Apollos, a learned Jew from Alexandria, is a significant figure in the New Testament, known for his eloquence and fervent spirit in teaching about Jesus. His account is primarily found in the Acts of the Apostles and the Pauline Epistles. The hospitality extended to Apollos by early Christians is a testament to the communal and supportive nature of the early Church, emphasizing the importance of nurturing and equipping fellow believers for ministry.

Background of Apollos

Apollos first appears in Acts 18:24-28. He is described as "an eloquent man, well-versed in the Scriptures" (Acts 18:24). Apollos had been instructed in the way of the Lord and was fervent in spirit, speaking and teaching accurately about Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John. His knowledge and zeal made him a powerful advocate for the Gospel, yet he required further instruction to fully understand the Christian faith.

Hospitality by Priscilla and Aquila

The hospitality shown to Apollos by Priscilla and Aquila is a notable example of Christian mentorship and support. In Acts 18:26, after hearing Apollos speak boldly in the synagogue, Priscilla and Aquila "took him in and explained to him the way of God more accurately" . This act of hospitality was not merely about providing physical shelter but also spiritual guidance and encouragement. Priscilla and Aquila, themselves tentmakers and close associates of the Apostle Paul, recognized Apollos' potential and invested in his theological education, ensuring he had a more complete understanding of the Gospel.

Support from the Ephesian Church

The Ephesian church also played a role in supporting Apollos. After his time with Priscilla and Aquila, Apollos desired to go to Achaia. The brothers in Ephesus encouraged him and wrote to the disciples there to welcome him. Acts 18:27 states, "When he arrived, he was a great help to those who by grace had believed" . This support highlights the interconnectedness of the early Christian communities and their commitment to fostering the growth and effectiveness of their leaders.

Impact of Apollos' Ministry

Apollos' ministry had a significant impact on the early Church. In Achaia, particularly in Corinth, he "vigorously refuted the Jews in public debate, proving from the Scriptures that Jesus is the Christ" (Acts 18:28). His ability to articulate the faith and engage in public discourse was greatly enhanced by the hospitality and instruction he received. Apollos became a respected leader, and his work complemented that of Paul, as seen in 1 Corinthians 3:6, where Paul writes, "I planted the seed and Apollos watered it, but God made it grow" .

Lessons in Hospitality

The hospitality extended to Apollos serves as a model for Christian communities. It underscores the importance of welcoming and equipping those who are called to ministry. By providing both physical and spiritual support, believers can help nurture the gifts and callings of others, contributing to the growth and edification of the Church. The example of Priscilla, Aquila, and the Ephesian church demonstrates how hospitality can be a powerful tool for discipleship and the advancement of the Gospel.Acts 18:26
And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him to them, and expounded to him the way of God more perfectly.
Nave's Topical Index

From the Close of the General Conference of 1820 to the Beginning ...
... And his general deportment as a Christian minister, among his brethren and the people
of his charge, inspired such confidence in his wisdom and the purity of ...
/.../chapter 6 from the close.htm

Rom. xv. 25-27
... Here he hints at their hospitality, and pecuniary assistance ... a clear (eilikrinhos)
faith, as to minister unto them ... of the earth, sing of the Christian spirit of ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xxx rom xv 25-27.htm

The Church of God.
... (Lover of hospitality. ... Deacon is translated from "diakonos," meaning minister. ... in
defining presbyter, says, "An elder in the early Christian church." Young in ...
//christianbookshelf.org/orr/the gospel day /chapter vii the church of.htm

1 Cor. xvi. 10
... Hear ye, how vast are the praises of their hospitality? For he did not say, "they
minister," but, "have set ... but to denote its religious and Christian character ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xliv 1 cor xvi.htm

The Treasure of Grace
... James again: he, as a faithful minister, could deal ... closely with the practical evidences
of Christian character ... we see in the sumptuousness of his hospitality. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 6 1860/the treasure of grace.htm

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