| APOLLOS: PATIENCE WITH SCRIPTURE - In A Hurry Up To Go Nowhere World |
Scripture: Acts 18:24-28
24. And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the
scriptures, came to Ephesus.
25. This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake
and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John.
26. And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had
heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.
27. And when he was disposed top pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the
disciples to receive him: who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed
through grace:
28. For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publickly, shewing by the scriptures that
Jesus was Christ.
24. And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the
scriptures, came to Ephesus.
25. This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake
and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John.
26. And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had
heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.
27. And when he was disposed top pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the
disciples to receive him: who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed
through grace:
28. For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publickly, shewing by the scriptures that
Jesus was Christ.
First, A Word About Patience. In order for us to understand how a person does what he or she
does, it helps to first to get a sense of who they are. If we do not do this, we can miss the lesson
in character, and be blind to virtue that we have skipped over in our reading of the scripture. And
before we even talk about the patience of Apollos, let us ask, "What is patience?"
does, it helps to first to get a sense of who they are. If we do not do this, we can miss the lesson
in character, and be blind to virtue that we have skipped over in our reading of the scripture. And
before we even talk about the patience of Apollos, let us ask, "What is patience?"
In Roman 5:3, it says, "tribulation worketh patience." This patience is a noble quality of
character, sometimes translated "endurance." To get to the meaning, we can paint some pictures,
with the help of William Barclay's New Testament Words (Philadelphia: Westminster Press,
1964). This word or concept was not very common in the ancient world, because it is
understood "in the spirit" but not understood "in the flesh." It is the labor and toil (1 Corinthians
15:58) that has come upon a man [inc. against his will], the sting of grief, the shock of battle, the
coming of death. One of the interesting pictures painted by this word, is the ability of a plant to
live under hard and unfavorable circumstances (Barclay, p.143). Think, cactus in a desert.
character, sometimes translated "endurance." To get to the meaning, we can paint some pictures,
with the help of William Barclay's New Testament Words (Philadelphia: Westminster Press,
1964). This word or concept was not very common in the ancient world, because it is
understood "in the spirit" but not understood "in the flesh." It is the labor and toil (1 Corinthians
15:58) that has come upon a man [inc. against his will], the sting of grief, the shock of battle, the
coming of death. One of the interesting pictures painted by this word, is the ability of a plant to
live under hard and unfavorable circumstances (Barclay, p.143). Think, cactus in a desert.
In the new testament the noun form of this "patience" (Greek hupomone) is used 30 times, and
the verb ("to endure") about 15 times. It is often used in connection with tribulation (Roman 5:3,
trouble). In 2 Corinthians 6:4, Christians are to be approving ourselves "in much patience, in
afflictions, in necessties, in distresses.." This patience is also used in connection with faith.
James 1:3 says, "the trying of your faith worketh patience." This patience perfects faith. This
patience is connected wth hope (Roman 5:4). This patience and comfort produce hope (Romans
15:4). This patience is connected with joy; the Christian life is marked with patience and
long-suffering with joyfulness (Colossians 1:11).
the verb ("to endure") about 15 times. It is often used in connection with tribulation (Roman 5:3,
trouble). In 2 Corinthians 6:4, Christians are to be approving ourselves "in much patience, in
afflictions, in necessties, in distresses.." This patience is also used in connection with faith.
James 1:3 says, "the trying of your faith worketh patience." This patience perfects faith. This
patience is connected wth hope (Roman 5:4). This patience and comfort produce hope (Romans
15:4). This patience is connected with joy; the Christian life is marked with patience and
long-suffering with joyfulness (Colossians 1:11).
Now, about Apollos. Well, after that definition, shall we now talk about Apollos? Besides the
text which begins this article, Apollos is mentioned along with Paul and Peter in 1 Corinthians
1:10-12. This tells us that Apollos was a noteworthy person. What are the qualities of Apollos?
text which begins this article, Apollos is mentioned along with Paul and Peter in 1 Corinthians
1:10-12. This tells us that Apollos was a noteworthy person. What are the qualities of Apollos?
(1) "Eloquent". This eloquence is not something that necessarily comes with study and learning.
And some eloquent people do not have anything to say. But Apollos had something to say, and,
said it well. Some have learning, but not faith. Some have strong faith, but not much learning.
Apollos had both, strong faith and learning.
And some eloquent people do not have anything to say. But Apollos had something to say, and,
said it well. Some have learning, but not faith. Some have strong faith, but not much learning.
Apollos had both, strong faith and learning.
