Apollos
Apollos was a Jew from Alexandria, mentioned in the New Testament as an educated and “eloquent” man, familiar with the Scriptures. He preached about Jesus, initially only knowing about John’s baptism. In Ephesus, he learned more about the Christian faith from Aquila and Priscilla. Later, he became a valued member of the Corinthian church and a collaborator of Paul, who respected him as referenced in his First Epistle to the Corinthians, highlighting that while one “plants” and another “waters,” the growth is from God.
Etymology: “Apollos” (Greek: Ἀπολλώς) is likely a shortened form of “Apollonius” or “Apollodorus” and is related to the Greek god Apollo.
Found in: Acts 18:24–19:1; 1 Cor. 1:12; 3:4–6, 22; 4:6; 16:12; Titus 3:13.
Apostle
An apostle (Greek: ἀπόστολος – “messenger”, “sent”) means a messenger, a herald of God’s will. There is no direct Hebrew term, but the idea of “sent by God” is expressed by the verb שָׁלַח (shalakh) – “to send”.
In the scriptures, the word apostle is used broadly for any person sent by God (including Jesus Christ Himself – Heb. 3:1; Mal. 3:1), and narrowly for the 12 disciples of Jesus, whom He personally sent to preach the Gospel (Matt. 10:2). Later, Matthias joined them after Judas Iscariot’s fall (Acts 1:15–26). Jesus’ instructions to the apostles are recorded in Matt. 10:5–42.
The main features of the apostolic ministry are: a) They were witnesses and hearers of Jesus Christ’s works and words (John 15:27; Acts 1:22; 1 John 1:3); b) Each was personally called by the Lord (Luke 6:13; Gal. 1:1), including Matthias (Acts 1:23–26); c) They were inspired by the Holy Spirit (John 16:13); d) They had the power to perform miracles and impart spiritual gifts (Mark 16:20; Acts 2:43; Heb. 2:4).
The twelve apostles include Simon Peter (Cephas), Andrew, James the son of Zebedee, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew (Levi), James the son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, Judas the son of James (Thaddeus), and Judas Iscariot (later replaced by Matthias).
Others called apostles: Apostle Paul, “an apostle by calling” (Gal. 1:1), and the seventy apostles – disciples sent by the Lord (Luke 10:1), who, although they did not have the full authority of the 12, were called “apostles” in the early Church.
Partial list of the 70 apostles (according to tradition): Andronicus, Amplias, Aquila, Barnabas, Epaphroditus, Evodius, Hermas, Hermes, Linus, Lucius, Luke the Evangelist, Mark, Narcissus, Onesiphorus, Paul, Patros, Stachys, Stephen, Tychicus, Titus, Timothy, Philemon, etc.
In a broader sense, other men and women with a special missionary ministry are called “apostles” in scripture and tradition. Such are: Mary Magdalene, Constantine, Helena, St. Nina, Cyril and Methodius, Prince Vladimir, etc.
Aramaic language
Aramaic language (Hebrew אֲרָמִית, Ar. ארמית; Greek Συριστί or Χαλδαϊστί) is a Semitic language related to Hebrew and Arabic, originating among Northern Mesopotamian tribes as early as the 2nd millennium BC. It became an international language in the Middle East, important in biblical history and theology, both in the Old and New Testaments.
Old Testament: Parts of the Bible were written in Aramaic: Ezra 4:8–6:18; 7:12–26; Daniel 2:4–7:28; Jeremiah 10:11. Aramaic was used as the official language of the empire, for letters, orders, and court protocols.
New Testament: During Jesus Christ’s time, Greek was the official language, but Aramaic was spoken by ordinary Jews. Some Aramaic words of Christ are preserved: “Talitha cumi” (“Little girl, arise!”) – Mark 5:41; “
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