Acts 18:24

KJV

¶ And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, [and] mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} a certain {G5100} Jew {G2453} named {G3686} Apollos {G625}, born {G1085} at Alexandria {G221}, an eloquent {G3052} man {G435}, and mighty {G5607}{G1415} in {G1722} the scriptures {G1124}, came {G2658} to {G1519} Ephesus {G2181}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Meanwhile, a Jewish man named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was an eloquent speaker with a thorough knowledge of the Tanakh.

Berean Standard Bible

Meanwhile a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was an eloquent man, well versed in the Scriptures.

American Standard Version

Now a certain Jew named Apollos, an Alexandrian by race, an eloquent man, came to Ephesus; and he was mighty in the scriptures.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 18:24 introduces Apollos, a Jewish believer from Alexandria, Egypt, who arrives in Ephesus. The verse highlights his remarkable intellectual and spiritual gifts: he was an eloquent speaker and possessed a profound, authoritative knowledge of the Old Testament Scriptures. This initial description sets the stage for his significant role in the burgeoning early Christian movement, particularly his subsequent encounter with Priscilla and Aquila, who would further refine his understanding of the Christian faith.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse marks a significant transition in the narrative of Acts. Paul has just departed from Corinth, leaving Priscilla and Aquila in Ephesus before continuing his journey to Antioch. The introduction of Apollos immediately after Paul's departure underscores the ongoing, divinely orchestrated expansion of the Gospel, demonstrating that God is continually raising up and deploying gifted individuals for His purposes. Apollos's arrival in Ephesus, a key city for early Christian missions, signals a new phase of ministry in that region, setting the stage for his impactful work there and later in Corinth, as detailed in the subsequent verses of [Acts 18](/acts/18 "Acts 18 - Paul's Third Missionary Journey and Apollos's Ministry") and [1 Corinthians](/1_corinthians/1 "1 Corinthians - Divisions and Christian Conduct").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Apollos's origin in **Alexandria, Egypt**, is crucial to understanding his character. Alexandria was one of the ancient world's most prominent intellectual and cultural centers, second only to Rome. It boasted a vast library, a vibrant philosophical tradition, and a large, influential Jewish community that had deeply engaged with Hellenistic thought. The Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Old Testament, originated there, indicating a strong tradition of scriptural study and interpretation in Greek. This environment would have fostered Apollos's eloquence and deep knowledge of the Scriptures. His arrival in **Ephesus**, a major Roman port city and the capital of the Roman province of Asia, further highlights the strategic spread of the Gospel. Ephesus was a hub of trade, culture, and pagan worship (most notably the Temple of Artemis), making it a vital center for Christian evangelism and church planting.
* **Key Themes:** The introduction of Apollos immediately brings forth several key themes. First, it emphasizes **Divine Provision and Strategic Placement**, showing how God raises up and positions gifted individuals like Apollos to advance His kingdom, even as other key figures like Paul move on. Second, the verse highlights the **Power of Eloquence and Scriptural Mastery** in ministry. Apollos's gifts of speech and deep understanding of the [Old Testament Scriptures](/romans/15-4 "Romans 15:4 - The Purpose of Scripture") made him a formidable and effective communicator of truth. Third, it subtly introduces the theme of **Preparation and Further Instruction**, as subsequent verses will reveal that despite his impressive gifts, Apollos's understanding of the Christian message was initially incomplete, necessitating the further teaching he received from Priscilla and Aquila, demonstrating the ongoing need for discipleship and theological refinement even for highly gifted individuals, as seen in [Acts 18:25-26](/acts/18-25-26 "Acts 18:25-26 - Apollos's Initial Knowledge and Further Instruction").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **eloquent (Greek, _lógios'_):** From G3052, this term describes someone who is "fluent," an "orator," or "learned." It suggests not merely a natural gift for speaking, but a cultivated skill in rhetoric and discourse, likely honed in the intellectual environment of Alexandria. Apollos was not just a good talker; he was a master of words, capable of persuasive and compelling communication.
* **mighty (Greek, _dynatós'_):** From G1415, this word means "powerful" or "capable," indicating strength or ability. When applied to Apollos "in the scriptures," it signifies that his grasp of the Old Testament was not superficial but profound, authoritative, and effective. He possessed a powerful ability to wield the Scriptures, likely for argumentation, teaching, and proclamation.
* **scriptures (Greek, _graphḗ'_):** From G1124, this term refers to "a document," specifically "holy Writ" or its contents. In the context of the New Testament, it almost exclusively refers to the Old Testament. Apollos's might in the Scriptures meant he had a deep, comprehensive, and authoritative knowledge of the Hebrew Bible, which was foundational for understanding the coming of the Messiah.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And a certain Jew named Apollos":** This clause introduces the subject, Apollos, identifying him as a Jew. The use of "certain" (G5100, _tìs_) suggests he was a particular individual of note, though perhaps not yet widely known to the immediate audience of Acts. His Jewish background is significant, as it implies his familiarity with the Old Testament and the Jewish traditions.
* **"born at Alexandria":** This specifies Apollos's place of origin, Alexandria (G221, _Alexandreús_), a city renowned for its intellectual and cultural vibrancy, especially within the Jewish diaspora. This detail provides crucial context for understanding his intellectual prowess and rhetorical skill.
* **"an eloquent man":** This phrase describes Apollos's rhetorical ability (G3052, _lógios_). He possessed a natural or cultivated skill in speaking, making him a compelling communicator. This gift would have been invaluable for preaching and teaching.
* **"and mighty in the scriptures":** This highlights Apollos's profound knowledge and authoritative grasp of the Old Testament (G1124, _graphḗ_). The term "mighty" (G1415, _dynatós_) indicates that he was powerful and effective in his use and interpretation of the Scriptures, able to expound them with force and conviction.
* **"came to Ephesus":** This final clause states Apollos's destination (G2181, _Éphesos_), a strategically important city in Asia Minor. His arrival there signifies the providential movement of gifted individuals to key centers for the spread of the Gospel.

