Who were Priscilla and Aquila in the Bible?

Priscilla and Aquila are one of the most remarkable couples mentioned in the New Testament, and their story provides a fascinating glimpse into the early Christian church. They are first introduced in Acts 18, and their lives and ministry offer profound lessons on faith, hospitality, and discipleship.

Priscilla and Aquila were a Jewish Christian couple who had a significant impact on the early church. They are mentioned six times in the New Testament, and their names always appear together, highlighting their partnership in ministry. The first mention of them is found in Acts 18:1-3:

"After this, Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. There he met a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had ordered all Jews to leave Rome. Paul went to see them, and because he was a tentmaker as they were, he stayed and worked with them." (NIV)

This passage provides several important details about Priscilla and Aquila. First, it tells us that they were tentmakers by trade, which was also the profession of the Apostle Paul. This commonality likely facilitated their initial connection and subsequent partnership in ministry. The passage also indicates that they had been expelled from Rome by the decree of Emperor Claudius, which aligns with the historical expulsion of Jews from Rome around 49 AD.

Their association with Paul was not merely professional; it was deeply spiritual and missional. They traveled with Paul from Corinth to Ephesus (Acts 18:18-19) and played a crucial role in the establishment and strengthening of the early Christian communities. Their home became a center for Christian fellowship and teaching, as indicated in 1 Corinthians 16:19:

"The churches in the province of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Priscilla greet you warmly in the Lord, and so does the church that meets at their house." (NIV)

This verse reveals that Priscilla and Aquila hosted a house church, which was a common practice in the early Christian movement. Their willingness to open their home for worship and teaching demonstrates their hospitality and commitment to the growth of the Christian faith.

One of the most notable aspects of Priscilla and Aquila's ministry is their role in mentoring Apollos, a learned and eloquent speaker who was fervent in spirit but had an incomplete understanding of the Christian faith. Acts 18:24-26 recounts this significant encounter:

"Meanwhile a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was a learned man, with a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures. He had been instructed in the way of the Lord, and he spoke with great fervor and taught about Jesus accurately, though he knew only the baptism of John. He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately." (NIV)

This passage highlights several key points about Priscilla and Aquila. Firstly, it underscores their deep understanding of Christian doctrine and their ability to teach and correct others. Secondly, it shows their humility and tact; they did not publicly correct Apollos but instead took him aside and taught him privately. This approach preserved Apollos's dignity and allowed him to continue his ministry with a more complete understanding of the gospel.

The fact that Priscilla's name often appears before Aquila's in the biblical texts (e.g., Acts 18:18, Romans 16:3) is noteworthy. In the cultural context of the time, it was unusual for the wife's name to be listed first, suggesting that Priscilla may have had a more prominent role in their ministry. Some scholars believe this indicates her significant contributions to teaching and leadership within the early church.

Paul's letters further attest to the high regard in which Priscilla and Aquila were held. In Romans 16:3-4, Paul sends his greetings to them and acknowledges their sacrifices:

"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." (NIV)

This commendation from Paul highlights their bravery and dedication. The phrase "risked their lives" suggests that they faced significant dangers in their efforts to support Paul and advance the gospel. Their actions had a far-reaching impact, benefiting not only Paul but also the broader Gentile Christian community.

Priscilla and Aquila's story is also a testament to the importance of lay ministry in the early church. They were not apostles or formally ordained leaders, yet their contributions were invaluable. Their example shows that every believer, regardless of their official position, can play a crucial role in the mission of the church.

Their legacy extends beyond the New Testament narrative. Church tradition holds that they continued to serve faithfully, and some accounts suggest they eventually returned to Rome after Claudius's death. Their enduring influence is a reminder of the power of faithful, humble service in the name of Christ.

In summary, Priscilla and Aquila were a dedicated and dynamic couple who played a vital role in the early Christian church. Their partnership with Paul, their hospitality, their teaching and mentoring of Apollos, and their willingness to risk their lives for the sake of the gospel all demonstrate their profound commitment to Christ. Their story encourages us to use our gifts and resources for the advancement of God's kingdom, to support and mentor others in their faith journey, and to remain steadfast in our dedication to the mission of the church. Their lives exemplify the transformative power of the gospel and the impact that faithful, everyday believers can have on the world.