Acts 18:27 – “When Apollos wanted to go to Achaia, the brothers and sisters encouraged him and wrote to the disciples there to welcome him. When he arrived, he was a great help to those who by grace had believed.”

Extended Explanation

This verse continues the story of Apollos, a passionate and knowledgeable teacher who had been preaching in Ephesus. After being mentored by Priscilla and Aquila (Acts 18:26), Apollos desired to go to Achaia, a region that included Corinth, where Paul had previously planted a church.

Instead of just going on his own, the believers in Ephesus encouraged him and sent letters of recommendation to the disciples in Achaia. This was common in the early church—believers supported and affirmed one another in ministry.

When Apollos arrived in Achaia, he became a great help to the believers there. His knowledge of the Scriptures and ability to reason with Jews (Acts 18:28) made him a powerful voice in strengthening the faith of those who had already believed in Jesus.

This verse highlights three important truths:

1. Apollos was willing to be sent – After learning more about Jesus, he didn’t stay where he was—he went to a new place to help others grow in their faith.
2. The church supported and encouraged him – The believers in Ephesus didn’t hold him back; they helped him step into his calling.
3. He strengthened other Christians – Apollos’ teaching built up believers, showing that discipleship isn’t just about conversion—it’s about helping people grow deeper in their faith.

Historical Context

• Achaia was a Roman province in Greece, with Corinth as its major city. Corinth had already been evangelized by Paul, and a church had been established there. However, new believers still needed guidance and teaching.
• In the early church, letters of recommendation were used to introduce and vouch for fellow believers who were traveling for ministry. These letters helped prevent false teachers from misleading Christians.
• Apollos’ role in Corinth became significant, as he later became a well-known leader among the believers there (1 Corinthians 3:6). His teaching complemented Paul’s earlier work, reinforcing the message of Jesus.

Theological Implications

1. The importance of Christian encouragement – Apollos didn’t go alone; he was sent and supported by the church. This shows that believers should affirm and encourage one another in ministry.
2. God calls people to different places – Just as Paul was led to some regions, Apollos was led to others. Ministry is not about one person doing everything, but about different people serving in different ways.
3. Discipleship doesn’t stop at conversion – Apollos’ role was to strengthen those who already believed. This reminds us that growing in faith is just as important as coming to faith.

Literary Analysis

Luke, the author of Acts, highlights a smooth transition in Apollos’ ministry:

• “When Apollos wanted to go to Achaia” – This shows his personal desire to serve, meaning he wasn’t forced but felt led by God.
• “The brothers and sisters encouraged him” – The church played a key role in supporting and commissioning him.
• “Wrote to the disciples there to welcome him” – This emphasizes Christian unity and the practice of helping one another in ministry.
• “He was a great help to those who by grace had believed” – This phrase highlights two truths:
  1. Salvation is by grace – People believed not because of their works, but because of God’s grace.
  2. Apollos’ teaching strengthened them – The faith of believers needs to be nurtured and built up, not just left on its own.

Biblical Cross-References

• Romans 10:14-15 – “How can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?” (Apollos’ role was to help people understand and grow in faith.)
• 1 Corinthians 3:6 – “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow.” (Paul and Apollos had different roles in the same mission.)
• 2 Corinthians 3:1 – Paul refers to letters of recommendation, just as Apollos was sent with one in Acts 18:27.
• Ephesians 4:11-12 – God gives different gifts to people—some as teachers, some as evangelists—to build up the body of Christ.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

1. Encourage and support fellow believers in their calling – The Ephesians didn’t hold Apollos back. Instead, they equipped him and helped him move forward. We should do the same for others in ministry.
2. Christian growth requires solid teaching – Apollos helped strengthen believers. Just as new Christians need discipleship, even mature believers benefit from deep teaching.
3. God’s work is bigger than one person – Paul, Apollos, Priscilla, and Aquila all played a role in the early church. No one person does everything. God calls different people to serve in different ways.
4. Be open to going where God leads – Apollos was willing to leave Ephesus and go where he was needed. We should also be willing to follow God’s leading, even if it means stepping into something new.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is seen in how He provides teachers and leaders to strengthen believers. He doesn’t just bring people to faith—He ensures they have support and guidance to grow stronger.

• God’s love is seen in the encouragement of fellow believers – Just as the church supported Apollos, God often uses other Christians to help us grow.
• God’s love provides guidance and wisdom – Apollos didn’t go alone; God provided people to send him, encourage him, and support his mission.

This verse reminds us that God’s love doesn’t leave us to figure things out alone—He gives us the church to help us grow.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

1. Jesus Himself sent out His followers – Just as Apollos was sent to Achaia, Jesus sent out His disciples to preach and strengthen others (Matthew 28:19-20).
2. Jesus established the church to encourage believers – The early church’s support of Apollos reflects Jesus’ desire for His people to work together in unity (John 17:21).
3. Jesus is the foundation, but we are called to build on it – Paul later said that he planted, Apollos watered, but God made it grow (1 Corinthians 3:6). This shows that all ministry points back to Jesus as the source of growth.

Apollos’ journey is a reflection of Jesus’ own mission—spreading the truth, strengthening believers, and bringing glory to God.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How can you encourage someone in your church who is stepping into ministry?
2. Are you open to being sent by God to a new place or role in His kingdom?
3. How can you help strengthen fellow believers in their faith, like Apollos did?
4. Do you recognize that God’s work is bigger than one person? How can you play your part in building up the church?
5. How has God used others to encourage and strengthen you in your faith journey?