#### Literary Devices
Luke's introduction of Apollos in Acts 18:24 employs several effective literary devices. The most prominent is **Character Introduction**, where Apollos is presented with a concise yet impactful summary of his key attributes: his origin, his eloquence, and his scriptural mastery. This serves to immediately establish his significance and prepare the reader for his subsequent actions. There is also an element of **Foreshadowing**, as these impressive qualities hint at the substantial role he is about to play in the unfolding narrative of the early church, particularly in Ephesus and Corinth. The mention of his specific geographical origins and destination (Alexandria and Ephesus) utilizes **Setting** to provide crucial historical and cultural context, grounding Apollos's gifts within the intellectual currents of his time and highlighting the strategic locations for the Gospel's spread. Finally, the succinct description of his dual gifts—"eloquent" and "mighty in the scriptures"—creates a sense of **Apposition** or complementary attributes, emphasizing the powerful combination of rhetorical skill and theological depth that defined Apollos.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Apollos's introduction underscores the divine orchestration of ministry and the diverse ways God equips His servants. His natural gifts of eloquence, coupled with a diligent study and profound understanding of the Old Testament Scriptures, demonstrate that God uses both inherent talents and cultivated knowledge for His kingdom purposes. This passage illustrates the principle that God raises up leaders with specific aptitudes to meet the needs of a growing church, ensuring the continuous proclamation of the Gospel. It also implicitly highlights the foundational importance of the Old Testament as the bedrock upon which the New Testament revelation of Christ is built, showing how a deep grasp of the former is essential for effectively communicating the latter.

* [Romans 12:6-8](/romans/12-6-8 "Romans 12:6-8 - Diverse Spiritual Gifts") - Paul discusses the diversity of spiritual gifts given by God for the building up of the body, which Apollos clearly exemplifies.
* [2 Timothy 2:15](/2_timothy/2-15 "2 Timothy 2:15 - Diligence in Handling Scripture") - This verse emphasizes the importance of diligently studying and accurately handling the word of truth, a quality evident in Apollos's being "mighty in the scriptures."
* [1 Corinthians 3:6](/1_corinthians/3-6 "1 Corinthians 3:6 - God Gives the Growth") - Paul later acknowledges Apollos's role in "watering" the seeds Paul planted, illustrating the cooperative nature of ministry and God's sovereignty in giving the growth.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Apollos's story in Acts 18:24 offers profound lessons for believers today. First, it reminds us that God sovereignly raises up and uses individuals with diverse gifts and backgrounds. We are encouraged to identify and cultivate our own natural talents and spiritual gifts, recognizing that they are not merely for personal benefit but for the advancement of God's kingdom. Just as Apollos diligently studied the Scriptures, we are called to be students of God's Word, seeking a deep and authoritative understanding that can be powerfully applied and communicated. His initial incomplete understanding, later refined by Priscilla and Aquila, also serves as a humble reminder that even the most gifted among us can benefit from mentorship, correction, and ongoing theological growth within the community of faith. This passage challenges us to embrace both personal excellence in our gifts and a humble posture of lifelong learning, always ready to be taught and to teach others with both skill and spiritual insight. Our aim should be to effectively communicate the truth of the Gospel, rooted in a robust understanding of Scripture.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What natural talents or abilities has God given you, and how might you cultivate them for His service, similar to Apollos's eloquence?**
* **How "mighty in the scriptures" are you? What steps can you take to deepen your understanding and application of God's Word in your life?**
* **Who are the "Priscillas and Aquilas" in your life who can help refine your understanding or ministry, and are you open to their instruction?**
* **How does Apollos's story encourage you to step out in faith and use your gifts, even if you feel your understanding is not yet complete?**

