[ Written by James Kiefer. ]
When Paul came to Corinth (probably in the year 50), he met Priscilla (orPrisca) and her husband Aquila, tentmakers by trade like Paul, Jewish,and just arrived from Rome, from which city the Emperor Claudius hadrecently expelled the Jewish community. (The Roman historian Suetoniustells us that Claudius expelled the Jews from Rome because they wererioting on account of someone named Chrestus -- presumably referring todisputes between Christian and non-Christian Jews.) It is not clearwhether Aquila and Priscilla were already Christians before meeting Paul,or were converted by his preaching. After eighteen months, the three ofthem went together to Ephesus, where Priscilla and Aquila remained whilePaul continued to Antioch. Soon after, a man named Apollos came toEphesus, who had heard and believed a portion of the Christian message,and was promoting that belief with eloquent preaching, based on athorough knowledge of the Hebrew Scriptures. Aquila and Priscillabefriended him and explained the Gospel to him more fully, after which hecontinued to preach with even greater effectiveness.
Priscilla and Aquila were apparently in Rome when Paul wrote to thatcongregation, and in Ephesus with Timothy when Paulwrote his last letter to Timothy. When Paul wroteto the Corinthians from Ephesus, he joined their greetings with his own.Clearly they were dear to Paul, and were earnest and effective inspreading the Good News of Christ and His saving work. Altogether, Aquilaand Priscilla are mentioned six times in the New Testament (Acts18:2,18,26; Romans 16:3; 1 Corinthians 16:19; 2 Timothy 4:19), and the reader will note that in theodd-numbered mentions, Aquila's name comes first, while in theeven-numbered mentions, Priscilla's comes first, as if to emphasize thatthey are being mentioned on equal terms.
In 1 Timothy 2:12, Paul writes: "I do not permit awoman to instruct or command a man." Jerome, writing over 3 centurieslater, mentions a woman he knew, the Lady Paula, who was well equipped todiscuss theology and the Scriptures, but who, in discussions with men,instead of simply saying what she thought, would innocently remark, "Youknow, that reminds me of something I once heard a man say -- his opinionwas that...." Thus, she avoided the appearance of being a woman teachinga man, and yet got her point across. Now the Greek Gyne can mean either"woman" or "wife", and the Greek Aner (Andro-) can mean either"man" or "husband". Thus Paul may have meant, "I do not permit a wife toteach or command her husband." In interpreting his meaning, it is perhapsworth noting that we are told that Priscilla and Aquila, acting jointly,instructed Apollos in the Gospel, and there is no hint in the text thatAquila did all the talking while Priscilla hovered in the background andkept them supplied with sandwiches and coffee.
(Note: "Priscilla" is the diminutive form of "Prisca", as "Johnny" is thediminutive form of "John". Literally, it means "little Prisca."Diminutives are more common in many foreign languages (Latin, Spanish,Russian, Greek) than in English. They can denote affection, ordistinguish from an older person, especially a relative, with the samename.)
PRAYER (traditional language)
God of grace and might, we praise thee for thy servantsPriscilla and Aquila, whom thou didst plenteously endow withgifts of zeal and eloquence to make known the truth of theGospel. Raise up, we pray thee, in every country, heralds andevangelists of thy kingdom, that the world may know theimmeasurable riches of our Savior, Jesus Christ our Lord, wholiveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, nowand for ever.
PRAYER (contemporary language)
God of grace and might, we praise you for your servantsAquila and Priscilla, to whom you gave gifts to make the goodnews known. Raise up, we pray, in every country, heralds andevangelists of your kingdom, so that the world may know theimmeasurable riches of our Savior, Jesus Christ our Lord, wholives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now andfor ever.
Unless otherwise indicated, this biographical sketch was written by James E.Kiefer and any comments about its content should be directed to him.The Biographical Sketches home pagehas more information.FAQs
Priscilla and Aquila were tentmakers as was Paul. Priscilla and Aquila had been among the Jews expelled from Rome by the Roman Emperor Claudius in the year 49 as written by Suetonius. They ended up in Corinth. Paul lived with Priscilla and Aquila for approximately 18 months.
