Acts and Mission 76

Luke’s narrative was compressed in the previous paragraph because he wants to get Paul to Ephesus. So, Luke takes us now to Ephesus and he begins with Apollos:

18:24 Now a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, arrived in Ephesus. He was an eloquent speaker, well-versed in the scriptures. 18:25 He had been instructed in the way of the Lord, and with great enthusiasm he spoke and taught accurately the facts about Jesus, although he knew only the baptism of John. 18:26 He began to speak out fearlessly in the synagogue, but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained the way of God to him more accurately. 18:27 When Apollos wanted to cross over to Achaia, the brothers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples to welcome him. When he arrived, he assisted greatly those who had believed by grace, 18:28 for he refuted the Jews vigorously in public debate, demonstrating from the scriptures that the Christ was Jesus.

Several missional moments here:

1. Eloquent speakers like Apollos are needed in missional work, as are (even more) those who are soaked in Scripture – the combination is important: Scripture and eloquence.

2. Even the eloquent can grow: All Apollos knew was Jesus and the baptism of John so both Priscilla and Aquila take him to the side and instruct him. One has to guess what they told him: perhaps a fuller revelation into cross and resurrection and Pentecost.

3. It is not without note that Priscilla is mentioned first and it also important that she is involved in teaching the eloquent and Scripturally-intelligent Apollos.

4. Apollos is then sent on to Achaia (Corinth/Greece) where, because of his eloquence, his knowledge of Scripture and his deepening theology, was able to persuade Jews that Jesus was the Messiah. Again, the gospel message to Jews is that Jesus is Messiah.

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