Priscilla and Aquila, mentioned six times in the New Testament, were not just Paul’s working buddies, but were highly respected by him. What’s even more impressive is that four out of these six times, Priscilla is mentioned first. This is a testament to the respect Paul had for this unique couple.
Although Priscilla and Aquila’s ministry is intertwined, we will examine Priscilla’s role in scripture to gain a deeper understanding of her position as a Christian woman in the early church.
We will be discussing:
- Background of Priscilla and Aquila
- Lessons from Priscilla
- 1) Persecuted and suffered loss for the gospel.
- 2) Priscilla was diligent.
- 3) Willing to follow God’s leading.
- 4) Priscilla had an understanding of the scripture.
- 5) Was a risk-taker.
- Conclusion: A teacher and leader in the church.
Background of Priscilla and Aquila
Aquila and Priscilla with Paul in Corinth.
Aquila and Priscilla, Italian Jews who found refuge in Corinth after being expelled from Rome by Claudius, had an active ministry of teaching the gospel. Their generosity was evident when they helped Paul replenish his funds. Paul, in need of encouragement and financial support, found both in the loving embrace of Priscilla and Aquila, who shared not only a trade of tentmaking but also a deep love for Jesus Christ. (Acts 18:2-3)
Paul leaves Corinth with Priscilla and Aquila.
Paul stayed there in Corinth for quite a while with Priscilla and Aquila. He decided to go to Ephesus and take them with him. When they arrived at Ephesus, Paul left them to go to the Synagogue and talk to the Jews about Jesus Christ.
Acts 18:20 NIV “When they asked him to spend more time with them, he declined. But as he left, he promised, “I will come back if it is God’s will.” He then left for Caesarea.
Priscilla, Aquila, and Apollos.
While in Ephesus, Priscilla and Aquila went to hear Apollos, a knowledgeable man of the scriptures. He had been taught accurately about Jesus Christ, but only knew about John the Baptist.
When they heard Apollos, they took him to their home and explained the gospel more fully. After that, Apollos want to go to Achaia. They encouraged him and wrote a letter of introduction to welcome him.
Acts 18:28 NIV “For he vigorously refuted his Jewish opponents in public debate, proving from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Messiah.”
Apollos became an outstanding advocate and teacher of the gospel. Christianity owes a tremendous gain to the powerful teaching of Priscilla and Aquila.
Paul commends Priscilla and Aquilla.
Romans 16:3-5 NIV “Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my co-workers in Christ Jesus. They risked their lives for me. Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them. Greet also the church that meets at their house.”
We do not know the actual situation where Priscilla and Aquila risked their lives for Paul but he was extremely grateful for their selflessness in exposing themselves to danger in his place. He commends them for their courage.
He greets and acknowledges the church in their home. They were known for their love and hospitality.
Lessons from Priscilla.
1) Persecuted and suffered loss.
Priscilla and Aquila were exiled because of racism—Claudius, ruler in Rome, did not like Jews. God took this time of darkness to turn it into a positive move for Christianity. Had they not moved to Corinth, they may not have met Paul.
This relationship is built on the mutual love of Jesus Christ and the expansion of the gospel. God is always working for the good, sometimes in seemingly dire circumstances.
Have you ever been persecuted for your faith in Jesus Christ? If you have and would like to, please leave a comment.
2) Priscilla was diligent.
Priscilla, like many women in ministry, carried a heavy load. Unlike women today, she did not have the modern conveniences that we have. Taking care of the home was a tremendous task.
Even with her responsibilities as a wife, she shared work with her husband in their joint business. Additionally, she served others and was eager to teach the gospel.
Her diligence and love for Jesus Christ led to a wonderful ministry alongside her husband for the Lord.
It’s not easy to handle several roles in your life. Do you have any situations that became difficult to resolve?
3)Willing to follow God’s leading.
One of the goals of Christians is to follow God’s leading. Priscilla and Aquila were always ready to move in the direction they were called.
They were uprooted from their home in Italy to Corinth, which enriched their lives and those of future generations who would learn from their and Paul’s relationship.
When Paul left them in Ephesus, they made the most of their ministry there. Curious to hear another minister lead them to Apollos, whose life changed because of their witness to him about the gospel. He touched many lives with their teaching.
The best way to discern God’s leading is to stay in communication with Him. Open your heart in prayer and read His Word.
4) Both Priscilla and Aquila had a thorough understanding of Scripture.
Paul stayed with Priscilla and Aquila for about 18 months. When he continued his missionary journey to Ephesus, he took them with him. Lockyer’s All the Women of the Bible
This tells us he had confidence in them to teach God’s Word, especially as he left them alone in Ephesus to continue the work of the gospel.
They knew scripture well, enabling them to recognize Apollos’ shortcomings in his teaching and then presenting the information that he needed to know.
We should always be reading God’s Word to recognize when someone lacks knowledge or gives wrong information. This is not for the sake of criticizing, but to stop errors in the scripture.
5)Was a risk-taker.
Many Christians who held leadership or missionary positions during this time were willing to take risks. It was a dangerous world for Christians.
Priscilla and Aquila were among these brave souls who were willing to take the gospel and share it even when it could cost them. Many lost their lives.
In Romans 16:3-4 NIV, “Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my co-workers in Christ Jesus. They risked their lives for me. Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them.”
Conclusion: A teacher and leader in the church.
Priscilla and Aquila distinguished their ministry by teaching God’s Word with integrity and love.
Yes, I have not separated their ministry. This does not diminish Priscilla’s role as a leader and teacher in the early church.
They were a team, a loving couple who both loved the Lord and ministered for Him. Paul always mentioned them together. They were instrumental in leading others to Jesus Christ.
Priscilla was as gifted as Aquila, possibly more, who knows? If she was, she chose to work together with her husband to glorify the Lord, rather than herself.
The Lord gives each of us a gift and a job to do. This has nothing to do with gender, but rather with a willingness to take on the job.
Would you happen to know your job?
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