What is the lesson of Priscilla and Aquila? ›
We are members of Christ and citizens of his kingdom first. Secondly, Priscilla and Aquila's lives point out the importance of true Christian hospitality. 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.
What are the good qualities of Aquila and Priscilla? ›
Conclusion. Aquila and Priscilla were a married couple who led and served not with loud words, eloquent speech or persuasive evangelism, but through their quiet and steadfast examples, their love for the Way, and their love for each other.
What is Priscilla's relationship with Paul? ›
Priscilla and Aquila became two of Paul's most valued associates, who even “risked their necks for my life,” according to Paul's testimony in Romans 16:3‒4. They moved from Corinth to Ephesus and then back to Rome (after Claudius' death), hosting “house churches” in each city (see 1 Corinthians 16:19; Romans 16:3‒5).
How did Aquila and Priscilla helped Paul? ›
Aquila and Priscilla heard some of his preaching and realized that although his desires were fervent, he was missing some key points. They kindly assisted Apollos to refine his knowledge, which enabled him to preach more precisely, which he did ― in Ephesus and beyond.
Why was Priscilla so important in the Bible? ›
Priscilla and Aquila were highly esteemed co-workers of the Apostle Paul in teaching the gospel to the early church.
What does the Aquila symbolize spiritually? ›
WRITTEN IN THE STARS: AQUILA the symbol of freedom, strength and immortality. Find out about the role of astrology in Roman culture and the place of the Aquila constellation - the eagle symbol of power and immortality.
What life lessons can we learn from Priscilla in the Bible? ›
All Christians, whether men or women, can learn a lot from Priscilla. Priscilla exercised extreme hospitality and kindness, even when she'd lost her riches as an esteemed family in Rome. Nevertheless, she continues to walk faithfully with God and her husband, and excels in whatever task she has set before her.
What is the spiritual meaning of the name Priscilla? ›
Meaning:ancient; venerable. Priscilla is a feminine name of Latin origin. With a definition of "ancient" or "venerable", this name has the potential to give baby the space to grow into it. Your bundle of joy will definitely make their presence known with a name imbued with strength.
What kind of woman was Priscilla in the Bible? ›
Priscilla was a woman who was confident in her spiritual knowledge. Paul refers to her as a “helper in Jesus Christ” who had put her own life on the line for what she knew: Paul praised her and her husband for having “for my life laid down their own necks.” This was no idle statement.
Aquila and his wife Priscilla were Jews and natives of Pontus. Pontus extended along the coast of the Pontus Euxinus Sea, from which the name was derived. It is mentioned three times in the New Testament (Acts 2:9; 18:2; 1 Peter 1:1). These passages show there were many Jewish residents in the district.
Did Priscilla and Aquila travel with Paul? ›
Fifth, they traveled with Paul. Once Paul's ministry was complete the first time he went to Corinth, he “set sail for Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila… And they came to Ephesus, and he left them there” (Acts 18:19). Sixth, they taught Apollos “the way of God more accurately” (18:26).
What is the significance of Priscilla and Aquila? ›
The Apostle Paul describes Aquila and Priscilla as “fellow workers in Christ Jesus” (Rom. 16:3). We have seen that this couple was missions minded, they opened their home so that the believers could gather to remember the Lord, pray, and have fellowship as they were instructed in the Word of God (cf. Acts 2:42).
Who was the female companion of Paul? ›
Thecla (Ancient Greek: Θέκλα, Thékla; Greek: Θέκλα; Turkish: Tekla) was a saint of the early Christian Church, and a reported follower of Paul the Apostle. The earliest record of her life comes from the ancient apocryphal Acts of Paul and Thecla. Depiction of Saint Thecla from the 11th century Menologion of Basil II.
In what trade were Priscilla Aquila and Paul working? ›
Paul went to see them, 3 and, because he was of the same trade, he stayed with them, and they worked together—by trade they were tentmakers.
Why did Paul leave Priscilla and Aquila in Ephesus? ›
On his way back to Jerusalem, Paul left Aquila and Priscilla at Ephesus. He preached there, and the converts wanted him to stay, but at that time he had to get back to Jerusalem to fulfill his vow (Acts 18:19–20).
