Where in the Bible does Priscilla teach Apollos?

In the New Testament, the story of Priscilla and her role in teaching Apollos is found in the Book of Acts, specifically in Acts 18:24-26. This passage provides a fascinating glimpse into the early Christian community and highlights the importance of accurate teaching and mentorship within the faith.

The passage reads:

"Now a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was an eloquent man, competent in the Scriptures. He had been instructed in the way of the Lord. And being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John. 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." (Acts 18:24-26, ESV)

This narrative is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it introduces Apollos, a learned and eloquent man from Alexandria, a city known for its great library and intellectual tradition. Apollos was well-versed in the Scriptures and taught about Jesus with enthusiasm and accuracy, but his knowledge was incomplete; he only knew about the baptism of John. This detail suggests that while Apollos had a strong foundation, he lacked a fuller understanding of the Christian faith, particularly the baptism of the Holy Spirit and the complete teachings of Jesus Christ.

Priscilla and her husband, Aquila, who were tentmakers by trade and close companions of the Apostle Paul, encountered Apollos in Ephesus. They recognized his potential and his fervor for God, but they also saw the gaps in his understanding. Instead of publicly correcting him, which could have caused embarrassment or conflict, they chose a more private and respectful approach. They "took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately."

This act of taking Apollos aside is a beautiful example of discipleship and mentorship within the early Church. It demonstrates a few key principles:

1. The Importance of Accurate Teaching: Priscilla and Aquila understood that accurate teaching was crucial for the growth and health of the early Christian community. They took the time to ensure that Apollos had a complete and correct understanding of the Gospel.

2. Humility in Learning and Teaching: Apollos, despite his eloquence and knowledge, was humble enough to accept instruction from Priscilla and Aquila. This humility is essential for anyone seeking to grow in their faith.

3. The Role of Women in Ministry: Priscilla's involvement in teaching Apollos is particularly noteworthy. It highlights the active role that women played in the early Church. Priscilla is mentioned first, even before her husband Aquila, which may indicate her prominence in this teaching moment. This challenges some traditional views about the role of women in ministry and shows that women were indeed vital contributors to the spread of the Gospel.

The impact of this encounter is seen in the subsequent ministry of Apollos. After his time with Priscilla and Aquila, he became a powerful advocate for the Christian faith, particularly in Achaia (modern-day Greece). Acts 18:27-28 records:

"And when he wished to cross to Achaia, the brothers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples to welcome him. When he arrived, he greatly helped those who through grace had believed, for he powerfully refuted the Jews in public, showing by the Scriptures that the Christ was Jesus."

This passage illustrates the ripple effect of Priscilla and Aquila's mentorship. By investing in Apollos, they enabled him to become an even more effective minister of the Gospel, benefiting the broader Christian community.

In addition to the Book of Acts, Apollos is mentioned in Paul's first letter to the Corinthians. Paul addresses divisions within the Corinthian church, where some believers were aligning themselves with different leaders, including Apollos, Paul, and Peter. Paul writes:

"I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth." (1 Corinthians 3:6-7, ESV)

This passage underscores the collaborative nature of ministry and the ultimate sovereignty of God in the growth of the Church. It also highlights the lasting impact of Apollos' ministry, which was undoubtedly shaped by the instruction he received from Priscilla and Aquila.

The story of Priscilla teaching Apollos is a powerful reminder of the importance of mentorship, accurate teaching, and humility in the Christian faith. It also serves as an encouragement for all believers, regardless of gender, to actively participate in the ministry and to support one another in growing in the knowledge and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.

In the broader context of Christian literature, the role of Priscilla and Aquila is often highlighted as an exemplary model of lay ministry. For instance, in his book The Lost Letters of Pergamum, Bruce W. Longenecker presents a fictionalized account of the early Christian community, drawing on historical and biblical sources. Through this narrative, readers gain a deeper appreciation for the contributions of individuals like Priscilla and Aquila in nurturing and expanding the early Church.

Moreover, the story of Apollos serves as a reminder that even those who are knowledgeable and eloquent can benefit from further instruction and correction. This openness to learning and growth is essential for all Christians, as it fosters a spirit of humility and a desire for deeper understanding.

In conclusion, the account of Priscilla teaching Apollos in Acts 18:24-26 is a rich and instructive passage that highlights the importance of accurate teaching, the role of women in ministry, and the value of mentorship within the Christian community. It encourages believers to support one another in their spiritual journeys and to remain open to learning and growth, recognizing that it is God who ultimately brings about the fruit of our labors.