Bible Commentary

Acts 18:24-28

Matthew Henry on Acts 18:24-28

Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · Matthew Henry · CC0 1.0 Universal

Apollos taught in the gospel of Christ, as far as John's ministry would carry him, and no further. We cannot but think he had heard of Christ's death and resurrection, but he was not informed as to the mystery of them.

Though he had not the miraculous gifts of the Spirit, as the apostles, he made use of the gifts he had. The dispensation of the Spirit, whatever the measure of it may be, is given to every man to profit withal.

He was a lively, affectionate preacher; fervent in spirit. He was full of zeal for the glory of God and the salvation of precious souls. Here was a complete man of God, thoroughly furnished for his work.

Aquila and Priscilla encouraged his ministry, by attendance upon it. They did not despise Apollos themselves, or undervalue him to others; but considered the disadvantages he had laboured under. And having themselves got knowledge in the truths of the gospel by their long intercourse with Paul, they told what they knew to him.

Young scholars may gain a great deal by converse with old Christians. Those who do believe through grace, yet still need help. As long as they are in this world, there are remainders of unbelief, and something lacking in their faith to be perfected, and the work of faith to be fulfilled.

If the Jews were convinced that Jesus is Christ, even their own law would teach them to hear him. The business of ministers is to preach Christ. Not only to preach the truth, but to prove and defend it, with meekness, yet with power.

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commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Acts 18:1-28EXPOSITIONJoseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Character of ApollosTHE CHARACTER OF APOLLOS. The sacred history leaves Paul upon his travels, and goes here to meet Apollos at Ephesus, and to give us some account of him, which was necessary to our understanding some passages in Paul's e…Matthew HenrycommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Acts 18:24-28The opportunities vouchsafed to fitness. The doctrine of man's opportunity is the correlative of that of God's providence. A world of opportunity there ever is, ever is even for every man. How much of it mournfully peri…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Acts 18:24-28Variety in Christian service. We learn— I. THAT GOD ENDOWS HIS SERVANTS WITH VARIOUS GIFTS We have been following the course and rejoicing in the good work of Paul; now we come to another Christian workman of different…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Acts 18:24Now for and, A.V.; an Alexandrian by race for born at Alexandria, A.V.; learned for eloquent, A.V. ( λόγιος); came to Ephesus; and he was mighty, etc., for and mighty in the Scriptures, came, etc., A.V. From Acts 18:24…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Acts 18:24-28The eloquent Apollos. I. PAUL AND APOLLOS: A CONTRAST. "I planted, Apollos watered." Different Divine instruments, shaped out of different material, prepared in different ways, destined for different objects. The unity…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Acts 18:24-28Apollos. Alexandria's mission. Its broader view of Judaism. Its intermediate position between Palestine and the Christian Church. Variety of human talent and acquirement all serviceable to Christ. Humility of the truly…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Acts 18:24-28The episode. The five verses which make up this section are unique in this respect, that the historian, leaving his hero engaged in unknown labors in Phrygia and Galatia, gives us in them a view of what was going on mea…Joseph S. Exell and contributors