You are nit-picking the members.
Apollos
"an eloquent man" This term in Koine Greek can mean either eloquent or educated. In the Septuagint logios is used of the oracles of God. Apollos was obviously more gifted in public speaking (Greek rhetoric) than Paul (compare 1 Cor. 1:17; 2:1; 2 Cor. 10:10; and 11:6). He was a powerful preacher!
"and he was mighty in the Scriptures" The term "Scriptures" refers to the OT (cf. 1 Thess. 2:13; 2 Tim. 3:16; 1 Pet. 1:23-25; 2 Pet. 1:20-21), with the exception of 2 Pet. 3:15-16, where Paul's writings (by analogy) are attributed inspired status.
Apollos knew his OT well.
The word "mighty" is dunatos, which is used of Jesus' might in word and deed in Luke 24:19, and of Moses in Acts 7:22.
18:25 "This man had been instructed"
This is a PERIPHRASTIC PLUPERFECT PASSIVE (cf. Luke 1:4). He had been trained in the teachings of Jesus, but only up to a certain level or time period.
Curtis Vaughan, Acts, p. 118, footnote #2, lists the things Apollos may have known and preached.
John was the forerunner of the Messiah.
He pointed out the Messiah as the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.
Jesus of Nazareth was the Messiah.
I also think that repentance was probably emphasized in his preaching because it was in both John's and Jesus' preaching.
"in the way of the Lord" "The way" was the first title used to describe the followers of Jesus in Acts (cf. Acts 9:2; 19:9,23; 22:4; 24:14,22; John 14:6). It was used often in the OT (cf. Deut. 5:32-33; 31:29; Ps. 27:11; Isa. 35:8), where it speaks of lifestyle faith. It is uncertain whether it has that meaning in this text (cf. Acts 18:26).
Apollos also knew something about Jesus, but apparently it was His early earthly ministry and not the post-Calvary, post-resurrection gospel.
"being fervent in spirit" This is literally "burning in spirit." This phrase is meant to describe the enthusiasm of Apollos for what he did know and understand about the life and teachings of Jesus.
"being acquainted only with the baptism of John" This phrase about Apollos may have been the literary technique that Luke used to introduce the followers of John in Acts 19:1-7. There were several heresies that developed in first century Palestine connected with John the Baptist's teaching and preaching.
John was the last OT prophet who prepared for the coming of the Messiah (cf. Isa. 40:3; Matt. 3:3), but he was not the first gospel preacher.
If Apollos' preaching focused too much on John, then he missed the full significance of Jesus. Both John and Jesus emphasized "repentance," "faith," and "godly living." Both initially called the Jews to a new commitment to faith and practice (covenant faithfulness and personal faith in YHWH). However, Jesus' message developed into the bold assertion of His central place (e.g., John 10 and 14), possibly this is what Apollos lacked.
Am I downing Apollos? Notice the "possible-this is what Apollos lacked?" Would be to God there are more Apollos's today and godly "correctors" to help us through the Holy Spirit to expound the Way more fully!
18:26 "he began to speak out boldly in the synagogue" This VERB is used of Paul speaking to the Jews in the synagogue in Acts 13:46; 14:3; 19:8 and before Festus in Acts 26:26. Apollos was a powerful and effective preacher.
"in the synagogue" Notice Priscilla and Aquila were also there. This was Paul's regular custom also.
"Priscilla and Aquila" She is mentioned first several times, Acts 18:18,26; Rom. 16:3; 2 Tim. 4:19. This is highly unusual. Possibly she was the strongest personality or of Roman nobility. In Acts 18:2, Aquila is said to be Jewish, but never Priscilla. They were forced to leave Rome under Emperor Claudius' edict in A.D. 49. They met and befriended Paul in Corinth and followed him to Ephesus. The three of them were tent makers.
"took him aside" This term is used to describe someone being accepted or received as a friend. It is uncertain how or where Priscilla and Aquila did this for Apollos. They may have talked to him privately or taken him home with them.
Notice they did not embarrass him or challenge him publicly!
"explained to him the way of God more accurately" He was teachable, which is rare for gifted, educated humans! He obviously responded to their fuller information about Jesus.
-Too much pontificating and philosophizing-"downing members" just to make a point-win the argument.
We need more Pricilla's and Aquila's to help us rightly cutting straight the D'varim of YHVH in the sphere of the Ruach HaKodesh.
My 2 cents-for what it's worth.
Johann.
