Priscilla and Aquila

READ: ACTS 18; ROMANS 16:3-5; 1 CORINTHIANS 16:19

Who are Priscilla and Aquila? This was a question I asked as I was reading through Romans 16. They’re mentioned in verse 3, and for some reason it caught my eye. So, I looked up their names in my Bible app, and I was surprised to learn their story!

In Acts 18, we find that Paul first met this married couple in Corinth. Paul had come to Corinth to continue his ministry. Aquila was originally from Italy, but because he was a Jew he had been ordered to leave Rome. So, both he and his wife Priscilla (or “Prisca” in more formal Greek) traveled to Corinth. When they met Paul, they began to work together as tentmakers. Acts 18 goes on to tell us that after “some time” the couple traveled with Paul to Ephesus. This is where Priscilla and Aquila stayed, while Paul moved on.

Then Apollos came to Ephesus too. Apollos was already a good teacher who had a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures, but he had some significant gaps in his understanding of Jesus. So, “when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately” (Acts 18:26).

I don’t know about you, but this verse amazed me! I’ve heard of Apollos many times before, and I’ve heard about how great a teacher he was. It’s cool to know that this seemingly humble, inconspicuous couple was able to explain the way of God to him more adequately!

The Bible mentions Priscilla and Aquila three more times. In 1 Corinthians 16:19, Paul says, “Aquila and Priscilla greet you warmly in the Lord, and so does the church that meets at their house.” Here we learn that this welcoming couple hosted a church in their home, as churches meeting in homes was common at the time. And in two other letters, Paul sends them greetings (Romans 16:3; 2 Timothy 4:19). This couple is not very well-known, but they seem to have meant a great deal to Paul. And the way they welcomed people and shared the love of the Lord can be an inspiration to us today. • Kimberly Brokish

• The gospel is amazing, and as we grow in our understanding of Jesus’s life, death, and resurrection, we are compelled to share it with others in a number of ways. Some of us are called to be missionaries like Paul, and others are called to be more like Priscilla and Aquila—offering hospitality, teaching, and support. What gifts has God given you to help others know Him better? If you’re not sure, consider spending some time asking God, and also ask trusted Christians.

Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my [Paul’s] co-workers in Christ Jesus. Romans 16:3 (NIV)