The New Testament tells us of a Jewish Christian in the apostolic period whose name was Apollos. Born in the Egyptian seaport of Alexandria, Apollos was, according to the inspired historian Luke, “an eloquent man, mighty in the Scriptures” (Acts 18:24). Paul mentions Apollos several times in his first letter to Corinth as a fellow laborer highly regarded among the disciples (1 Corinthians 1:12; 3:4-6, 22; 4:6; 16:12; see also Titus 3:13).

We understand easily, I think, what Luke meant in describing Apollos as “mighty in the Scriptures.” Obviously, he knew God’s word and was able to speak about it and teach accurately the things it contains (Acts 18:25). But what does it mean when Luke says Apollos was “an eloquent man”? What qualities does that word “eloquent” suggest to us, especially when we consider that Apollos is the only person so described in the entire New Testament?

A dictionary might provide some insight. Thayer’s Lexicon, a standard reference work, defines logios (the Greek word translated “eloquent” in Acts 18:24) as “learned; a man of letters, skilled in literature and the arts, especially versed in history and the antiquities; skilled in speech.” Vine’s Dictionary defines logios almost identically to Thayer, then adds, “It was much more frequently used among the Greeks of one who was erudite than of one who was skilled in words. He had stores of learning and could use it convincingly.”

That Apollos was “eloquent” reveals to us two things about him: he possessed a great amount of knowledge, and he was able to use that knowledge in a way that convinced others. Convinced them of what? we might ask. Luke tells us in Acts 18:28: “He vigorously refuted the Jews publicly, showing from the Scriptures that Jesus is the Christ.” Apollos used his vast mental storehouse of information to convince others of the Lordship of Jesus, and he did so “vigorously.”

A noted speaker named Lyman Beecher observed that “eloquence is logic on fire.” That’s about as complete a definition of the word as could be packed into a five-word statement. Note that it attributes to eloquence two components: logic and fire.

“Logic” (which comes to English from the same Greek root as logios) implies more than mere knowledge. It indicates an effective and correct use of knowledge. A logical argument proceeds in orderly fashion, is consistent within itself, and builds truth upon truth to reach a sound conclusion. Most of us have heard someone debate an issue and found ourselves thinking, “That just doesn’t make sense.” We recognize the absence of logic and reject what is illogical.

Logic requires a basis of knowledge. I couldn’t argue logically with someone about the relative merits of plutonium versus uranium as fuel for a nuclear reactor. Why? Because I know next to nothing about nuclear physics. (In fact, beyond knowing how to correctly pronounce the word “nuclear,” it would be honest to say I know nothing about the subject at all.) But there are other subjects I can discuss logically, because I have sufficient knowledge about those subjects to converse about them.

Every Christian should have enough Bible knowledge to answer for his or her faith (1 Peter 3:15;). Not only this, but every Christian should be continually growing in this knowledge through diligent study (2 Timothy 2:15; 3:16-17; Hebrews 5:12-6:2). It is impossible to convince others of what they should do to please God if we aren’t sure ourselves.

But as an eloquent man, Apollos had more than logic - he also had fire. He was, Luke says, “fervent in spirit” (Acts 18:25) and spoke “vigorously” when he preached. This element of fire is an essential component of the gospel preacher’s approach. The apostles “spoke the word of God with boldness” (Acts 4:29. 31), and it was in part that boldness that made an impression on those who heard them (Acts 4:13). Think about the last time you were convinced by another’s argument - was that argument expounded to you in indistinct, uncertain tones (1 Corinthians 14:7-8), or with fervor and fire?

Teachers can make the mistake of excluding either ingredient of eloquence. If we have logic without fire, we may have the truth but will never persuade anyone of it. What good will that do? Conversely, if we are all fire and no logic, we may sound wonderful, even convincing, but our words are empty and without value. The most we will do is lead people astray.

May God continue to raise up eloquent men to preach and teach the gospel to the world!