(2) "Born at Alexandria." In Egypt, Alexandria was a Mediterranean seacoast town that was
well known for its famous school and library. "Alexandria quickly became and long remained a
brilliant seat of learning." (New Bible Dictionary, 2nd Edit., Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House, 1982.
p.25). Its 'Museum' and research and teaching in arts and sciences, went along with, "the Library
which eventually contained thousands of works upon many tens of thousands of papyrus rolls" (
NBD, p.25). So it would appear that Apollos was a beneficiary of this, which is partly why
scripture mentions Alexandria in introducing him. Also, B.W. Johnson says that Alexandria was
a city where there were tens of thousands of Jews (The People New Testament With Notes.
Nashville, TN: Gospel Advocate, 1978. p.498). So there was access to the best of both worlds.
Incidentally, the Septuagint (Old Testament in Greek) was translated in that city. So from
Alexandria came the only Bible person described as "eloquent.
well known for its famous school and library. "Alexandria quickly became and long remained a
brilliant seat of learning." (New Bible Dictionary, 2nd Edit., Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House, 1982.
p.25). Its 'Museum' and research and teaching in arts and sciences, went along with, "the Library
which eventually contained thousands of works upon many tens of thousands of papyrus rolls" (
NBD, p.25). So it would appear that Apollos was a beneficiary of this, which is partly why
scripture mentions Alexandria in introducing him. Also, B.W. Johnson says that Alexandria was
a city where there were tens of thousands of Jews (The People New Testament With Notes.
Nashville, TN: Gospel Advocate, 1978. p.498). So there was access to the best of both worlds.
Incidentally, the Septuagint (Old Testament in Greek) was translated in that city. So from
Alexandria came the only Bible person described as "eloquent.
(3) "Mighty in the scriptures." Apollos might have known Hebrew, Latin, Greek, Geometry,
Geography, Agronomy, or others. I don't know. But the text says he was mighty in the
"scriptures." Whatever else he knew, it was subservient to his knowledge of scriptures. Many
people of the world, including some of the most esteemed professors, are mighty against the
scriptures, rather than mighty in the scriptures like Apollos. Ministers are charged to "give
attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine," 1 Timothy 4:13. Elders, who shepherd and
"feed the flock that is among you" (1 Peter 5:1-2), are also to "labor in the word and doctrine,"
1 Timothy 5:17.
Geography, Agronomy, or others. I don't know. But the text says he was mighty in the
"scriptures." Whatever else he knew, it was subservient to his knowledge of scriptures. Many
people of the world, including some of the most esteemed professors, are mighty against the
scriptures, rather than mighty in the scriptures like Apollos. Ministers are charged to "give
attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine," 1 Timothy 4:13. Elders, who shepherd and
"feed the flock that is among you" (1 Peter 5:1-2), are also to "labor in the word and doctrine,"
1 Timothy 5:17.
(4) "This man was instructed in the way of the Lord." He was teachable and was taught. And
because he could teach others, he remembered what he was taught, and did not try to block out
today what he was taught yesterday. In fact, he was willing to be corrected. In his diligent
teaching he was "knowing only the baptism of John." ( As in the last lesson #5 John the baptizer
was the forerunner who went before Christ, while still under the old testament. But after Christ
died, the doctrine changed to the one baptism of the new testament gospel, Acts 2:38; Ephesians
4:5.) After he was taught by Aquila and Priscilla, Apollos corrected himself, and taught the same
one baptism as Christians everywhere ought (cp. Acts 19:1-5). When Apollos then went to
Achaia, he did not revert back to the old baptism of John. (He did not excuse himself with, "Well
that's just the way I've done it, and I'm not changing") He was humble enough to keep pride out.
"A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit" (Proverbs
29:23). Even though he was eloquent, he received teaching from the tent-making couple (Acts
18:1-3). When Aquila and wife Priscilla "expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly,"
Apollos did not go to spilling over about his Alexandrian learning and culture. (See 1 Kings
4:29-30ff; Proverbs 9:10; Colossians 2:1-3; 2 Timothy 3:15. The root of any wisdom that is true,
whether Egyptian or Eastern or other, is God of the Bible.) For a person like Apollos - or for
anybody - it takes a special character and patience to admit the need to be corrected and to
change and to stay that way because it is right. Because of selfishness, spiritual blindness and
vainglory, many hide in the confusion, rather than be corrected. And a person already doing
right also has nothing to fear. So what is needed are overcomers of self, like Apollos. Proverbs
12:1, "Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish."
because he could teach others, he remembered what he was taught, and did not try to block out
today what he was taught yesterday. In fact, he was willing to be corrected. In his diligent
teaching he was "knowing only the baptism of John." ( As in the last lesson #5 John the baptizer
was the forerunner who went before Christ, while still under the old testament. But after Christ
died, the doctrine changed to the one baptism of the new testament gospel, Acts 2:38; Ephesians
4:5.) After he was taught by Aquila and Priscilla, Apollos corrected himself, and taught the same
one baptism as Christians everywhere ought (cp. Acts 19:1-5). When Apollos then went to
Achaia, he did not revert back to the old baptism of John. (He did not excuse himself with, "Well
that's just the way I've done it, and I'm not changing") He was humble enough to keep pride out.
