I decided to name this article as Apollo University because of the amount of information that Apollos' biography supplies.  I invite every youth to join this University to do your UG, PG, Ph.D and further.  Let's go...

Apollos was a young Alexandrian Jew.  Alexandria is a major city and the principal seaport in Egypt, situated on the Mediterranean coast at the western edge of the Nile delta.  It was thickly populated with Jews, since the dispersion, as predicted (Dt 28:68).  It was the most learned city in the Greco-Roman world.  Since Apollos had been instructed in the Way of the Lord, we know Christianity had reached Egypt by this time.  To understand the sequence of events, let's first trace the journey of Apollos (Acts 18:24-28).

At the fag end of his second missionary journey, Paul from Corinth traveled to Ephesus, spent a short time in Ephesus, with Aquila and Priscilla, ministering to the disciples there.  When the disciples insisted that he stay back for some time, he declined, promising to visit them later, Lord willing.  Saying his good-byes he proceeded to Antioch.  However he left Aquila and Priscilla to minister to them.  After this, Apollos made his appearance in Ephesus and ministered in the synagogue (Acts 18:18-24).  He was a dynamic speaker and a crowd-puller,  convincing the Jews of the Messiahship of Christ.  Aquila and Priscilla were much impressed by his ministry.  However, noticing that he was deficient in the knowledge of the gospel, they took him home, befriended him and expounded to him the way of God more accurately.  His knowledge of Christ was heightened and enriched and he was led into a deeper understanding of the truth.  It was also fortuitous that he joined the team, enjoying the atmosphere of camaraderie and the sense of belonging. 

From Ephesus Apollos went to Achaia with the recommendation letters from the Ephesian brothers.  He landed in Corinth and helped the believers much.  He also convinced the Jews powerfully by his thorough knowledge of the Old Testament Scriptures, that Jesus was the Christ.

 With this background let's study about Apollos from what the Bible says.

1.  Apollos was well educated (Acts 18:24):

Apollos was not careless about his schooling.  Whatever system of schooling was available those days he made full use of it.  He concentrated in his studies without distraction.  This was a stepping stone for him for further progress in life.  From what we read it sounds like Apollos was a strapping man and was known as a scholar. 

Except a few studious youth, most youngsters do not take their studies seriously these days.  They while away their time in online games or wandering around with lazy youths whiling away their time in wasteful activities like partying or cinema halls.  Then they blame their fate or joblessness.  Jobs are always awaiting the studious and enterprising.  This is the time to study.  It is the stepping stone to a bright future.  If you want a future, you've got to study.  So spend your time in sports activities and studies, so that your health and knowledge will grow parallely.  Because Apollos was studious he could grasp the Scriptures easily.  God can use anyone; but He needs learned men and women for specific tasks.  Moses was educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, so that he was powerful in speech and action (Acts 7:22).  He became a powerful tool in God's hand. 

2.  Apollos was thorough in the knowledge of the Scriptures (Acts 18:24):

He was not a haphazard person.  He systematically studied the Old Testament from cover to cover.  He did not just read, he studied.  He probed into the hidden messianic promises and tied them up to Jesus.  That's how he could convince the Jews that Jesus was the Messiah.  Before enlightening others, he needed enlightenment on the subject.  He would have spent hours and days delving into the passages seeking clarity.  So God helped him and taught him and dynamically used his knowledge.

Never treat the Scriptures lightly.  Don't think we don't need the Old Testament.  Without the Old Testament we'd be lost in the New Testament.  The New Testament is hidden in the Old Testament and the Old Testament is revealed in the New Testament.  The Old Testament is the torchlight for the New Testament.  So study the entire Bible in utter sincerity - Book by Book, chapter by chapter, word by word.  A casual reading is not enough.  Meditate and understand.  Write down your meditations.  Clarify doubts with a Bible scholar.  God has given "us" His precious Word.  We should not consider it as for someone else.  "I wrote for them the many things of My law, but they regarded them as something foreign" (Hos 8:12). 

3.  Apollos had been instructed in the way of the Lord (Acts 18:25):

Apollos didn't stop short of studying the Scriptures.  He sought further teaching under tutors to enhance his knowledge.  Samuel was the leader for a group of prophets (1 Sam 19:20).  The young prophets were learning from the senior prophet.  John Baptist and Jesus had disciples whom they groomed.  Paul taught Timothy, Titus, Aquila, Priscilla and others and encouraged them to entrust what they had learned to reliable, faithful and capable men who will be qualified to teach others (2 Tim 2:2).   Entrust means  to give over to another for care and protection.  Teaching is so valuable.  Apollo was one such trustworthy person who was taught by seniors and then himself teaching others.  Thus he was transformed from a fledgling disciple to a powerhouse of the first century. 

We do read and study the Bible, but that is not enough.  Our study and meditation must be scrutinized, corrected and set right by senior scholars of the Bible.  There are many online Bible courses. Choose a reliable one and improve your Scripture knowledge.  If you are contemplating fulltime ministry, joining a Bible College will be the best.  Use Study Bibles and Background commentaries and understand passages thoroughly.  Teaching sets right our personal meditation if there is any deviation.  No wonder Apollos taught explicitly.

