Acts 18:24

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

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}.

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.

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

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

Commentary on Acts 18:24

This verse introduces a pivotal figure in the early church, Apollos, setting the stage for his significant ministry in Ephesus and Corinth. It highlights his background and remarkable spiritual gifts, preparing the reader for his encounter with Priscilla and Aquila and his subsequent impact on the nascent Christian movement.

Historical and Cultural Context

Apollos hailed from Alexandria, Egypt, a renowned intellectual and cultural hub in the Roman Empire. Alexandria was home to a large and influential Jewish community, known for its philosophical and scholarly pursuits. It was a center of Hellenistic Judaism, where the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Old Testament) originated. This background likely contributed to Apollos's deep understanding of the Old Testament scriptures and his eloquence, as Alexandrian scholarship often emphasized rhetorical skill and textual interpretation. His arrival in Ephesus, a major port city and religious center in Asia Minor, signifies the spread of the Gospel to key urban areas, influencing diverse populations.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Provision of Gifted Leaders: God continually raises up individuals with unique talents and backgrounds to further His kingdom. Apollos's arrival demonstrates God's strategic placement of gifted individuals.
  • The Power of Eloquence and Scripture: Apollos was both "eloquent" and "mighty in the scriptures." His ability to communicate effectively, combined with a profound knowledge of God's Word, made him a powerful evangelist and teacher. This underscores the importance of both spiritual gifting and diligent study.
  • Preparation for Ministry: Though Apollos initially had an incomplete understanding of the Christian message (as revealed in subsequent verses like Acts 18:25), he was already well-equipped in foundational areas. God often prepares individuals through their natural abilities and prior learning before calling them to full ministry.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "eloquent" is logios (λογιος), which can mean "learned," "skilled in discourse," or "eloquent." It suggests not just a natural speaking ability, but also a profound intellectual capacity and training in rhetoric. This aligns perfectly with the intellectual environment of Alexandria. The phrase "mighty in the scriptures" (δυνατὸς ἐν ταῖς γραφαῖς - dynatos en tais graphais) emphasizes his authoritative and powerful grasp of the Old Testament, indicating a deep, practical understanding beyond mere academic knowledge. He could effectively use the scriptures to prove his points, especially concerning the Messiah.

Related Scriptures

  • For Apollos's further development and ministry, see Acts 18:26 and 1 Corinthians 3:6, where Paul acknowledges Apollos's role in watering the seeds Paul planted.
  • The importance of being "mighty in the scriptures" is echoed in 2 Timothy 3:16, which states that "all scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness."

Practical Application

Apollos serves as an excellent example of how God uses diverse gifts for His glory. His story encourages believers to cultivate their natural talents and diligently study God's Word, knowing that these preparations can be powerfully used in His service. It also reminds us that even highly gifted individuals may need further instruction and refinement, highlighting the importance of mentorship and humble learning within the Christian community. Our commitment to understanding and proclaiming the Gospel message should be coupled with a readiness to grow and be taught.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back