"A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit" (Proverbs
29:23). Even though he was eloquent, he received teaching from the tent-making couple (Acts
18:1-3). When Aquila and wife Priscilla "expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly,"
Apollos did not go to spilling over about his Alexandrian learning and culture. (See 1 Kings
4:29-30ff; Proverbs 9:10; Colossians 2:1-3; 2 Timothy 3:15. The root of any wisdom that is true,
whether Egyptian or Eastern or other, is God of the Bible.) For a person like Apollos - or for
anybody - it takes a special character and patience to admit the need to be corrected and to
change and to stay that way because it is right. Because of selfishness, spiritual blindness and
vainglory, many hide in the confusion, rather than be corrected. And a person already doing
right also has nothing to fear. So what is needed are overcomers of self, like Apollos. Proverbs
12:1, "Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish."
| Beyond his Alexandrian culture and his eloquence, the main virtue of Apollos was his patience to receive correction in the doctrine of Christ. |
(5) "Fervent in the spirit." What he had learned, and what he had been instructed in, he
channeled into the scripture, and that captured his spirit. Apollos would be able to identify with
the great prophet Jeremiah. Under various pressures, at one point Jeremiah said he was no more
going to speak in God's name. Hah! "But his word was in my heart like a burning fire shut up
in my bones; I was weary of holding it back, and I could not" (Jeremiah 20:9, NKJV). Apollos
was a Christian, and not a fanatic, not an extremist over-compensator, not violent, no suicide
crasher, no anthrax spreader, no shoe bomber, and also no philosophical and political folly as a
substitute for scripture. He was sensible and understandable as well as fervent. All because he
was hearing and following the voice of Jesus Christ (John 10).
channeled into the scripture, and that captured his spirit. Apollos would be able to identify with
the great prophet Jeremiah. Under various pressures, at one point Jeremiah said he was no more
going to speak in God's name. Hah! "But his word was in my heart like a burning fire shut up
in my bones; I was weary of holding it back, and I could not" (Jeremiah 20:9, NKJV). Apollos
was a Christian, and not a fanatic, not an extremist over-compensator, not violent, no suicide
crasher, no anthrax spreader, no shoe bomber, and also no philosophical and political folly as a
substitute for scripture. He was sensible and understandable as well as fervent. All because he
was hearing and following the voice of Jesus Christ (John 10).
(6) "Disposed to pass into Achaia." Achaia is that island on the southern end of Greece.
That's right Greece, as in the Greek culture which was spread by Alexander the Great of
Macedon, including in Alexandria, Egypt (named after him). Greek history, language and culture
flourished among Egyptians and Jews in the place where Apollos was born. In Acts 6:1,9 those
"Grecian widows" in the church may well have been Alexandrian Greeks. Now it appears that
Apollos had a ready mind and willing spirit to use his abilities to convert erring sinners at Greece.
Is it not wise to do that for which life has prepared you?
That's right Greece, as in the Greek culture which was spread by Alexander the Great of
Macedon, including in Alexandria, Egypt (named after him). Greek history, language and culture
flourished among Egyptians and Jews in the place where Apollos was born. In Acts 6:1,9 those
"Grecian widows" in the church may well have been Alexandrian Greeks. Now it appears that
Apollos had a ready mind and willing spirit to use his abilities to convert erring sinners at Greece.
Is it not wise to do that for which life has prepared you?
One final question concerning Apollos. What if Apollos had refused to correct his teaching on
baptism? In that case, his training and talents would have caused confusion and evil. But thanks
be to God we do not have to end the story on such a bad note. Apollos Overcame Self. Because
he stayed with scripture truth he created much good.
baptism? In that case, his training and talents would have caused confusion and evil. But thanks
be to God we do not have to end the story on such a bad note. Apollos Overcame Self. Because
he stayed with scripture truth he created much good.
OvercomingSelf.net
Help You Self article #6