#1594 Acts 18 Part 2 Apollos (The Destroyer)

 

18 And Paul, having remained many days longer, took leave of the brothers and put out to sea for Syria, and with him were Priscilla and Aquila. In Cenchreae he had his hair cut, for he was keeping a vow. 19 And they arrived at Ephesus, and he left them there. Now he himself entered the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews. 20 When they asked him to stay for a longer time, he did not consent, 21 but taking leave of them and saying, “I will return to you again if God wills,” he set sail from Ephesus.

22 And when he had landed at Caesarea, he went up and greeted the church, and went down to Antioch. 23 And having spent some time there, he left and passed successively through the Galatian region and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples.

24 Now a Jew named Apollos, an Alexandrian by birth, an eloquent man, arrived at Ephesus; and he was mighty in the Scriptures. 25 This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he was speaking and teaching accurately the things concerning Jesus, being acquainted only with the baptism of John; 26 and he began to speak out boldly in the synagogue. But when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately. 27 And when he wanted to go across to Achaia, the brothers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples to welcome him; and when he had arrived, he greatly helped those who had believed through grace, 28 for he powerfully refuted the Jews in public, demonstrating by the Scriptures that Jesus is the Christ. Acts 18: 18-28 LSB

Acts 18: 18-28

V. 18 For he was keeping a vow - Paul traveled with Priscilla and Aquila, so they have obviously become close friends in ministry and in work together as tent makers. When it says he had his hair cut I assume this is at the end of a Nazarite vow. 

MacArthur - After he became a Christian, Paul realized the worthlessness of all the efforts at self-salvation by ritual, tradition, legalism, sincerity, and external goodness compared to the true righteousness and knowledge of God that came through knowing Christ (Phil. 3:7-9). But he had a genuine love for God's law in Scripture (cf. Rom. 7:12, 14) and was still influenced by his Jewish heritage. And when he wanted to show his deep thanks for God's marvelous encouragement during the difficult times in Corinth (cf. chapter 11 of this volume), he naturally thought of a typically Jewish way of doing so. The vow Paul made was a Nazirite vow—a special pledge of separation and devotion to God (cf. 2 Cor. 6:17). It was usually made in gratitude to the Almighty for gracious blessing or deliverance. (Nu 6:2-5)...The vow was for a specific period (usually a month, although Samson [Judg. 16:17], Samuel [1 Sam. 1:11], and John the Baptist [Luke 1:15] were Nazirites for life). At the end of that time there was an elaborate ceremony (Nu 6:13-21) In Paul's day, provision was made for those away from Jerusalem at the termination of their vow to shave their heads, as Paul did, then within thirty days present the hair at the Temple (cf. Josephus Wars, 2.15.1). The phrase he was keeping a vow indicates a process not yet completed. That required his arrival in Jerusalem. (See Acts 13-28 MacArthur New Testament Commentary - Page 158) - PA

V. 19 Arrived at Ephesus and he left them there - Paul does go back to Ephesus for a 3 year stint. I imagine there is a closeness between him and the two he leaves. It would appear that they become a church plant as we see a greeting from them to those at Corinth. It is a stunning thought to think that we have family abroad, and I can think of a person or two in almost every church we went to that left an impression upon me throughout my life. I had sound teaching from my mom at home, I learned service and manliness, also that not all cops were bad from Scott at Circle Church. I learned humility from Pastor Bailey, integrity of speech from Kevin and Mark at Grace. I learned of the brokenness and sorrow that pastors face, even being slandered, yet staying faithful to Scripture throughout from Emerson. I learned of compassion and saw service once again in Vic from Spruce Creek. I am learning about marriage and being a godly husband from Demetrius, and I am grateful for all these people. It had to be hard for Paul to leave, but he has this call that takes him away from people physically, yet they remain in his heart. They are his family. The man without children has an enormous family.  

18For they refreshed my spirit and yours as well. Show your appreciation, therefore, to such men. 19The churches in the province of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Prisca greet you warmly in the Lord, and so does the church that meets at their house. 20All the brothers here send you greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss.… 1 Corinthians 16: 18-20

V. 19b-21 And reasoned with the Jews - Paul was well versed in the Torah, and could go through all that was said about Christ in the OT, then explain how this Jesus was the Christ, was the Lamb of God that slain to take away the sins of the world. His knowledge did not guarantee conversions though, yet he labored faithfully in every city. Here they asked him to stay on longer, so they must have been more receptive and interested in what he had to say. "I will return to you again if God wills", which Paul did return for a much longer stay later on. He is on God's time and itinerary. 

…8Better a little with righteousness than great gain with injustice. 9A man’s heart plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps. 10A divine verdict is on the lips of a king; his mouth must not betray justice.… Proverbs 16: 8-10

Vs. 22-23 Strengthening all the disciples - Follow up. Rarely does someone plant a field and not water, or at least send someone else to water. What we may have perceived as good ground may not be the reality. I would want to go back, to look for fruit, to pull some weeds. 

