A Jew named Apollos, an eloquent speaker who knew the Scriptures well, had arrived in Ephesus from Alexandria in Egypt. He had been taught the way of the Lord, and he taught others about Jesus with an enthusiastic spirit and with accuracy. Acts 18:24-25, NLT.
Apollos was from Alexandria, Egypt, and he was a contemporary of Paul in the first century church. Alexandria was an intellectual center with a library of more than half a million scrolls, and was a hub for philosophers and learned people. It would be safe to assume that Apollos had taken advantage of all those resources of learning.
Apollos was a competent student of the scriptures as well. Luke, the writer of Acts, said he was diligent and accurate (Acts 18:25). No slip-shod study for Apollos! In Acts 18:24-26, Luke describes him as “a learned man, with a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures.” He had been “instructed in the way of the Lord.” But Apollos learned a valuable lesson about preparation in Ephesus.
Learned though he was, Apollos was, there were gaps in his learning. So, a couple who had moved to Ephesus from Rome heard Apollos’ preaching, and filled in the blanks of his understanding. Apollos, was eager to share the Good News he had about Jesus, and the church in Ephesus encouraged him to go to Greece to preach. Apollos was now more prepared for the task, thanks to Aquila and Priscilla.
All this was in keeping with what Paul told the young preacher, Timothy. Work hard…Be a good worker who correctly explains the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15. There is always something new to be learned. Some insight or bit of wisdom that is new to you that will enhance and improve your service to God and to others.
Apollos found that out in Ephesus.
Prayer: Father of all truth, please help us to be hungry, voracious even, when it comes to our relationship to truth. Help us to not be distracted and deceived by voices that will lead us away from the path to know you and serve you well. In Jesus’ name. Amen.