Apollos: Every Preacher’s Hero

In Acts 18:24-28, we get introduced to this slightly little-known hero of the New Testament, Apollos. A long time ago, I decided Apollos was the kind of guy I really wish I could hang around for a while. He kind of symbolizes every God-called communicator in that he had the raw materials and a calling from God, but needed some shaping.

He needed to know Christ, to whom Paul gladly introduced him. He also needed to understand the New Testament fulfillment of all that he knew of the Old Testament, which was a lot. But look at the raw materials that made Apollos great…

WHAT MADE APOLLOS ONE OF MY HEROES…

An Eloquent, Mighty Communicator

We know that it’s not about charisma or talent, but rather about humility, but a little eloquence never hurt, and Apollos had his share. He was mighty in the Scriptures. I get the picture that Apollos was thoroughly grounded in his understanding of the Scriptures, but also that he was able to communicate them clearly and powerfully.

Don’t discount a growing effectiveness in our communication skills.

Fervent in Spirit

I like the word “fervent,” which means to be heated up. He was on fire with passion. Like Wesley, who simply wanted God to set him on fire so that people would come to watch him burn, Apollos wanted to blaze forth for the glory of God.

Certainly don’t discount the power of passion.

He Mightily Convinced People… Publicly… That Jesus Was the Christ

The previous two characteristics, eloquence and passion, were tools Apollos used at his disposal for the ultimate purpose of honoring, giving witness to, and pointing people to Jesus Christ.

Definitely don’t discount the role of Jesus Christ. He’s everything!