Apollos Learned the Way More Accurately

After leaving Corinth, Paul travels through Ephesus and then returns toward Antioch, strengthening the disciples along the way. In Ephesus, Priscilla and Aquila meet Apollos, an eloquent teacher who knows the Scriptures and speaks accurately about Jesus, though his understanding is incomplete.

They took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately.

Apollos receives correction without being shamed. The brothers encourage him and write to the disciples in Achaia. There he helps believers and publicly proves from the Scriptures that Jesus is the Christ. His gifts become more useful as he learns from people who care enough to teach him.

Paul leaves Corinth with Priscilla and Aquila, has his hair cut off at Cenchreae because of a vow, and sails to Ephesus. He reasons with the Jews there, but when they ask him to stay longer he declines and says he will return if God wills. He travels through Caesarea, goes up to greet the church in Jerusalem, and then returns to Antioch.

Meanwhile, Apollos arrives in Ephesus. He is eloquent, powerful in the Scriptures, instructed in the way of the Lord, fervent in spirit, and accurate in what he teaches about Jesus, but he knows only the baptism of John. Priscilla and Aquila hear him speaking boldly in the synagogue and take him aside. They do not shame him publicly; they explain the way of God more accurately.

Apollos then crosses to Achaia. The brothers encourage him and write to the disciples to welcome him. He helps those who have believed through grace and publicly proves from the Scriptures that Jesus is the Christ. His first instruction was real but incomplete, and the church's patient help equips him for fruitful service rather than replacing him.