Acts 18:26
He began to speak boldly in the synagogue, but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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It's easy to read this and think Apollos was ignorant, but the text highlights that even someone eloquent and knowledgeable in Scripture, like Apollos, needed further instruction. Priscilla and Aquila, instead of publicly correcting him, took him aside, demonstrating a gentle, private approach to discipleship that corrected subtle inaccuracies in his understanding of "the way of God" as it related to Jesus.
Apollos, a gifted speaker knowledgeable in the Scriptures, begins preaching boldly in the synagogue. However, he only knows the baptism of John and lacks a full understanding of Jesus's work. After hearing him, Priscilla and Aquila, who had learned the full gospel from Paul, privately take Apollos aside to explain God's way more accurately, showing how his existing knowledge points to Christ.
Imagine being a gifted speaker, passionately sharing what you know. Then, someone gently pulls you aside, not to criticize, but to help you be even better. That's the heart of this moment.
Apollos was 'mighty in the Scriptures,' eloquent, and spoke boldly. Yet, he lacked a full understanding of Jesus' life and ministry. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they recognized this gap. Instead of publicly shaming him or letting him continue with an incomplete message, they privately invited him to learn from them. This shows us that true spiritual growth requires humility. It's not about how much you know, but about your willingness to be taught, even by those who might seem less prominent or who approach you in a quiet, personal way. Their action highlights that no one, no matter their current spiritual or intellectual gifts, has arrived. We can always grow deeper in our understanding of God's truth.
This story isn't just about Apollos learning; it's a beautiful picture of how God builds His church through unexpected partnerships.
Priscilla and Aquila, likely tentmakers by trade and converts themselves, become instrumental in shaping one of the New Testament's most influential preachers. They had learned the 'way of God more accurately' – perhaps from Paul himself – and now they faithfully passed it on. The text specifically mentions them working together. While some traditions discuss the specific roles of men and women in teaching, what's undeniable here is their unified effort in discipleship. They weren't afraid to share their God-given insights, demonstrating that ministry isn't limited to a specific role or status. It’s about using whatever understanding and gifts God has given you to help others grow closer to Him. Their private instruction nurtured Apollos, equipping him to minister more effectively.
Understand the original words
parrēsiazomai · Greek Verb
To speak with confidence, freedom of speech, or openness, often in the context of proclaiming the gospel despite opposition or social pressure.
synagōgē · Greek Noun
An assembly of Jewish people for the purpose of worship, reading the law, and instruction; the center of Jewish community life in the diaspora.
ektithēmi · Greek Verb
The systematic unfolding or teaching of doctrine and truths, specifically concerning the gospel and the new covenant reality.
hodos · Greek Noun
The manner, path, or system of living and believing prescribed by God; in the NT, it refers specifically to the gospel of Jesus Christ.
This passage highlights the complementary roles of those who plant and those who water, much like Apollos preaching and Priscilla and Aquila providing deeper instruction.
Galatians 1:17Apollos's initial instruction came from the Scriptures, but like Paul, he later sought clarification and fuller understanding from those who had direct experience with Jesus' apostles.
1 Timothy 2:11-12While Priscilla played a key role in teaching Apollos, this passage emphasizes the context of public teaching, suggesting her instruction of Apollos was private and supplementary, not a violation of gender roles in the broader church.
Acts 19:1-7This passage parallels Apollos's situation, showing other disciples who, like Apollos, had received John's baptism but needed further instruction on the Holy Spirit and the full gospel from Paul and his associates.
Proverbs 27:17The interaction between Apollos and Priscilla/Aquila beautifully illustrates how 'iron sharpens iron,' with both parties learning and growing from the encounter.
pooleActs 18:26: "And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly."
If we allow Priscilla to have contributed towards the instruction of Apollos, as doubtless we may, it is certain it was only in private discourse; which being joined with a meek and humble behaviour, might be very effectual for the conversion of souls, 1 Peter 3:1,2 . Thus Timothy was indebted for his knowledge in t…
barnesActs 18:26: "And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly."
And expounded - Explained. The way of God - Gave him full and ample instructions respecting the Messiah as having already come, and respecting the nature of his work.
It's easy to read this and think Apollos was ignorant, but the text highlights that even someone eloquent and knowledgeable in Scripture, like Apollos, needed further instruction. Priscilla and Aquila, instead of publicly correcting him, took him aside, demonstrating a gentle, private approach to discipleship that corrected subtle inaccuracies in his understanding of "the way of God" as it related to Jesus.
Apollos, a gifted speaker knowledgeable in the Scriptures, begins preaching boldly in the synagogue. However, he only knows the baptism of John and lacks a full understanding of Jesus's work. After hearing him, Priscilla and Aquila, who had learned the full gospel from Paul, privately take Apollos aside to explain God's way more accurately, showing how his existing knowledge points to Christ.
"He began to speak boldly in the synagogue, but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately." — It's easy to read this and think Apollos was ignorant, but the text highlights that even someone eloquent and knowledgeable in Scripture, like Apollos, needed further instruction. Priscilla and Aquil…
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