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Apollos - a Bible Teacher.

 

A  STUDY BY MATTHEW CLARKE

ACTS 18:24-28

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v. 24 - “Eloquent”, meaning well learned. He took the time to understand, to be taught, to listen, to ask.

 

v. 24 - “Competent in the Scriptures”, meaning he was powerful and able. Because Apollos invested in being well learned in the scriptures, it meant that he was powerful in wielding them and unfolding them.

 

v 25 - “Instructed in the way of the Lord”, meaning he was taught and told. This meant that Apollos had those ‘above’ him who had more knowledge and understanding and were already walking in the way of the Lord, and he was humble enough to not only listen, but to follow their instruction.

 

v 25 - “Fervent in spirit”, meaning excited, enthusiastic and burning whilst he spoke about Jesus and all that was concerning Him.

 

v 25 - “He spoke and taught accurately”, meaning carefully, exactly and strictly. Apollos was careful in how he taught God's word. He did not process aloud, nor did he make comments on things he was unsure about. He was exact, he spoke plainly what scripture taught and did not add nor subtract from it. He spoke strictly about the Word, he did not deviate into pointless philosophy.

 

Also meaning diligent and close. Teachers are watchmen of the Word. They protect it and keep it guarded from heresy and false doctrine.

 

v 25 - “Though he knew only the baptism of John”. A teacher can only teach what they know and understand. This did not make Apollos a false teacher, because of how highly Luke has spoken of him until this point. Nor did it mean he was not ready for ministry. It just meant he had room to grow in knowledge.

 

v 26 - “He began to speak boldly…” - Meaning freely. This is the power of being well versed and competent in the scriptures, as previously stated.

 

v 26 - “… In the synagogue”, Apollos ministry was not a private one, but a public one. He made sure that as many people as possible could receive from the scriptures, according to His gifting. Even those against him. 

 

v 26 - “They took him aside…” Inaccurate or incomplete public teaching (likely not including heresy) does not need to be addressed publicly, but should be addressed privately.

 

v 26 - “… and explained to him the way of God more accurately”. Also meaning exposed. There is a sense of humility on both parties here. Apollos was humble to listen, and Priscilla and Aquila were humble enough to take him aside and show him his blind spots, without embarrassing Apollos or shaming him.

 

v 27 “He greatly helped those who through grace had believed” Help here means ponder, encounter, meet and talk with. The Teacher’s job is not only public, it is one on one. Teachers meet and have conversations.

 

Notice that Apollos is helping believers here, not non-believers. Apollos is helping believers one-on-one to grow in the Word. So, the duty of a Teacher is also discipleship.

 

v. 28 “He powerfully refuted the Jews in public” Refute meaning exposed and convicted. Powerfully meaning vigorously and vehemently. Apollos exposed the Jews arguments with zeal and passion. Apollos engaged in debate and apologetics, though with non believers.

 

v. 28 “Showing by the Scriptures that the Christ was Jesus” Though Apollos was himself a Jew, he refuted the Jews arguments with their own theology and scriptures. He took their worldview, theology and culture and pointed it towards Jesus. This, too, is the work of apologetics.

 

Of course, Apollos was well versed in Christophonies also. He used the prophecy of Scripture as a sign and proof. Apollos didn’t result to philosophy, but always to scripture.

 

 

In summary, according to the example of Apollos, a Teacher can be recognised in that they are:

 

  • Well learned & competent in Scripture.

  • Excited and passionate when they teach or discuss God’s word.

  • Seeking to grow in knowledge of God's word.

  • A watchman and protector of the Word

  • Discipling other believers

  • Engaging in Apologetics or debate.

 

To grow in their calling, a Teacher must:

 

  • Themselves be a student.

  • Be careful in how they communicate.

  • Be quiet on matters they have little knowledge in.

  • Not add to or subtract from Scripture.

  • Speak boldly

  • Speak publicly

  • Invest in others

  • Receive private correction well.

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