Now about our brother Apollos: I strongly urged him to go to you with the brothers. He was not at all inclined to go now, but he will go when he has the opportunity. Now about our brother Apollos:Apollos was a Jewish believer from Alexandria, an eloquent and capable teacher who had been instructed more fully in the way of God by Priscilla and Aquila (Acts 18:24–26). In Corinth he had publicly demonstrated from the Scriptures that Jesus is the Christ (Acts 18:27–28). Paul calls him brother, affirming their shared faith and ministry despite the Corinthian tendency to form factions around prominent teachers (1 Corinthians 1:12; 3:4–9). Act 18:24-28 Meanwhile a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria,… I strongly urged him to go to you with the brothers. Paul desired Apollos to visit Corinth with the other believers traveling there, likely including those carrying this letter. Their cooperation shows that Paul did not regard Apollos as a rival. Both men served the same Lord and labored for the spiritual health of the church. 2Co 12:18 I urged Titus to visit you, and I sent our brother with him.… He was not at all inclined to go now, Apollos was not compelled by Paul’s authority or pressured into a visit that he believed was untimely. His decision may also have avoided feeding the divisions among those who claimed allegiance to him rather than to Christ. The Lord directs His servants in their movements and opportunities for ministry. Jhn 7:6-8 Therefore Jesus told them, “Although your time… but he will go when he has the opportunity. Apollos remained willing to serve the Corinthian believers when the proper occasion came. His future visit would be part of the continuing work of strengthening a church called to maturity, unity, and faithful devotion to Christ. 1Co 4:19 But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord is willing,… Persons / Places / Events 1. ApollosA Jewish Christian from Alexandria, known for his eloquence and knowledge of the Scriptures. He played a significant role in the early church and was a companion of Paul. 2. Paul The apostle who wrote the letter to the Corinthians. He was a key figure in the spread of Christianity and the establishment of churches in the Gentile world. 3. Corinth A major city in ancient Greece where Paul established a church. The city was known for its diversity and moral challenges, which are addressed in Paul's letters. 4. The Brothers Likely refers to other Christian workers or missionaries who were traveling with Paul or were part of the early church network. 5. The Church in Corinth The recipients of Paul's letter, dealing with various issues such as divisions, immorality, and questions about Christian living. Teaching Points Respect for Individual Calling and TimingApollos' decision not to go to Corinth at that time highlights the importance of respecting individual callings and God's timing in ministry. We should encourage others in their walk with God, even if their path differs from our expectations. Unity in Diversity The early church was composed of diverse leaders like Paul and Apollos, each with unique gifts. This diversity should be celebrated and used to strengthen the body of Christ, rather than cause division. The Role of Encouragement in Ministry Paul's urging of Apollos shows the importance of encouragement and support among believers. We should be proactive in encouraging others to pursue opportunities for ministry when the time is right. Patience and Trust in God's Plan Apollos' decision to wait for the right opportunity teaches us patience and trust in God's plan. We should be willing to wait for God's timing rather than rush into decisions. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Apollos' decision to wait for the right opportunity reflect on the importance of discerning God's timing in our own lives?2. In what ways can we encourage and support fellow believers in their unique callings, as Paul did with Apollos? 3. How can the diversity of leaders like Paul and Apollos serve as a model for unity within the church today? 4. What are some practical steps we can take to ensure that we are not causing divisions within our church community, as seen in the context of 1 Corinthians? 5. How can we apply the principle of patience and trust in God's plan when faced with decisions about ministry or service opportunities? Connections to Other Scriptures Acts 18:24-28Provides background on Apollos, describing his arrival in Ephesus, his teaching, and how Priscilla and Aquila helped him understand the way of God more accurately. 1 Corinthians 1:12 Mentions Apollos in the context of divisions within the Corinthian church, where some believers claimed allegiance to different leaders, including Apollos. Titus 3:13 Paul instructs Titus to help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey, indicating Apollos' continued involvement in ministry.
People Achaicus, Apollos, Aquila, Corinthians, Fortunatus, Paul, Prisca, Priscilla, Stephanas, Timotheus, TimothyPlaces Achaia, Asia, Corinth, Ephesus, Galatia, Jerusalem, MacedoniaTopics Accompany, Apollos, Apol'los, Begged, Besought, Brethren, Brother, Brothers, Chance, Convenient, Desire, Desired, Encouraged, Entreat, Greatly, However, Opportunity, Pleasure, Present, Quite, Repeatedly, Resolved, Strongly, Touching, Unwilling, Urged, VisitDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Corinthians 16:10-11 5949 shyness Library Strong and Loving'Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. 14. Let all your things be done with charity.'--1 COR. xvi. 13, 14. There is a singular contrast between the first four of these exhortations and the last. The former ring sharp and short like pistol-shots; the last is of gentler mould. The former sound like the word of command shouted from an officer along the ranks; and there is a military metaphor running all through them. The foe threatens to advance; let the guards keep their … Alexander Maclaren—Romans, Corinthians (To II Corinthians, Chap. V) Anathema and Grace The Faithful Steward The Twenty-Second Psalm. Of the Duties which we are to Perform after Receiving the Holy Communion, Called Action or Practice. The Apostolic Scriptures. The Clergyman and the Prayer Book. "And Watch unto Prayer. " For if they be Urged from the Gospel that they Should Put Nothing By... Tithing The Fourth Commandment Differences in Judgment About Water Baptism, no Bar to Communion: Or, to Communicate with Saints, as Saints, Proved Lawful. Tithing Concerning Worship. Jeremiah, a Lesson for the Disappointed. Ten Reasons Demonstrating the Commandment of the Sabbath to be Moral. Questions About the Nature and Perpetuity of the Seventh-Day Sabbath. Things Pertaining to the Kingdom. Links 1 Corinthians 16:12 NIV1 Corinthians 16:12 NLT 1 Corinthians 16:12 ESV 1 Corinthians 16:12 NASB 1 Corinthians 16:12 KJV 1 Corinthians 16:12 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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