The seed of Abraham in the birthplace of Apollos spoke the Greek language, and were in somewhat peculiar circumstances.  They were free from some of the prejudices of the Jews in Palestine; and, though living in the midst of a heathen population, had advantages which were enjoyed by very few of their brethren scattered elsewhere among the Gentiles.  At Alexandria their sumptuous synagogues were unequivocal evidences of their wealth; they constituted a large and influential section of the inhabitants; they had much political power; and, whilst their study of the Greek philosophy had modified their habits of thought, they had acquired a taste for the cultivation of eloquence and literature.  Apollos, the Jew “born at Alexandria,” [116:1] who now became acquainted with Aquila and Priscilla, was an educated and accomplished man.  It is said that “he was instructed in the way of the Lord, and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John.” [116:2] The influence of the preaching of the Baptist may be estimated from this incidental notice; for though the forerunner of our Saviour had now finished his career about a quarter of a century, the Alexandrian Jew was only one of many still living witnesses to testify that he had not ministered in vain.  In this case John had indeed “prepared the way” of his Master, as, under the tuition of Aquila and Priscilla, Apollos was led without difficulty to embrace the Christian doctrine.  It is said of this pious couple that “they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.” [116:3] Priscilla was no less distinguished than her husband [116:4] for intelligence and zeal; and though she was prevented, as much, perhaps, by her native modesty, as by the constitution of the Church, [116:5] from officiating as a public instructor, she was, no doubt, “apt to teach;” and there must have been something most interesting and impressive in her private conversation.  It is a remarkable fact that one of the ablest preachers of the apostolic age was largely indebted to a female for his acquaintance with Christian theology.

The accession, at this juncture, of such a convert as Apollos was of great importance to the evangelical cause.  The Church of Corinth, in the absence of Paul, much required the services of a minister of superior ability; and the learned Alexandrian was eminently qualified to promote its edification.  He was “an eloquent man, and mighty in the Scriptures.” [117:1] After sojourning some time at Ephesus, it seems to have occurred to him that he would have a more extensive sphere of usefulness at Corinth; and “when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote exhorting the disciples to receive him.” [117:2] It soon appeared that his friends in Asia had formed no exaggerated idea of his gifts and acquirements.  When he reached the Greek capital, he “helped them much which had believed through grace; for he