Now a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was an eloquent man, competent in the Scriptures.
English Standard Version (ESV)
While it says Apollos was "eloquent" and "mighty in the Scriptures," the original Greek word translated as "eloquent" actually carries a broader meaning of being "learned" or "skilled." This suggests Apollos wasn't just a smooth talker, but someone deeply knowledgeable, whose skill in understanding and explaining the Scriptures gave his words compelling power.
Now a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was an eloquent man, competent in the Scriptures.
English Standard Version (ESV)
As Paul continues his ministry in Ephesus, a gifted Jewish man named Apollos arrives. He's from Alexandria, a major intellectual center, and is known for his impressive speaking ability and deep knowledge of the Jewish Scriptures. This arrival marks the introduction of a significant figure who, though not directly commissioned by Paul initially, will play a crucial role in spreading the Gospel, especially in Corinth.
Ever wondered how someone becomes 'mighty in the Scriptures'? For Apollos, his hometown played a huge role. Alexandria was more than just a city; it was a powerhouse of knowledge.
Apollos hailed from Alexandria, a major intellectual and cultural hub in the ancient world. This city was renowned for its famous library and schools, attracting brilliant minds and fostering deep scholarly pursuits.
The Bible describes Apollos as both 'eloquent' and 'mighty in the Scriptures.' What does that truly mean, and how did these two qualities work together?
The description of Apollos as 'eloquent' (Greek: logios) and 'mighty in the Scriptures' points to a powerful combination of communication skills and deep biblical knowledge.
Ask a follow-up
Understand the original words
graphē · Greek Noun
A collection of holy writings recognized as divinely inspired. For Jews of the first century, this specifically referred to the Old Testament; for Christians, it encompasses the complete revelation of God's character and plan of salvation.
Apollos' Alexandrian background, a renowned center of learning and Hellenistic thought, equipped him with a unique rhetorical skill and a deep, philosophical approach to scripture that would prove influential in the early church.
c. 330 BC
Alexandria Founded
Alexander the Great founds the city of Alexandria in Egypt, which becomes a major center of Hellenistic culture, learning, and trade. It will later be home to a large and vibrant Jewish community.
c. 250 BC - 150 BC
Septuagint Translation
The Hebrew Scriptures are translated into Greek in Alexandria, becoming known as the Septuagint. This translation is widely used by Greek-speaking Jews, including those in Alexandria.
c. 20 BC - c. AD 50
Philo of Alexandria Active
Philo, a prominent Jewish philosopher from Alexandria, synthesizes Jewish theology with Hellenistic philosophy. His exegetical methods influence how many Jews, including Apollos, interpret Scripture.
c. AD 47-52
Paul's Second Missionary Journey
The Apostle Paul travels through Asia Minor, including a significant stay in Ephesus on his way to Corinth. He establishes a church in Ephesus during this journey.
c. AD 52-55— this verse
Apollos Arrives in Ephesus
Apollos, a learned and eloquent Jew from Alexandria, skilled in the Scriptures, arrives in Ephesus. He begins teaching and preaching, likely drawing from the Septuagint and Alexandrian interpretive traditions.
c. AD 55
Apollos Moves to Achaia
After further instruction in Ephesus, Apollos travels to Achaia, where he powerfully refutes Jewish opposition and strengthens the believers in Corinth.
This verse speaks of Elihu, who, like Apollos, possessed eloquence and a deep understanding of God's ways, using his gifts to speak wisdom.
1 Corinthians 1:20Paul contrasts the wisdom of the world (eloquence, intellect) with God's wisdom, highlighting how God can use even worldly accomplishments for His purposes, much like Apollos's gifts.
Colossians 1:28This passage describes Paul's aim to present everyone mature in Christ, a goal that Apollos, with his scriptural might and eloquence, would have been instrumental in achieving for others.
1 Corinthians 3:6Paul himself acknowledges his role and Apollos's role in nurturing believers, showing how different individuals with varied gifts, including eloquence and scriptural depth, contribute to the growth of the church.
pooleActs 18:24: "And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus."
Apollos; who is thought also to be called Apelles, Romans 16:10 . Born at Alexandria; his parents having lived there. An eloquent man; a rational, prudent, and learned man. Though the kingdom of God is not in any excellency of speech, 1 Corinthians 2:1,4 , yet this Egyptian jewel may be used to adorn the tabernacle. Mighty in the Scriptures; in quoting, explaining,…
clarkeActs 18:24: "And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus."
A certain Jew named Apollos - One MS., with the Coptic and Armenian, calls him Apelles; and the Codex Bezae, Apollonius. It is strange that we should find a Jew, not only with a Roman name, as Aquila, an eagle; but with the name of one of the false gods, as Apollos or Apollo in the text. Query: Whether the parents of this man were not originally Gentiles, but conver…
While it says Apollos was "eloquent" and "mighty in the Scriptures," the original Greek word translated as "eloquent" actually carries a broader meaning of being "learned" or "skilled." This suggests Apollos wasn't just a smooth talker, but someone deeply knowledgeable, whose skill in understanding and explaining the Scriptures gave his words compelling power.
As Paul continues his ministry in Ephesus, a gifted Jewish man named Apollos arrives. He's from Alexandria, a major intellectual center, and is known for his impressive speaking ability and deep knowledge of the Jewish Scriptures. This arrival marks the introduction of a significant figure who, though not directly commissioned by Paul initially, will play a crucial role in spreading the Gospel, especially in Corinth.
As Paul continues his ministry in Ephesus, a gifted Jewish man named Apollos arrives. He's from Alexandria, a major intellectual center, and is known for his impressive speaking ability and deep knowledge of the Jewish Scriptures. This arrival marks the introduction of a significant figure who, though not directly commissioned by Paul initially, will play a crucial role in spreading the Gospel, especially in Corinth.
"Now a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was an eloquent man, competent in the Scriptures." — While it says Apollos was "eloquent" and "mighty in the Scriptures," the original Greek word translated as "eloquent" actually carries a broader meaning of being "learned" or "skilled." This suggests…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026