4.  Apollos was a terrific speaker (Acts 18:25): 

So much so, his name became a chant among his admirers.  He wasn't preachy and boring, but a born communicator.  He had a special gift of eloquence.  He didn't receive a dramatic call like Paul, but obeyed the nudging of the Spirit.  All are not endued with such fervour.  We need a special anointing to convey what the Lord has put in our heart.  For some it may be a gift with which they are born.  For others it may be a struggle.  Apollos' gift was evident when he spoke with fiery enthusiasm in the synagogue, to the extent when he wanted to go Achaia, the Ephesian brothers sent him with a recommendation letter (Acts 18:27).  Since his meteoric rise, Apollo quickly became a household  name.  Before long a party arose in the Corinthian church with the watch-word, "I am of Apollos" (1 Cor 1:12;3:4).  He was so efficient a preacher that some of the Corinthians put him before  Peter. Apollos' gifts and methods of presenting the Goodnews was undoubtedly different from those of Paul.

Before every speaking engagement we need to go with ernest prayer for God's anointing, to use our wit rather than sheer lung power.  Whatever we have learned should not stagnate in us.  It must benefit a larger congregation.  Start a small Bible Study.  Get two or three interested folk and teach them whatever you have learned.  Let not your knowledge be buried within you.  I always feel, if I am a burning candle about to die out, I should not pray, "Lord, let me burn brightly to the end," rather that I should light a few candles before my light dies out.  What are we doing for God with the resources that we are endued with? 

5.  Apollos taught Jesus accurately (Acts 18:25):

There should be no doctrinal error in the teaching of the Scriptures.  Jesus was the promised Messiah but the Jews considered Him an ordinary human being and never accepted Him as the Son of God.  Incorrectness in teaching is detrimental to all concerned.  But Apollos' teaching was an uncompromising Christian stance. 

Nowadays many new groups are sprouting like poisonous mushrooms on a rainy day.  They twist the Scriptures. It is difficult to argue with them.  They will brainwash us and soon we will fall in their net and start attending their church.  It is best to avoid them like poison.  Do not go to their churches even once to see "what's happening." It is difficult to come out of the trap.  Some try to convince you that the Bible was for the early Christians.  For the new generation you need to tailor the Bible standards to suit them.  But the standard of the Bible, set 2000 years ago holds good for today too to the very letter.

Apollos' rhetorical skills were so coupled with a clear understanding of Christian faith, that he almost equalled Paul. But for the faithfulness of Priscilla and Aquila, this would not have been possible.

6.  Apollos was bold (Acts 18:26):

Apollos spoke boldly in the synagogue even though there were unbelieving Jews who could challenge him.  His boldness paid and people were blessed through his ministry. No doubt he went with apprehension and a struggle to overcome it.  But he received rich dividends.  He was a man of steel.

Dark barriers called fear may be high and imposing, but it is often exceedingly thin.  It appears again and again throughout our ministry.  Sometimes a touch breaks through.  Fear is the worst enemy of evangelism and embarrassment can be a social nightmare.  Unless one overcomes his fear, he will not be a successful evangelist.  That's why Jesus spoke so much about it and encouraged his disciples to speak out without fear (Mt 10:27).  He did not assure the disciples that there will be no persecution but they should not be scared of those who would kill the body only.  Jesus paid the price for His bold evangelism.  He faced crucifixion boldly.  John the Baptist was a bold witness.  He was not afraid to call the Pharisees and Sadducees as brood of vipers.  He didn't care for his life but boldly pointed out the sin of Herod.  Paul considered death as gain (Phil 1:21).  Our own brothers and sisters, pastors and evangelists, missionaries and preachers are bold witnesses in States of India where anti-conversion bill is in force.  We salute them.  Let us prepare ourselves for hard days ahead. 

Have you ever been in a shipwreck while going for ministry?  In prison? Robbed? Flogged?  Hungry and starving?  Naked - like Paul?  Then why do we fear to do ministry?  Think unconventionally.  Take risks.  There will always be a devil inside us that we have to fight against.  That devil is the fear of failure. 

7.  Apollos was teachable (Acts 18:26):

It is a rare quality among shining stars.  High profile people find it difficult to bow down and acknowledge that their knowledge is deficient.  The ability to change our minds when we are wrong is a sign of intelligence.

Apollos was accurate in everything he taught about Jesus up to a point, but he only went as far as the baptism of John.  Under the tution of Aquila and Priscilla, two deeply taught believers, he was led into a deeper understanding of the truth.   Peter was the ace of apostles, yet when chided by Paul in the presence of others, he did not revolt but acknowledged the wisdom given to Paul by God (2 Pet 3:15).  Abraham listened to Sarah and sent away Hagar. 

But see the other side, how the arrogant refuse to humble themselves - Herod, stung by John's rebuke, refused to humble himself and rectify his sinful life (Lk 3:19).  Eli knew the sins of his sons and counseled them.  However they did not listen to his counsel, and God killed them (1 Sam 2:25).  King Jehoiakim burnt Jeremiah's prophecies (Jer 36:1-3, 23). 

