Sermon Central
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Apollos' Conversion Series
Contributed by Ron Freeman, Evangelist on Dec 26, 2019 (message contributor)
Summary: To establish that Apollos’ Conversion; followed the same “pattern of conversion,” outlined in the Book of Acts. He came to Ephesus preaching John’s baptism; after being taught “the way of God more perfectly;” he was sent into Achaia, being able to show by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ.
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INTRODUCTION
Outline.
1. Apollos' Capabilities
2. Apollos' Conversion
3. Apollos' Commission
Remarks.
1. In this lesson today, we will speak to the theme: “Apollos’ Conversion.” This lesson reminds us that even this man’s conversion followed the same “pattern of conversion” as others, outlined in the Book of Acts. After coming to Ephesus unaware of the gospel of Christ; while teaching John’s baptism in the synagogue; he was taught the “way of God more perfectly.” After being converted to Christ; the brethren in Ephesus sent him into Achaia, to strengthen the church at Corinth.
2. First, we will consider his capabilities. This man was given an outstanding introduction during his visit to Ephesus. His resume read in part: “And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man; and mighty in the scriptures came to Ephesus. 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,” Acts 18:24-25. Luke gave us a snapshot of this rabbi’s capabilities, in delivering the things of the Lord.
3. Next, we will describe his conversion experience. Luke describes it as follows: “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,” Acts 18:26. It was this couple that taught Apollos, the gospel of Christ; and baptized him in the name of the Lord Jesus.
4. Lastly, we will investigate his commission – to go to Achaia and preach Christ in Corinth. He was given charge by the brethren to go down there, to build up and strengthen the saints. This work had begun by Paul; not long before he arrived, in Ephesus. Luke wrote: “And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him...showing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ,” Acts 18:27-28. With this brief introduction, let’s consider our first point in this lesson.
BODY OF LESSON
I APOLLOS' CAPABILITIES
A. An eloquent man. Luke wrote: “And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man; and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus,” Acts 18:24. Luke gives us, this rabbi’s resume. It was an outstanding one, I might add. Observe--
1. His origin and education. He was a Jew, born and educated at Alexandria, in Egypt.
a. Born of Jewish parents; for there was an abundance of Jews in that city, since the dispersion of the people, as it was foretold, by Moses.
b. He wrote of the dispersion: “The Lord shall bring thee into Egypt again,” Deuteronomy 28:68; Jeremiah 44:12. See also Hosea 9:3; Hosea 9:14; and Luke 21:24.
c. These prophecies speak to Israel’s bondage and captivity in Egypt and other Gentile nations; because, of idolatry and forsaking Jehovah, their God.
2. His name was not Apollo, the name of one of the heathen gods, but Apollos, as with Apelles, in Romans 16:10. Apelles thought by some to mean: Apollos.
3. An eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures of the Old Testament: in his knowledge of them, as a Jew, being taught them by parents; and, perhaps in the synagogue in Alexandria, Acts 6:9.
4. A capable teacher and speaker: “Came to Ephesus,” Acts 18:24. This was the result, of divine providence! Let speak first about his delivery skills. Luke describes him as...
a. An eloquent man. He had a great command of the Greek and Hebrew languages: he was an eloquent man; a learned man, perhaps -- a good historian, which is excellent quality for public speaking; especially for one that is in the ministry.
b. He could speak well, so this properly signifies; he was a great orator of the word; he was capable of speaking concisely, and fluently: upon any of the Old Testament scriptures.
c. He was an outstanding communicator; in his speaking and teaching, of the things of the Lord. He was skilled in the “art of preaching,” before he came to Ephesus. What he lacked; was an understanding of the: “Truth that makes one free from their sins,” John 8:31-32; John 8:36.
d. It appears Apollos, had not yet himself: “Obeyed from the heart, that form of doctrine, that makes one free from their sin,” Romans 6:17-18. However, he was--
B. Mighty in the scriptures. Luke wrote: “He came to Ephesus, being mighty in the scriptures.” He had a great command of the Hebrew text; regarding his subject.
He could expound upon the scriptures. He came to Ephesus and sought out the place of Hebrew worship, the synagogue. Observe--
1. He was able not only to read the scriptures; but, quote the text off-hand, and direct you where to find them: being mighty in the scriptures.
