Acts 18:23-28. After returning to Antioch and resting for a time, Paul set out on his third missionary journey, traveling through Galatia and Phrygia to strengthen the disciples and confirm them in the faith. Meanwhile, in Ephesus, a capable and eloquent Jew named Apollos arrived from Alexandria, fervent in spirit and mighty in the Scriptures, though knowing only the baptism of John. Aquila and Priscilla privately instructed him in the full truth of the gospel, and, having received a letter of commendation, he went to Achaia, where he greatly helped the believers and powerfully demonstrated from the Scriptures that Jesus is the Christ. This section marks the beginning of Paul’s third missionary journey, but also tells about Apollos.
 

  

v.23 Strengthening the Disciples in Galatia and Phrygia. After spending some time at Antioch, Paul set out again on his third missionary journey. He traveled through the regions of Galatia and Phrygia, revisiting assemblies formed on earlier journeys. His purpose was to strengthen or establish the disciples, confirming them in the faith and grounding them in the doctrines they had received (v.23). This ministry of follow-up and teaching shows Paul’s pastoral care as well as his continued responsibility for the assemblies he had planted.. Teaching and shepherding is needed for new and old Christians alike!

 

vv.24-25 Apollos the Alexandrian. About this time a Jew named Apollos arrived at Ephesus. He was an Alexandrian by birth, noted for his eloquence and deep knowledge of the Old Testament Scriptures. Having been instructed in “the way of the Lord,” he spoke with zeal and accuracy concerning Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John. This means he understood the moral call to repentance and the expectation of the coming Messiah, but not yet the full truth of redemption through the death, resurrection, and exaltation of Christ, nor the gift of the Holy Spirit given to believers. His preaching was sincere and powerful, but incomplete in its light. Later, when Apollos came to Corinth, his bold and gifted manner won much respect among the saints, so much that Paul later had to urge the Corinthians to receive Timothy and heed his teaching (1 Cor. 16:10-12), though no such plea was needed for the bold and eloquent Apollos. How different each member of the body is, yet how necessary!

 

v.26 Education by Aquila and Priscilla. While Apollos spoke boldly in the synagogue at Ephesus, Aquila and Priscilla heard him and recognized that his understanding was partial. Rather than publicly rebuke him, they took him aside privately and “expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.” This instruction likely took place in their home, for hospitality is often coupled with private instruction. The informal setting of a household provides a fertile place for the Word of God to be opened and ministered. The conduct and atmosphere of their home would have complemented the doctrine they presented, reinforcing truth through Christian love and consistency. This, Apollos was brought into the fuller revelation of Christ’s finished work and the gift of the Spirit. Apollos had a more public ability than Aquila or Priscilla, but their faithfulness contributed immeasurably to the effectiveness of the preacher! Notably, Aquila’s name appears first in this instance, showing he took the lead in the teaching, in keeping with scriptural order (1 Tim. 2:12).

 

 

vv.27-28 A Letter of Commendation Written. When Apollos purposed to travel from Ephesus to Achaia, the brethren wrote a letter of commendation to the disciples there, encouraging them to receive him. This early practice of written letters of commendation expressed unity among assemblies, ensuring that those received in one locality were recognized in another (Rom. 16:1-2; 2 Cor. 3:1). Upon arriving in Corinth, Apollos greatly strengthened the believers through his clear, powerful teaching. He deftly refuted the Jews, showing from “the Scriptures” that Jesus was the Christ. It was not his eloquence but the authority of the Word that carried conviction. Through the labors of both Paul and Apollos, the testimony at Corinth was established: “I planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase” (1 Cor. 3:6).