Apollos
maleNew TestamentMeaning: “Destroyer (from Apollo)”
An eloquent, scripture-mighty Jew of Alexandria whom Priscilla and Aquila instructed more perfectly; a powerful preacher who watered what Paul had planted.
Biography
Apollos was a Jew of Alexandria, "an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures," who came to Ephesus teaching accurately about Jesus — though he knew only the baptism of John (Acts 18:24–25).
Taught more perfectly
Hearing him, Priscilla and Aquila "took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly" (Acts 18:26). Thus instructed, Apollos became an even more powerful preacher who "mightily convinced the Jews... shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ" (Acts 18:28).
Planting and watering
Apollos ministered powerfully at Corinth, where some believers began to form factions around him versus Paul. Paul gently corrected this party spirit, using Apollos as an example of partnership rather than rivalry: "I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase" (1 Corinthians 3:6).
Life Timeline
Instructed more perfectly by Priscilla and Aquila
Watered what Paul planted at Corinth
Themes & lessons from Apollos
Biblical themes that run through the passages where Apollos appears.
People they appear with
Places in their story
Scripture Appearances
10 verses in 3 booksActs2 verses
Acts 18:24
And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus.
Acts 19:1
And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,
1 Corinthians7 verses
1 Corinthians 1:12
Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.
1 Corinthians 3:4
For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal?
1 Corinthians 3:5
Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man?
1 Corinthians 3:6
I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.
1 Corinthians 3:22
Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours;
1 Corinthians 4:6
And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another.
1 Corinthians 16:12
As touching our brother Apollos, I greatly desired him to come unto you with the brethren: but his will was not at all to come at this time; but he will come when he shall have convenient time.
Titus1 verse
Titus 3:13
Bring Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey diligently, that nothing be wanting unto them.
Frequently asked about Apollos
Who was Apollos in the Bible?
An eloquent, scripture-mighty Jew of Alexandria whom Priscilla and Aquila instructed more perfectly; a powerful preacher who watered what Paul had planted.
What does the name Apollos mean?
The name Apollos means “Destroyer (from Apollo)”.
What did Apollos do in the Bible?
Apollos served as preacher.
Where does Apollos appear in the Bible?
Apollos is mentioned 10 times across 3 books: Acts, 1 Corinthians, Titus.
What can we learn from Apollos?
The story of Apollos touches on themes of apollos, strife, church (2), dissension — explore each to study the lessons drawn from Apollos's life.
Sermon Mate
Teaching on Apollos?
Organize your sermon notes, link Scripture passages, and build your outline in Sermon Mate — the workspace for ministry leaders.
Open Sermon Mate →