Strengthening all the disciples - Luke gives an identical description of Paul's purpose at the beginning of the Second Missionary Journey = strengthening the (episterizo) churches. Paul was the consummate disciple maker. He was not content with getting "scalps on his belt" of converts to Christ. He sought to fulfill Jesus' command to make disciples (matheteuo in the aorist imperative = "Just Do It!" - Mt 28:19+) and in order to do so he "re-traced" his steps in order to strengthen all the disciples. Notice "all" not some that were especially gifted to preach or teach but "all" for Paul knew they were all of potential value to the local body of Christ for each had his or her spiritual gift (or gifts) needed by the body.

Writing to the disciples at Thessalonica Paul used sterizo reminding them "we sent Timothy, our brother and God’s fellow worker in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen (sterizo) and encourage you as to your faith." Faith can be strengthened! In Romans 10:17+; Paul tells us one way faith can be strengthened declaring "faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ." (1 Th 3:2+) - PA

…8Better a little with righteousness than great gain with injustice. 9A man’s heart plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps. 10A divine verdict is on the lips of a king; his mouth must not betray justice.… Proverbs 16: 8-10

V. 24 Now a Jew named Apollos, and Alexandrian by birth - So Paul leaves Ephesus and this Apollos shows up, and rather providentially, because the Jews in Ephesus had asked Paul to stay but he had to keep moving at this time. God is bringing up another man, an eloquent speaker, one who can refute arguments. Paul comes to see him as a coworker.

Now a Jew named Apollos, an Alexandrian by birth - Apollos' name means “destroyer,” (Holman Bible Dictionary) a name which would prove apropos as he grew to be a man who was mighty in the Scriptures (Acts 18:24). And then when he was taught the way of God more accurately by Priscilla and Aquila (Acts 18:26) he began to reach his full potential as destroyer of Jewish arguments against Jesus. And so filled with the Holy Word and the Holy Spirit he powerfully refuted the Jews in public demonstrating by the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ (the Messiah). (Acts 18:28).  - PA

…5What then is Apollos? And what is Paul? They are servants through whom you believed, as the Lord has assigned to each his role. 6I planted the seed and Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. 7So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.… 1 Corinthians 3: 5-7

V. 24d And he was mighty in the scriptures - This is the sort of man I pray for as son in laws. They don't have to be preachers called to the pulpit, but every man of God is called to be a minister of the word in his living room, at work in his actions, and also to answer the questions of the surrounding culture. He must be sound to protect his flock at home, and also to disciple those around him that are new to the faith. I don't want hear the words of someone who "feels this', or says, 'God told me, I have a word from the Lord", no, let him be the man satisfied with what God has actually said and attested to in Scripture. Let him study to show himself approved. 

14Remind the believers of these things, charging them before God to avoid quarreling over words, which succeeds only in leading the listeners to ruin. 15Make every effort to present yourself approved to God, an unashamed workman who accurately handles the word of truth. 16But avoid irreverent, empty chatter, which will only lead to more ungodliness,… 2 Timothy 2: 14-16

…14But as for you, continue in the things you have learned and firmly believed, since you know from whom you have learned them. 15 From infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness,… 2 Timothy 3: 14-16

V. 25 This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord - He followed God, knew the OT well, and it says he was teaching accurately the things concerning Jesus, but we will see in v. 26 that there was yet something missing. The end of V. 25 says he was only acquainted with the baptism of John. So that would be John the Baptist, the one Isaiah spoke of as calling, "prepare the way for the Lord". Apollos associated John with that, and correctly taught Jesus as the Messiah. John's baptism was that of repentance, the kind of baptism that said we have strayed from the way, come back. Repentance is the first part, the conviction over owning ourselves as sinners, being in need of God's grace. The water doesn't make you clean, but it says, I am dirty and need to be cleaned. I am a trespasser of the law and I need forgiveness. 

…2“Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her forced labor has been completed; her iniquity has been pardoned. For she has received from the hand of the LORD double for all her sins.” 3A voice of one calling: “Prepare the way for the LORD in the wilderness; make a straight highway for our God in the desert. 4Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill made low; the uneven ground will become smooth, and the rugged land a plain.… Isaiah 40: 2-4

V. 26 They took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately - He was a gifted speaker, knowledgeable of the Word, but he needed to know the rest of the story about Jesus, the gift of the Holy Spirit in rebirth, and that Jesus had gone to the cross for our sins, and this was the only way to be right with God, through the sacrifice of His Son. He needed believer's baptism, to be joined to Him in His death that He may also be raised in Him anew. For someone described as eloquent, an orator, a smart, knowledgeable man, he is quite humbly led aside by this wise couple. Apollos is quite the enigma. Most orators today are too proud to learn from tent makers. They are too busy giving Ted Talks and pausing for applause. What would it look like, what does it say about me that I had to be pulled aside and have something explained to me? 

