The answer is: Apostle

Acts 18:24-25

What’s fascinating about Apollos is just how dynamic his role was in the early Christian church. Although often referred to in conjunction with Paul, Apollos was more than just a supporting character. Acts 18:24-25 tells us he was an eloquent speaker and had a good grasp of the Scriptures, having been “instructed in the Way of the Lord.” This paints a picture of an individual who passionately shared his understanding of faith, resembling what we today might categorize as an apostle in spirit, if not officially in title.

Did you know Apollo, the Greek god of music and prophecy, could be seen as echoing Apollos’s gifts? Just like the god, Apollos was a charismatic figure who could stir passion through his words, urging the believers to dig deeper into their faith. It's interesting to see how language and presentation played crucial roles in the spread of early Christianity, just as they do in faith traditions today.

Moreover, some early followers even considered him to rival Paul, leading to a sort of spiritual rivalry that Paul later addresses (1 Corinthians 3:4-9). In this way, Apollos serves as an illustration of community, influence, and the often-complex dynamics among early church leaders. He exemplifies how God's messengers through time didn't always fit neatly in one box—prophet, apostle, or otherwise—as both charisma and dedicated study were essential components of their missions.