Acts 18:25

"Now a certain Jew named Apollos, an Alexandrian by race, an eloquent man, came to Ephesus. He was mighty in the Scriptures."

Key Reflection

Apollos, a well-versed Jew from Alexandria who had traveled to Ephesus, arrived at a time when discussions about Jesus were just beginning in that city. His eloquence and deep knowledge of the Hebrew Scriptures would have made him a respected figure among the Jews, immediately setting him apart as someone with significant background in religious teachings. The phrase "mighty in the Scriptures" suggests he was well-versed not only in their content but also in their interpretation, positioning him to be a key figure in the early Christian community's discussions and debates.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 25. This man was instructed. Greek, was catechised. He was instructed, in some degree, into the knowledge of the Christian religion. By whom this was done, we have no information. See Barnes "Ac 2:9-11". In the right way of the Lord. The word way often refers to doctrine, Mt 21:32. It means here that he had been correctly taught in regard to the Messiah; yet his knowledge was imperfect, Ac 18:26. The amount of his knowledge seems to have been: (1.) He had correct views of the Messiah to come--views which he had derived from the study of the Old Testament. He was expecting a Saviour that should be humble, obscure, and a sacrifice, in opposition to the prevailing notions of the Jews.

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