Definition: And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, [and] mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Acts 18:24. It’s a really important introduction to the story of early Christianity! Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, this verse tells us about a very influential person who traveled to Ephesus – a city in Turkey – and was involved with the spread of Jesus’ teachings. Let’s unpack it further: “And a certain Jew named Apollos…” : This establishes who the person is. "Jew" in this context usually means Jewish, and "named Apollos" tells us he was a follower of Jesus Christ. “…born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, [and] mighty in the scriptures…” : This describes his background and abilities. Born at Alexandria: He came from a place called Alexandria, which was a major city in Egypt. Eloquent man: He was very good at speaking and explaining things clearly. Mighty in the scriptures: This is a key phrase! “Scriptures” refers to the Jewish holy books like the Old Testament (the Torah, Prophets, and Writings). So, he had a deep understanding of these texts – they were really important to him. “…came to Ephesus.” : He traveled to the city of Ephesus. Ephesus was a significant city in ancient Greece, and it’s where Jesus began his ministry. So, putting it all together: This verse tells us that Apollos, a learned and articulate Jewish man, started traveling to Ephesus – a place where Jesus was starting to preach – and was part of the very beginning of Christianity's spread. Why is this significant? This is a foundational story! It shows that Jesus’ message wasn't just limited to a small group of people; he began to reach out and influence others, even in a city like Ephesus. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse from Acts 18? Discuss the significance of Ephesus? Or perhaps delve deeper into the meaning of "eloquent man" or "mighty in the scriptures"?