Topical Bible: Holy Boldness: Apollos

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Topical Encyclopedia

Apollos is a significant figure in the New Testament, known for his fervent spirit and eloquent preaching. His account is primarily found in the Acts of the Apostles and the Pauline Epistles, where he is depicted as a man of great zeal and boldness in proclaiming the Gospel.

Background and Early Ministry

Apollos was a Jew from Alexandria, a city renowned for its rich intellectual and cultural heritage. 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 articulate them made him a powerful speaker. Apollos had been instructed in the way of the Lord and was fervent in spirit, teaching accurately about Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John.

Encounter with Priscilla and Aquila

In Ephesus, Apollos began to speak boldly in the synagogue. However, his understanding of the Gospel was incomplete. Priscilla and Aquila, a Christian couple and fellow tentmakers with the Apostle Paul, heard him and took him aside to explain "the way of God more accurately" (Acts 18:26). This encounter highlights Apollos's humility and willingness to learn, traits that complemented his boldness.

Ministry in Achaia

After his time in Ephesus, Apollos was encouraged by the brethren to go to Achaia. 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 boldness in public discourse and his ability to use the Scriptures to demonstrate the messianic identity of Jesus were instrumental in strengthening the early Christian community.

Role in the Corinthian Church

Apollos's ministry in Corinth is further mentioned in Paul's first letter to the Corinthians. The church in Corinth had developed factions, with some believers claiming allegiance to Paul and others to Apollos. Paul addresses this division by emphasizing that both he and Apollos are merely servants through whom the Corinthians believed (1 Corinthians 3:5-6). Paul acknowledges Apollos's role in watering the seeds of faith that Paul had planted, underscoring the collaborative nature of their ministries.

Legacy and Influence

Apollos's boldness in preaching and his deep understanding of the Scriptures left a lasting impact on the early Church. His ability to engage in public debate and his commitment to the truth of the Gospel serve as an example of holy boldness. Apollos's account illustrates the importance of both zeal and humility in ministry, as well as the power of the Holy Spirit to equip believers for the work of the Kingdom.

Scriptural References

· Acts 18:24-28
· 1 Corinthians 1:12
· 1 Corinthians 3:4-6
· 1 Corinthians 16:12

Apollos's life and ministry exemplify the dynamic combination of eloquence, scriptural knowledge, and boldness in the service of the Gospel. His account encourages believers to pursue a deeper understanding of the faith while boldly proclaiming the truth of Jesus Christ.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

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.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Baptism with the Holy Spirit.
... RV, "And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at ... praying, they were "all filled
with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the Word of God with boldness." We are ...
/.../torrey/the person and work of the holy spirit/chapter xx the baptism with.htm

A Holy Life the Beauty of Christianity: Or, an Exhortation to ...
... dressing up houses, decking of children, learning of compliments, boldness in women ...
is another of those great and principal graces which the Holy Ghost worketh ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a holy life the beauty.htm

The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem:
... But in the times of the apostles the disciples were divided-one was of Paul-another
of Apollos, and others of Cephas. The Holy Ghost issued laws to regulate ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the holy city or the.htm

Acts xviii. 18
... And why did (Apollos) not receive baptism? ... seems to me to be this: Great was the
boldness of the ... not knowing all, by his zeal he attracted the Holy Ghost, in ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xl acts xviii 18.htm

An Exposition of the Chapters of the Acts of the Apostles.
... with the revelation from God, and of his boldness of speech ... S. The sending of Barnabas
and Paul by the Holy Ghost to Cyprus ... And concerning Apollos, an eloquent ...
/.../pamphilus/the writings of pamphilus/an exposition of the chapters.htm

The Knowledge of Jesus Christ the Best Knowledge
... I am of Paul, and another, I am of Apollos;" but also had ... sacrifice, which alone
can give us boldness to approach with our prayers o the Holy of Holies ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/the knowledge of jesus christ.htm

Directions How to Hear Sermons
... "For who is Paul, and who is Apollos, but instruments ... also, that I may open my mouth
with boldness, to make ... who have only the ordinary gifts of the Holy Spirit ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/directions how to hear sermons.htm

Prologue. Who is a Faithful and Wise Servant? his Reward is ...
... omitting, however, a full discussion on the Holy Ghost), being ... those to pardon me,
whom the boldness of such ... to every man, I have planted; Apollos watered; but ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/prologue who is a faithful.htm

Paul in Ephesus.
... "While Apollos was at ... nature of the dispensation of grace, and exerted his holy
eloquence to ... ashamed of the gospel of Christ." It required boldness to maintain ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xxii paul in ephesus.htm

Letters of the Council of Sardica to the Churches of Egypt and of ...
... present case also with great boldness challenged them to ... lie against them, the holy
Council has ... Aotas, Harpocration, Isac, Theodorus, Apollos, Ammonianus, Nilus ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/chapter iii letters of the council.htm