Boy New Testament Known
Apollos
one who destroys; destroyer
Ἀπολλῶς Apollōs
Apollos (Greek: Ἀπολλῶς, Apollōs) means “one who destroys; destroyer”, by traditional interpretation. It appears in 10 verses across 3 books of the Bible. In 2025 it was given to 23 children in the United States. Use is rising. Appears in the same passages as Alexander.
The bearer in scripture
One person in scripture bears this name.
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Apollos
Scripture against society
The two measures, side by side
At a glance
- Verses
- 10 across 3 books
- Bearers
- 1 one person only
- Testament
- New
- Era
- Apostolic
Using it today
Based on 2025 births across the United States.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| Given in 2025 | 23 | Rising |
| All-time total | 229 | Since records begin in 1880 |
| Peak | 24 in 2023 | Its highest year on record |
In scripture
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| First appears | Acts 18:24 |
| Last appears | Titus 3:13 |
| Cross-references | 316 linked passages |
Names connected to this one
- Zenas co-occurrence Appears with Zenas in Titus 3.
- Saul co-occurrence Appears with Saul in 1 Corinthians 3.
- Paul co-occurrence Appears with Paul in 1 Corinthians 3.
- Sosthenes co-occurrence Appears in the same passages as Sosthenes.
- Artemas co-occurrence Appears in the same passages as Artemas.
- Chloe co-occurrence Appears in the same passages as Chloe.
- Crispus co-occurrence Appears in the same passages as Crispus.
- Alexander co-occurrence Appears in the same passages as Alexander.
Origin & meaning
Ἀπολλώς, -ώ, ὁ
(perh. contr. from Ἀπολλώνιος, Act.18:24 D)
Apollos: Act.18:24 19:1, 1Co.1:12 3:4-6 3:22 4:6 16:12, Tit.3:13.†
(AS)
Apollos, an eloquent and learned Jewish Christian from Alexandria, was an important figure in the early church who worked alongside Paul in spreading the gospel.
The biblical story
Apollos was a prominent Jewish Christian from Alexandria, known for his eloquence, knowledge of the Scriptures, and effectiveness in preaching the gospel. He is first mentioned in the book of Acts as a learned man who spoke with great fervor and taught about Jesus accurately, though he knew only the baptism of John. After receiving further instruction from Priscilla and Aquila in Ephesus, Apollos went to Achaia and greatly helped the believers there, vigorously refuting the Jews in public debate and proving from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Messiah.
In Paul's first letter to the Corinthians, Apollos is mentioned as one of the leaders that some of the Corinthian believers were aligning themselves with, alongside Paul and Cephas (Peter). Paul clarifies that both he and Apollos are merely servants through whom the Corinthians came to believe, each serving the role God had assigned to them. Paul planted, Apollos watered, but God made it grow. Paul also mentions Apollos as a positive example when discussing the need for humility and unity among believers.
Later, in Paul's letter to Titus, Apollos is mentioned again as someone Paul encourages Titus to help on his journey, together with Zenas the lawyer. This suggests that Apollos continued to be actively involved in ministry and was a valued co-worker in spreading the gospel message.
Key verses
Apollos appears in 10 verses. Here are some of the most notable:
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And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus.
Acts 18:24 -
And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,
Acts 19:1 -
Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.
1 Corinthians 1:12 -
For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal?
1 Corinthians 3:4 -
Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man?
1 Corinthians 3:5
Show all 10 references
Acts (2)
- Acts 18:24
- Acts 19:1
1 Corinthians (7)
- 1 Corinthians 1:12
- 1 Corinthians 3:4
- 1 Corinthians 3:5
- 1 Corinthians 3:6
- 1 Corinthians 3:22
- 1 Corinthians 4:6
- 1 Corinthians 16:12
Titus (1)
- Titus 3:13