Luke introduces us to Priscilla in Acts 18:2. Paul had entered Corinth and met Aquila and his wife Priscilla. They had migrated to Corinth from Rome because “Claudius had commanded all the Jews leave Rome” (Acts 18:2). As Jewish Christians, they had to leave along with the Jews.
We learn that Aquila was a native of Pontus, a region on the southern coast of the Black Sea. Today, Pontus is part of the eastern Black Sea Region of Turkey. Residents of Pontus were present at the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:9). (It must be noted that there is general consensus that Prisca is the formal name and Priscilla is the familiar name as in Timothy--Tim.)
In Acts 18, Luke records that Paul stayed with Aquila and Priscilla and they worked together. Acts 18:18 records that when Paul set sail for Syria, Priscilla and Aquila were with him. They remained in Ephesus and ministered there. In I Corinthians, we learn that the church was meeting at their home. Luke tells the story in Acts 18:24-28 of their encounter with Apollos and of their gentle correction of his theology (v.26) and of their letter of support for Apollos as he moved to Achaia.
Partners in Ministry
Neither Priscilla or Aquila are mentioned without the other which points to their partnership in ministry. Out of the seven references to this couple, the wife is mentioned before the husband five times (faithward). This is not usual in the writings of the New Testament period and there have been several reasons suggested.
Among them are that 1) Priscilla was the leader in their ministry work (faithward), 2) she was a Roman lady with a higher rank than her husband (Walls, 51, p.3) and 3) she is named first because the churches that they led met in their home which would be managed by Priscilla (Majeski, 2013, p.4). What stands out to this writer is that they are clearly partners in ministry. They were equals and united in their calling as church planters and disciplers.
Paul mentions Priscilla and Aquila in his greetings at the end of Romans as his fellow workers and notes that they risked their lives for him. The NIRV reads “Greet Priscilla and Aquila. They work together with me in serving Christ Jesus. They have put their lives in danger for me. I am thankful for them. So are all the Gentile churches.”
This points to their leadership as a couple and their ministry not just to Paul but to everyone they encountered. The last mention of Priscilla and Aquila is in the second epistle to Timothy when Paul asked Timothy to greet them.
God used this ordinary couple to accomplish great things for Him as they moved in obedience to a governmental decree and in obedience to the Holy Spirit.
One writer indicated that while we attribute the growth of the churches in Corinth and Ephesus to Paul, much credit needs to be given to Priscilla and Aquila as they discipled and encouraged many in these cities (Women of Faith Study Bible, p. 2047). As a couple, they were willing to go to Ephesus, a city which was morally corrupt and face the challenges this would bring to their ministry. What is so remarkable about this ministry couple and what lessons can we learn from Priscilla?
Lessons from Priscilla’s Life
First,
God uses difficult seasons to advance His Kingdom.
They had migrated from Rome to Corinth and it was not a voluntary migration. Undoubtedly, they left friends, possessions and possibly family not knowing what would come .
This year has been difficult for everyone as we have dealt with the trifecta of a pandemic, its effects on the economy, and the racial/political tension in the United States. Certainly, the move from Rome to Corinth and then another move from Corinth to Ephesus were not easy for Priscilla and Aquila. Yet, they set up their tent making business and began ministering to others. God accomplished great things in their ministries in both Corinth and Ephesus.
I am reminded that Jesus began his public ministry after 40 days of fasting and temptations in the desert (Luke 4:1-13). As we look at the challenges of Priscilla and Aquila and Jesus, let us ask ourselves: What challenges or hardships have we faced that have enhanced our ministry or what will God use to strengthen our ministry in the months to come? What great things will God accomplish through our ministry He has called us to lead?
Secondly, Priscilla and Aquila were hospitable to others.
They opened their home to Paul in Corinth and to the church in Ephesus. As they did this, they were given opportunities to teach others and to share the Good News of the Gospel with those who entered their home. One author puts it like this -
When Paul arrived in their community, they gathered in a worn-out traveler.
