Priscilla and Aquila

Priscilla, whom Paul usually called by her more formal name, Prisca, was his valued co-worker. As a Jewess who had come out of Rome, she and her husband Aquila were deeply involved in the spread of the gospel. Notably, her name unexpectedly precedes her husband’s in three of the six references to them (Acts 18:18; Romans 16:3; 2 Timothy 4:19). This unusual ordering may suggest Priscilla belonged to a higher social class than Aquila, that she was more active than the two in ministry, or simply as an expression of deference toward her as a woman.

When Paul arrived in Corinth in late AD 50, he worked with this dynamic couple in their tent making business (Acts 18:3). Originally from Rome, Priscilla and Aquila had moved to Corinth due to Emperor Claudius’s edict expelling all Jews. Working alongside Paul, they likely were already Christians since Paul describes Stephanas and his household as the first converts in Corinth (1 Corinthians 16:15). Their close partnership with Paul in both business and evangelistic outreach gave them the priceless opportunity to be taught and trained personally by the apostle Paul.

When Paul left Corinth a year and a half later (Acts 18:11), Priscilla and Aquila accompanied him as far as Ephesus (Acts 18:18–19). There, they became leaders in the Ephesian church. In addition to leading a house church, they had a significant ministry to Apollos. Although an eloquent speaker, Apollos had gaps in his understanding of the gospel. Priscilla and Aquila took him aside privately and mentored him, explaining “the way of God more adequately” (Acts 18:26).

Sometime after Paul’s visit in AD 57, Priscilla and Aquila returned to Rome because Paul later sends special greetings to them and to the members of the house church that they led (Romans 16:3– 4). He also mentioned a time when they risked their lives to save his, possibly during the Ephesian riot (Acts 19:23– 41). Later, they appear again in Ephesus, for the last mention of this dedicated Christian couple comes at the end of Paul’s life, when he greeted them in his last letter to Timothy (2 Timothy 4:19).

Priscilla stands out as a strong, competent woman actively engaged in Christian ministry. She managed her household, contributed to her trade, mastered the Scriptures, and proved herself an able teacher. As a well- respected leader in the early church, she was also noted for her hospitality. Working side-by-side with her husband Aquila, they together made a significant contribution to the spread of the gospel in the early church.

What we can learn from Priscilla and Aquila

When Priscilla and Aquila were forced to leave Rome and move to Corinth, they could have closed themselves off, clinging to the past in fear and grief over the loss of their old life. Instead, they opened themselves up to new opportunities and relationships in Corinth. In doing so, they experienced a life-changing partnership with Paul and lives that made a significant impact on the spread of the Gospel.

Likewise, when we find ourselves in unfamiliar circumstances, a new community or job for example, we can likewise trust and know that God is at work. By embracing our circumstances and stepping forward in faith, we allow him to shape new friendships and experiences and further his kingdom purposes through us.

Drawn from content in the NIV Woman’s Study Bible and Flourish: The NIV Bible for Women.