“Everyone has a Story” 4th & 5th characters unlocked – Priscilla and Aquila
Priscilla and Aquila at Corinth
After this Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. 2 And he found a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to leave Rome. And he went to see them, 3 and because he was of the same trade he stayed with them and worked, for they were tentmakers by trade. (Acts 18:1-3)
Priscilla and Aquila at Ephesus
Now a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was an eloquent man, competent in the Scriptures. 25 He had been instructed in the way of the Lord. And being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John. 26 He began to speak boldly in the synagogue, but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately. (Acts 18 24:-26)
19 The churches of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Prisca, together with the church in their house, send you hearty greetings in the Lord. (1 Corinthians 16:19)
Priscilla and Aquila at Rome
3 Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, 4 who risked their necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks but all the churches of the Gentiles give thanks as well. 5 Greet also the church in their house. (Rome 16:3-5)
The Steadfast Companions and Servants
Priscilla and Aquila are unique because they always appear together when mentioned in the Bible. They were husband and wife, and they were dear friends and ministry companions of the Apostle Paul. They lived in the early years of the New Testament Church. It was a time of both passion and fear as the followers of Christ grew in their understanding and obedience to the teaching of Jesus. At the same time, they had to face conflicts and persecution.
Who were Priscilla and Aquila?
- Aquila was a Jew. They were tentmakers lived in Italy. But due to the decree of the Roman Emperor Claudius, who commanded all Jews to leave Rome, they came to Corinth (Greece), where they met the Apostle Paul. They soon became close friends and ministry partners with Paul.
- They traveled to different places with Paul to preach the gospel and build churches.
- They risked their lives for Paul and the ministry of Christ.
- They also encountered Apollo in Ephesus, who was fervent in spirit and spoke boldly about the way of Jesus but did not wholly understand the gospel. So they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately.
- Wherever Pricilla and Aquila went – in Corinth, in Ephesus, and Rome (when they could finally return), they opened their house for the church to meet.
Pricilla and Aquila’s story demonstrated the faith of two steadfast servants. They dedicated their family and life serving God’s Church, supporting His ministry, staying faithful to His truth, and laboring to preach His gospel. They also demonstrated the value of partnership and teamwork of husband and wife, of men and women, of brothers and sisters, of a family working together for the good of the church and the cause of God’s kingdom. While Paul had to endure many difficulties and sufferings on his journey, he found much comfort and support from his faithful companions who worked alongside him.
God has blessed us with brothers and sisters, steadfast servants and partners, with who we can team up to serve His family. Yesterday we read about Dorcas, who cared for the poor and was known for her good deeds and charity works. And today, we read about a couple who was known for their powerful ministry, their zeal for the teaching of the Lord, and their generosity and hospitality. The way they demonstrated their faith and love toward God and people might be different, but they all made a difference in those they encountered. And together, they perfected the body of Christ.
Yes, together, WE can perfect the body of Christ. And then, on that day, when we stand before the judgment seat of Christ, we will all be called the “good and faithful servant” along with Dorcas, Priscilla and Aquilla, Paul, Apollo, and all the saints!
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