They provided shelter, company, and income for him, advancing his missionary
ventures. In Ephesus, they followed the same template with Apollos, perhaps
sharing what they had learned from Paul to strengthen the witness of this
remarkable young preacher. Their table and living room became sources of
encouragement and instruction for those who would teach the church at large (faithward).
How do we demonstrate hospitality in our homes? As the pandemic continues, how will we demonstrate hospitality or the love of Christ to others? Will we deliver food or gifts to porches, will we creatively reach out to others with the love of Christ?
Will we donate to food pantries or shelters? Can we provide a meal to someone who is ill or temporarily unable to cook? How do we respond to the questions of a younger Christian or a child? God will help us know how to be hospitable now and in the future as we listen to the leading of HIs Spirit.
Thirdly, Priscilla and Aquila were kind not only in opening their home, but also in their correction of Apollos.
Acts 18 records that when they heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately. Then they wrote him a letter of commendation to the church in Achaia.
Paul writes in Corinthians (1 Corinthians 13) that love is patient and kind. Are we kind in our thoughts, acts and deeds. I find myself asking “Am I kind?” “Am I saying the kind thing?” “Am I doing the kind thing?”
Lastly, Priscilla and Aquila took great risks for God as He used them, two tentmakers, to encourage and plant the churches in Corinth and in Ephesus. After migrating from Rome in AD 49 and leaving behind all that was familiar they took the risk and moved to Ephesus to do it again. This was not easy work but they did it and God used it.
As I mentioned above, Paul says they risked their lives for him. He thanks them and says that not only he but all the Gentile Christians are thankful for their lives and ministry. One author reports that after Claudius’ reign ended, they moved back to Rome in about AD 55 (Jeffreys).
Passion, Kindness, and Obedience
Priscilla and Aquila’s lives demonstrate partnership in ministry at its finest. They were loyal to Christ, to each other, and to their ministry partners. My prayer is that for those of you reading this who are married is that your marriage is such a partnership.
This does not necessarily mean that each partner has an ecclesial assignment, but that you both have a passion for Christ, a passion for each other, and a passion for seeing others come to Christ. God honors passion, kindness, and obedience. Priscilla’s life demonstrated all three and more.
As I wrote this, I was challenged to ask myself, how my life demonstrates passion, kindness, and obedience to Christ and seeing others come to know Him. I asked myself these questions:
- Does my life demonstrate a passion for Christ as I minister to my community?
- Am I kind to those around me?
- Am I listening to the Holy Spirit and obeying God in all areas of my life?
- Am I as kind in my home as I am to those outside it?
- Do I have a passion for those in my family and am I passionate about seeing them come to know Christ?
While your individual circumstances will dictate which questions you ask yourself after reading this article, I pray that it has encouraged you to ask how to be passionate, kind, and obedient to Christ.
Scripture References
Acts 18:2-3
Romans 16:3-4
I Corinthians 16:19
2 Timothy 4:19
I Corinthians 13:4
References
- Bolinger, Hope Why Is Priscilla Significant in the Bible? Crosswalk.com March 5, 2020 retrieved from https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/bible-study/why-is-priscilla-significant-in-the-bible.html January 5, 2021
- https://www.faithward.org/priscilla-and-aquila-a-first-century-dynamic-duo/ retrieved January 5, 2021
- Jeffreys, Mary Ann. “Paul’s Inner Circle.” Christian History, vol. 14, no. 3, Aug. 1995, p. 26.
- Majeski, Kimberly. “Priestesses and Holy Women in Search of St. Prisca” Submission to Midwest Society of Biblical Literature February 3, 2013. Viewed January 1, 2021
- “Pass It On” Women of Faith New International Version Study Bible Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Corporation, 2001, page 2047.
- Walls, A.F. “Aquila and Prisca, Priscilla.” New Bible Dictionary Downers Grove, IL: Inter Varsity Press, 1962, page 51.
