CTG 0021

Aquila & Priscilla (Prisca)

Aquila was a Jew. Born in Pontus, a Roman Province, now known as Northern Turkey. He and his wife Prisca, also called Priscilla, were tentmakers. They lived in Rome on the Italian Peninsula until Emperor Claudius forced all Jews to leave the imperial capital in AD/CE 49.

After they made their way to Corinth in Achaia (Greece) and had set up business there, they met Paul, who arrived in the metropolis having journeyed down through regions further to the north, spreading the good news about Jesus Christ as he travelled. They gave him lodgings and initially he worked alongside them, possessing the same skill with leather. At the weekends he talked with Jews and also with Gentiles who attended the local synagogue, trying to convince them that Jesus is the Messiah. It appears that when his colleagues Silas and Timothy caught up with Paul he was able to concentrate on his God-given task.

This was the commencement of a life-long friendship and co-operation in the cause of Christ that would benefit the consolidation and expansion of the church in various places.

Aquila and Prisca were a husband-wife team, dedicated to God and his gospel because of the grace and gifting given to them in Christ, helping and working together with others.

For example, later when based in Ephesus, Prisca and Aquila expounded the message about Christ more fully to Apollos so that he in turn was better equipped in his ministry.

We also know that they provided hospitality to churches, not only in Ephesus but also when they returned to Rome.

They continued doing what they did when persecution was always a possibility. This is what Paul said about them when he sent a letter to the believers in Rome years before he finally got there: Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, 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 (Romans 16:3-4 ESV).

The purpose of writing this is not simply of historical interest. The biblical account provides an encouragement for us today, whether we serve the Lord in the same countries mentioned in the Bible or in regions elsewhere. The names of individuals and places may be different, but it is the same Holy Spirit who is able to inspire us with the same motivation they possessed through faith in Jesus. So that his body of believers increases and matures in Christ.

FOR FURTHER READING:

Acts 18

1 Corinthians 16:8,19 (written from Ephesus)

Romans 16:3-5

2 Timothy 4:19

Ephesians 4:11-16