of saint gregory nazianzen/ep vi.htm

Should Reply be Made?
... "Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of ... He shamed their partisan
spirit, in which some claimed to be of Paul, some of Apollos, some of Christ. ...
/.../concerning the assumptions of destructive criticism/ii should reply be made.htm

The Theme of Acts
... What a lesson of lowliness and of diligence it gives us! The jangling church at
Corinth fought about whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas was the man to lead the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/the theme of acts.htm

Matt. xxiii. 1-3.
... of the teacher's chair, this He brings forward, and corrects with diligence, touching
this ... Paul also saith, "For who is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily lxxii matt xxiii 1-3.htm

1 Cor. xiv. 1
... and who is Apollos? ... But do thou, I pray, consider, how every where he hath given
diligence to free the gift from censure, and to bring round the charge to the ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xxxv 1 cor xiv.htm