They took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately - KJV = "expounded unto him." Tactfully taking Apollos aside privately and away from the other Jews in the synagogue would have allowed Priscilla and Aquila to teach him undisturbed. It is notable that Luke uses the same word accurately (akribos) to describe Apollos' teaching regarding the things concerning Jesus (Acts 18:25) but in the present passage adds the phase "more accurately." ("more" is not in Greek but is clearly implied). In other words, Apollos was accurate in teaching what he knew, but his teaching lacked truths regarding which Priscilla and Aquila were acquainted, in large part because of their special time with the apostle Paul. Undoubtedly, this couple had become genuine believers in the New Covenant in Jesus' blood and had experienced the gift of the Holy Spirit at the time of their conversion (1 Cor 12:13, Ro 8:9+). And since Apollos was conversant only with the truths about Jesus up to the time of the baptism of John, (by inference) he was not familiar with historical truths that transpired (and are now recorded for us in the book of Acts) after the baptism of John. Did Apollos fully understand the crucifixion of Jesus (prophesied in the Old Testament) and the doctrine of substitutionary atonement effected by the death of Christ? Did he understand the fullness of truth of the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, and that this truth was absolutely critical to the life of a believer in the New Covenant? (e.g., read 1 Cor 15:12-14, 15) Luke does not elaborate on the more accurate aspects of the way of God this godly couple taught Apollos. We will have to wait to ask Apollos in Heaven!

MacArthur comments "That the mighty preacher and scholar would consent to be taught by a lowly tentmaker and his wife attests to his godly humility." - Precept Austin

V. 27 To welcome him - His star has risen quickly because of his doctrine but I also think because of his humility. Though not an Apostle, he is listed on par with Paul and Peter, a very respected preacher, and a transition model, I believe, from the Apostolic, those taught directly by Christ, to those who study the teachings of Christ and the Apostles. Roman Catholics and some Charismatics argue that there are apostles today, but that is pure nonsense. They were the pillars, Christ was the chief cornerstone, and we are a kingdom of priests that must reform back to that foundation that was laid, not crucify Christ anew, nor blaspheme by saying we have received new revelation, the canon is closed. For the people of Ephesus to write this letter means they were laying hands on him to go, that he was going with their blessing. 

10By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one must be careful how he builds. 11For no one can lay a foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, or straw,…

…13his workmanship will be evident, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will prove the quality of each man’s work. 14If what he has built survives, he will receive a reward. 15If it is burned up, he will suffer loss. He himself will be saved, but only as if through the flames.… 1 Corinthians 3: 10-15

…11My brothers, some from Chloe’s household have informed me that there are quarrels among you. 12 What I mean is this: Individuals among you are saying, “I follow Paul,” “I follow Apollos,” “I follow Cephas,” or “I follow Christ.” 13Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized into the name of Paul?… 1 Corinthians 1: 11-13

5Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God. 6 Brothers, I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, so that you may learn from us not to go beyond what is written. Then you will not take pride in one man over another. 7For who makes you so superior? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?… 1 Corinthians 4: 5-7

V. 28 Demonstrating by the Scriptures that Jesus is the Christ - So this was before the completed collection of NT canon, so he is reasoning to them, like Paul did, by way of the law and the Prophets. It is interesting, and a huge statement of character on the part of both men. Paul recognizes Apollos, but he is not jealous, though weaker believers have factions concerning them. This occurs in Corinth, and it is not wrong to say, I believe as so and so, or was taught by this person, but they take it to the point of factions and jealousy in that church. Paul and Apollos both teach and are servants of Christ. It is okay to say I agree with this man's argument on this matter over another's, but this had gone to the level of petty. It is also sad in the church to see men who are jealous of the ministry of another man. These things shouldn't be. I think this is why Apollos later does not show a desire to go back to Corinth, but I will look into that more later.

…27A young man ran and reported to Moses, “Eldad and Medad are prophesying in the camp.” 28Joshua son of Nun, the attendant to Moses since youth, spoke up and said, “Moses, my lord, stop them!” 29But Moses replied, “Are you jealous on my account? I wish that all the LORD’s people were prophets and that the LORD would place His Spirit on them!”… Numbers 11: 27-29

MacArthur adds that "Apollos was so effective in his discourse that he crushed his opponents, totally disproving them at every point. His devastating performance in the public debates made a profound impression on the Corinthian church. They soon held him in the same high esteem in which they held Peter and Paul (1 Cor. 1:12; 3:4, 6). It must have pained him (as it did Paul and Peter), to have one of the developing Corinthian church's factions identify with him. His successful transition from Old Covenant believer to New Testament saint was an immense blessing for the church." (See Acts 13-28 MacArthur New Testament Commentary - Page 163)

Toussaint adds that "So forceful was Apollos' ministry that factious believers at Corinth formed an Apollos party (1 Cor. 1:12). There is no indication that Apollos promoted such a faction and Paul nowhere held him accountable for it." (SEE Bible Knowledge Commentary - Page 409)