### FAQ

**Who was Apollos and why was he important?**
Answer: Apollos was a Jewish Christian from Alexandria, Egypt, introduced in [Acts 18:24](/acts/18-24 "Acts 18:24 - Introduction of Apollos"). He was significant because he was an eloquent speaker and had a profound knowledge of the Old Testament Scriptures, which he used to powerfully preach about Jesus. He played a crucial role in the early church, particularly in Ephesus and Corinth, where he built upon Paul's work, "watering" the seeds that Paul had planted ([1 Corinthians 3:6](/1_corinthians/3-6 "1 Corinthians 3:6 - Paul and Apollos's Roles")).

**What does it mean that Apollos was "mighty in the scriptures"?**
Answer: Being "mighty in the scriptures" (Greek: _dynatós en tais graphaîs_) means Apollos possessed a powerful, authoritative, and deep understanding of the Old Testament. He wasn't just familiar with the texts; he could effectively interpret, explain, and apply them, especially in demonstrating how they pointed to Jesus as the Messiah. This skill made him a formidable debater and teacher, capable of convincing both Jews and Greeks through scriptural argumentation ([Acts 18:28](/acts/18-28 "Acts 18:28 - Apollos's Public Ministry")).

**How did Apollos's background in Alexandria influence his ministry?**
Answer: Alexandria was a major intellectual and cultural center in the Roman Empire, known for its vast library and a large, influential Jewish community that engaged deeply with Hellenistic thought. This environment fostered rhetorical skill and a scholarly approach to the Scriptures, as evidenced by the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Old Testament) originating there. Apollos's Alexandrian background likely contributed to his eloquence and his profound, systematic understanding of the Scriptures, preparing him for his effective ministry.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Apollos, though a powerful and gifted individual in his own right, ultimately points beyond himself to Christ. His "might in the scriptures" and his eloquence were not ends in themselves but served to magnify the One who is the fulfillment of all Scripture. The Old Testament, which Apollos so masterfully expounded, is not merely a collection of historical accounts or moral laws, but a grand narrative consistently pointing to the coming Messiah. Apollos's ministry, especially after being taught "the way of God more accurately" by Priscilla and Aquila ([Acts 18:26](/acts/18-26 "Acts 18:26 - Priscilla and Aquila Teach Apollos")), became a powerful demonstration of how the Law and the Prophets testify to Jesus. He would "powerfully refute the Jews in public, demonstrating by the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ" ([Acts 18:28](/acts/18-28 "Acts 18:28 - Apollos Proves Jesus is the Christ")). Thus, Apollos's intellectual prowess and scriptural depth were ultimately channeled into proclaiming the [Gospel of Jesus Christ](/romans/1-16 "Romans 1:16 - The Power of the Gospel"), who is the living Word and the ultimate revelation of God ([John 1:1-14](/john/1-1-14 "John 1:1-14 - The Word Became Flesh")). His story reminds us that all true eloquence and biblical knowledge find their highest purpose in exalting the Lord Jesus, who is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end of God's redemptive story ([Revelation 22:13](/revelation/22-13 "Revelation 22:13 - Jesus, the Alpha and Omega")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Corinthians 4:6

And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and [to] Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think [of men] above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another.

1 Corinthians 3:5

¶ Who then is Paul, and who [is] Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man?

1 Corinthians 3:6

I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.

Titus 3:13

Bring Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey diligently, that nothing be wanting unto them.

1 Corinthians 16:12

As touching [our] brother Apollos, I greatly desired him to come unto you with the brethren: but his will was not at all to come at this time; but he will come when he shall have convenient time.

1 Corinthians 1:12

Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.

Acts 6:9

Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called [the synagogue] of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen.