L’Église primitivePreacherTeacherEvangelistApologist1st century AD
Apollos, a learned Jewish man with roots in the intellectual metropolis of Alexandria, distinguished himself as a powerful preacher and interpreter of Scripture in the early Christian movement. With his rhetorical gift and deep knowledge of the holy writings, he spoke boldly about Jesus, even though at first he knew only John's baptism. In Ephesus, Priscilla and Aquila expanded his understanding of God's way, and he then traveled to Achaia, where he strengthened the believers and publicly demonstrated from the Scriptures that Jesus is the Messiah. In Corinth, his ministry was so highly valued that divisions arose, which Paul addressed by reminding them that only God gives growth – regardless of who plants or waters. Paul refers to Apollos as a trusted brother and fellow worker, and his further missionary travels are confirmed in the letter to Titus.
Événements clés
Apollos Arrives in Ephesus
Apollos arrived in Ephesus as a learned man with thorough knowledge of the Scriptures and a fervent spirit, but he knew only the baptism of John.
25He had been instructed in the way of the Lord, and with burning enthusiasm he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John.
26He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained the way of God to him more accurately.
Apollos traveled to Achaia with a letter of recommendation from the brothers and was a great help to those who believed there, especially by publicly refuting the Jews, showing from the Scriptures that Jesus is the Messiah.
27When he wanted to cross over to Achaia, the brothers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples there to welcome him. On his arrival he was a great help to those who by grace had come to believe,
Paul addressed the division in the church at Corinth, where some said they belonged to Apollos, others to Paul or Cephas. Paul emphasized that both were servants who planted and watered, but it was God who gave the growth.
12As for our brother Apollos, I strongly urged him to come to you with the brothers, but it was not at all his will to come now. He will come when he has the opportunity.