Apollos of Alexandria
Acts introduces Apollos as a Jew from Alexandria, eloquent and well versed in the Scriptures, who teaches about Jesus while knowing only John's baptism. Priscilla and Aquila explain the way of God more accurately to him. He then helps believers in Achaia. Paul recognizes his service while rejecting the factional use of his name.
Scripture
- Acts 18:24-28 — Apollos's background, instruction by Priscilla and Aquila, and recommended journey to Achaia.
- 1 Corinthians 1:10-13 — Apollos's name appears among the parties Paul challenges.
- 1 Corinthians 3:4-9 — Paul planted and Apollos watered, but God gave growth.
- 1 Corinthians 16:12 — Paul reports Apollos's decision not to visit immediately, illustrating a coworker with his own agency.
- Titus 3:13 — The letter asks for practical help for Zenas and Apollos on their journey.
Primary sources
The later Roman letter recalls:
1 Clement remembers Paul's warning against factions involving Apollos.
Take up the epistle of the blessed Paul the Apostle. ... Of a truth he charged you in the Spirit concerning himself and Cephas and Apollos, because that even then ye had made parties.
Passage context and translation
The letter compares Corinth's current conflict over presbyters with the earlier divisions recalled in Paul's correspondence. The omitted section 47.2 asks what Paul first wrote to them at the beginning of the gospel.