Gospel Outreach International

What does it mean to be “mighty in the scriptures” yet still need further instruction in the ways of the Lord? This Bible study explores this question through the account of Apollos and the early church in Ephesus, revealing important lessons about spiritual growth, accurate teaching, and the role of baptism in the Christian faith.

Now a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was an eloquent man, competent in the Scriptures. Acts 18:24

• Apollos was from Alexandria, a major center of Jewish learning with a vast library and scholarly tradition, comparable to modern university cities like Oxford or Cambridge.
• The Septuagint (Greek translation of Hebrew scriptures) played a crucial role in early Christianity, being the common translation used for Old Testament quotations in the New Testament.
• Ephesus was a significant city
• The account demonstrates the importance of complete understanding in Christian teaching, as Apollos knew only John’s baptism initially despite his scriptural knowledge.
• The distinction between head knowledge and experiential faith, illustrated through examples of those who could teach truth without fully experiencing it.

On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Acts 19:5

This fascinating study reminds us that Jesus works through both the learned and those still learning. Even Apollos, despite his impressive scriptural knowledge, needed further instruction to fully understand the Christian way. It beautifully illustrates that Jesus often uses mentorship and guidance through fellow believers, as seen with Priscilla and Aquila, to deepen our understanding and faith. The message here is clear - no matter how knowledgeable we are, there’s always room to grow in our understanding of Christ.

Bible References

• Acts 18:22-19:10
• John 14
• Psalm 8:5
• Ephesians 4:5
• Deuteronomy 28