A man of the calibre of Apollos, listened to two humble believers and upgraded his knowledge.  Believers, especially leaders must be humble and teachable because we acquire lot of blind spots which only others can point to us.  Proud and conceited preachers reject counsels from others. 

"As human beings our greatness lies not so much in being able to remake the world - that is the myth of the atomic age - as in being able to remake ourselves"- said Mahatma Gandhi.  Let us pray, "Lord, teach me the glorious lesson that occassionally it is possible that I may be wrong."

8.  Apollos was a zealous evangelist (Acts 18:27):

Even though his ministry lit the fire in Ephesus, he wanted to go to Achaia.  There in Corinth his ministry bloomed (1 Cor 3:5).  From Titus 3:13 we understand that he was traveling to places with seemingly inexhaustible energy to preach the Goodnews in Crete and other far flung areas.

Of the more than thirty reasons why Jesus came to earth, one was: People "tried to keep Him from leaving them.  But He said, 'I must proclaim the Goodnews of the kingdom of God to the other towns also, because that is why I was sent" (Lk 4:42,43).  When we flourish in one place and people are blessed, their natural tendency is to cling to us.  We also may be tempted to pitch our tent there.  But an evangelist must keep moving.  The word of God must spread far and wide.  So put your experience and abilities to good use.   Don't be tongue-tied with shyness.

All cannot be moving about as evangelists as we are settled in a place and work in a spot.   What we can do is to do ministry wherever we go.  Never hesitate to carry tracts and gospels wherever you go: either to the office or park or hotel.  You can gently pass on a tract to a person who interacts with you, in the train or bus or wherever you may be waiting.  Unexpected opportunities will present themselves.  So go loaded anywhere.  Magic happens when you believe in something with a single minded passion.  It is a battle against satanic forces and our captain is Jesus Christ.  Holidaying is not sight-seeing;  it is sowing beside all waters (Isa 32:20).  Blessed is such a person.  You may go slow, but keep going. 

What does Apollos teach us?  Dream big and push boundaries.  The hands of the prophetic clock are moving towards midnight.  "Don't let your winged days be spent in vain.  Soon you'll be too old to do anything.  Then you'll feel sorry.  When once gone, no gold can buy them back" - APJ Abdul Kalam, former President of India. 

9.  Apollos was assertive without being aggressive (1 Cor 16:12):

Apollos' gifts and methods of presenting the Goodness in his evocative language were undoubtedly different from those of Paul.  But they clicked right away and without rivalry worked hand in glove.  They believed in leadership with a sense of purpose, not envy or combativeness.  Paul gave Apollos enough latitude to move about on his own.  He did not try to bring him under his authority.  Paul treated him as his equal and not his subordinate - a lesson every minister of God should learn (1 Cor 4:6,7).  Paul called Apollos his brother.  When a team was getting ready to go to the Corinthian believers, Paul wanted Apollos to join the team and tried to convince him.  However Apollos was reluctant and pronounced a firm 'No.'    And Paul did not badger him but gave in, swallowing his pride (1Cor 16:12). 

This is a lesson every leader should learn.  People working with us must be treated with dignity.  We must believe that God need not lead them always through us.  Their wings shouldn't be clipped.  It pains me to see many God's servants being treated like robots.  The leader must encourage them to spread out their wings.  As we have always taught: Step 1 - I do you watch; Step 2 - I do you help; Step 3 - You do I help; Step 4 - You do I watch!  Then the trainee should take off.  Be willing to lose a battle in order to win the war.  Paul didn't expect Apollos to play the second fiddle. 

Apollos was bold enough to say a gentle but firm 'No' when Paul insisted on his going and Paul gave in.  Jesus humbled Himself (Phil 2:8).  If this were the case we would each be more workable with one another.   Unity is not about everyone doing what I want, or agreeing with everything I say.  It is about me putting others' interest ahead of my own - which is never easy.  Wherever there are people, there will be differences.  However where differences eventually turn to disagreements, unity is threatened.  An amicable relationship must be cultivated between coworkers, leaders and subordinates.  Leaders shouldn't expect their subordinates to be tail-wagging dogs.  Ideas as simple as tolerance and inclusivity are the most values that allow people to coexist peacefully. 

Later on Apollos became an apostle and one of Paul's trusted friends, having a close working relationship with him (Tit 3:13).  Great leaderships are built on great relationships. The word "submit" means "to take rank under."Proud people will find this to be the ultimate challenge.  They will struggle with their lifestyle of controlling everything themselves.  But Paul was magnanimous in that, though the unchallenged leader, he let Apollos make the final decision.  If all Christian leaders take this attitude, churches and Missions may be saner places. 

The mark that Apollos has left is indelible, rich and manifold.  His life is worth emulating.  If each of us live like Apollos, we can turn the world upside down.

Dr. Lilian Stanley
13 Church Colony
Vellore 632006, India
 +91 9843511943
  lilianstanley@gmail.com

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