John Calvin Commentary Acts 18:24

"Now a certain Jew named Apollos, an Alexandrian by race, an eloquent man, came to Ephesus; and he was mighty in the scriptures." — Acts 18:24 (ASV)

A certain Jew. This should for good reasons be ascribed to the providence of God, because while Paul was forced to depart from Ephesus, Apollos came in his place to supply his absence.

It is very beneficial to understand this man's background, since he was Paul’s successor among the Corinthians. He conducted himself so excellently, made faithful efforts, and took great pains, so that Paul commends him honorably as an exceptional colleague.

I have planted, he says, Apollos hath watered, (1 Corinthians 3:6).

Also, these things have I figuratively appointed unto myself and Apollos (1 Corinthians 4:6).

Luke first gives him two titles of commendation: that he was eloquent and mighty in the Scriptures. Later, Luke will add mention of his zeal, faith, and constancy.

And though Paul truly denies that the kingdom of God consists in words, and he himself was not commended for eloquence, yet dexterity in speaking and reasoning (such as Luke commends here) should not be despised.

This is especially true when no pomp or vain boasting is sought by using fine words and great eloquence. Instead, the one who is to teach considers it sufficient for himself—without fraud or ambition, without lofty words or elaborate skill—plainly to explain the matter at hand.

Paul lacked eloquence; the Lord intended for the chief apostle to lack this virtue, so that the power of the Spirit might appear more excellent in his unrefined and simple speech.

And yet he was furnished with eloquence sufficient to proclaim the name of Christ and to maintain the doctrine of salvation.

But as the distribution of the gifts of the Spirit is diverse and manifold, Paul’s artlessness in speech—if I may call it that—in no way prevented the Lord from choosing eloquent ministers for Himself.

Furthermore, so that no one would think that Apollos’ eloquence was profane or vain, Luke says that it was joined with great power: namely, that he was mighty in the Scriptures.

I interpret this to mean that he was not only well and thoroughly versed in the Scriptures, but that he also possessed their force and effectiveness, so that, being armed with them, he prevailed in all conflicts.

And this, in my judgment, is a credit to Scripture rather than to the man: that it has sufficient force both to defend the truth and to refute the subtlety of Satan.