Aquila and Priscilla were a godly couple that “explained to him the way of God more accurately.” They “filled in the blanks” in Apollos’ theology and experience. This thought tells us much about Apollos’ attitude. He, an extremely intelligent, well-educated Alexandrian preacher was willing to learn at the dinner table of a couple of tentmakers. Being empowered by others begins with humility.
Evidently, the Holy Spirit led Apollos to move on from Ephesus to “Achaia.” We know from other biblical passages that he later became one of the pastors of the church in Corinth in that region. “The brethren,” that is, the other believers who were forming the nucleus of the church in Ephesus, “wrote” a letter of commendation to “the disciples” in Achaia, encouraging them “to receive him.” Because of the empowerment of Aquila and Priscilla, the whole church got behind Apollos and urged him to use his spiritual gifts in further ministry.
When Apollos finally “arrived” in Achaia, he “greatly helped those who had believed through grace.” With new understanding and knowledge of Jesus, through the power of the Holy Spirit, Apollos, was a mighty tool of God in strengthening the churches in that region.
The writer of Acts, Luke, gives us one further footnote about Apollos in verse 28. He “vigorously [powerfully] refuted the Jews publicly.” He argued against the Jewish rabbis in a powerful way and answered them with the truth about Jesus Christ on every point. Discipleship is important. It leads to empowerment to share Jesus.