And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the Scriptures, came to Ephesus. (25) This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John. (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. (27) And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him: who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through grace: (28) For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publicly, showing by the Scriptures that Jesus was Christ.
There is somewhat very interesting in the account here given of Apollos. His being instructed in the way of the Lord, means no more, I should apprehend, than that he had been taught, or catechized, (as the word is), concerning the truths of the Gospel. Perhaps had learnt under the ministry of John, or his disciples. But, we may take occasion from hence to remark, how sweetly. the Lord prepares the minds of his people for the reception of his divine truth. What a teachable disposition the Lord had given him, that while blessed with the gift of eloquence, and with an earnest desire to speak for the Lord; he submitted to be taught by those poor tent-makers, Aquila and Priscilla. He appears to have been so great a man, that many of the Corinthians preferred his preaching to Paul's. No doubt, this was from their ignorance. But it serves to shew the greatness of the man; 1 Corinthians 1:12. And, it may be observed, that it is the character of none but little minds, to refuse instruction, however weak or humble the channels through which it comes. Apollos found, that Aquila and Priscilla were better taught in divine things than himself. And, no doubt, while those humble persons ministered. to his furtherance in knowledge; he strengthened their hands in his acquaintance with the Scriptures: and the Lord's blessing upon them all, they became helpful to one another. And so is it now. While the Lord's ministers are going forth, in their public labors for the people, the saints of God are holding up their hands by their private prayers for them, (as Aaron and Hur did the hands of Moses in the Mount: Exodus 17:12) in their ministry. And thus, as Paul said to the Romans, while the one imparted some Spiritual gift, he received others in return: that I may be comforted (said Paul), together with you, by the mutual faith both of you and me, Romans 1:12.