10 Interesting Facts About Apollos in the Bible

Apollos is a lesser-known but important figure in the New Testament. He worked alongside early Christian leaders like Paul and Aquila and helped spread the gospel in powerful ways. Though he doesn’t have a book named after him, his story gives us valuable insight into the early church and the importance of teaching God’s Word accurately.

1. Apollos Was a Jew from Alexandria

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

Alexandria was a major center of education and learning in Egypt. Being from there, Apollos likely had access to strong Jewish and Greek teachings, making him well-educated.

2. He Was Eloquent and Knowledgeable

Acts 18:24
“He was an eloquent man, competent in the Scriptures.”

Apollos was not only well-spoken, but he also had a deep understanding of the Old Testament. This helped him explain Jesus as the promised Messiah using Scripture.

3. He Only Knew the Baptism of John

Acts 18:25
“He had been instructed in the way of the Lord. And being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John.”

Apollos had a sincere heart but incomplete knowledge. He taught about Jesus accurately but didn’t yet understand Christian baptism in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

4. Priscilla and Aquila Helped Teach Him

Acts 18:26
“When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately.”

This husband-and-wife team gently corrected Apollos and helped him grow in truth. Their quiet instruction helped shape a strong teacher into an even better one.

5. Apollos Powerfully Preached in Achaia

Acts 18:27–28
“He greatly helped those who through grace had believed, for he powerfully refuted the Jews in public, showing by the Scriptures that the Christ was Jesus.”

Once Apollos had a fuller understanding, he went to Achaia (especially Corinth) and boldly preached Jesus as the Messiah, using Scripture to prove his case.

6. Paul Considered Apollos a Fellow Servant

1 Corinthians 3:6
“I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth.”

Paul made it clear that Apollos was not a rival but a partner in ministry. Each had different roles, but both served the same God and gospel mission.

7. He Was Involved in Corinth’s Church

1 Corinthians 1:12
“Each one of you says, ‘I follow Paul,’ or ‘I follow Apollos,’ or ‘I follow Cephas,’ or ‘I follow Christ.’”

Some in Corinth began dividing themselves based on which leader they liked most. Paul corrected this, saying that Christ is the only head of the church.

8. Apollos May Have Written Hebrews (Though Not Confirmed)

The book of Hebrews has no named author. Some early Christians, like Martin Luther, suggested Apollos might have written it due to his background in Scripture and Greek thought. Though not proven, it remains a strong theory.

9. Titus Was Sent to Help Apollos

Titus 3:13
“Do your best to speed Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way; see that they lack nothing.”

Paul wanted Apollos and Zenas supported in their travels, showing Apollos remained active and respected in church leadership even later.

10. Apollos Showed Humility and Growth

Apollos didn’t resist correction from Priscilla and Aquila. He accepted instruction and kept preaching. That’s a sign of a true servant leader—teachable and focused on truth, not pride.

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