We come across our next unusual woman of the Bible in first century Rome. Emperor Claudius, a cruel and vicious dictator, had had it with the constant dissention between the Jews and Christians. This incites his decree that all Jews be banned from Rome. Priscilla and Aquila, a couple always mentioned together in the Bible, were part of this exodus out of Rome, making the move from Italy to Corinth, an ancient Greek city that was now part of the Roman Empire.
In the Book of Acts, chapter 18, we read of Paul’s first missionary trip to Corinth. He met Priscilla and Aquila, who were also new in the city. He visited them and immediately they hit it off. Both husband and wife were tentmakers and Paul, also being proficient in the trade, stayed with them. They all worked during the week, and every Sabbath, Paul would reason with the Jews and Greeks at the synagogue, persuading them of the good news of Jesus. Paul in later letters lovingly refers to Priscilla and Aquila as fellow mission workers.
This couple makes repeated appearances through the NT starting in Acts 18, then in Romans 16, 1 Corinthians and in 2 Timothy. A composite picture of these references, give us a storyline of Priscilla and Aquila. After they assisted Paul in his ministry in Corinth, they traveled with Paul to Ephesus where they stayed while Paul traveled on to Galatia and surrounding regions. At the synagogue in Ephesus, Priscilla and Aquila met a traveling preacher called Apollos, who believed in Christ and passionately preached about Him, but didn’t know have a complete understanding of Jesus. Priscilla and Aquila heard him, and the Bible says, they took him aside and “explained to Him the way of God more accurately”. Apollos goes on to become a very persuasive apologist and teacher. Priscilla and Aquila move back to Rome when the new emperor Nero reversed his predecessor’s decree of Jewish expulsion from Rome. Paul writes to the Roman believers asking them to greet them, referring to them as “fellow workers who risked their necks” to save his life for which he and the Gentile churches are so grateful. He includes his greetings to the church that meets in their home.
There is a lot to learn from this power couple of the first century church. However, for the scope of this article, we will stick to a few lessons we can learn from Priscilla.
1. An interesting fact I noticed in the account of Priscilla in the Bible is that her name is always mentioned along with that of her husband, Aquila. Almost as if they are one person – inseparable. We can make a couple of conclusions from this. First, the Scripture confirms that God sees husband and wife as one. I believe not many of us have grasped the beautiful way this plays out in ministry. The story of Priscilla and Aquila serves as a reminder that couples can come to faith, grow in Christ, and minster in the church together in a powerful way. It doesn’t always have to be the man taking a more active role while the woman is playing a passive, behind-the-scenes role. There is no such Biblical mandate. When Apollos needed to be taught more accurately the things regarding Christ, we read that Priscilla and Aquila heard him, took him aside, and explained to him the way of God more accurately. This then led to Apollos powerfully using the Scriptures to show that the Christ was Jesus (Acts 18 v 26-28). A second conclusion that we can make from the fact that their names are always mentioned one with the other and never on their own, is that as a couple, they were in agreement with their role in the church. They made decisions, took actions, and did ministry together. Neither overpowered the other nor slowed the other down. This couple found value in being of one mind and one accord, when going about God’s business. To have this kind of equal growth, understanding, and effectiveness in public ministry, they must have been learning, teaching, and encouraging each other spiritually in private as well, just between the both of them. They were on this journey together and they stirred up each other to good works (Hebrews 10 v 24,25). The story of Priscilla should encourage us to pursue the same in our marriages as well – this kind of unison and agreement. Her story shows us that it is possible and most beneficial.
2. Another interesting fact about Priscilla, is that, like Lydia, she was a working woman. Just like her husband Aquila and the apostle Paul, she also worked leather in tent making. Priscilla is a beautiful example of how a woman can hold a job, study the Word to the extent of being able to teach it, and host the gathering of believers in her home. None of these realities need to be in conflict with the other in a woman’s life. Priscilla did them all excellently, and we should see that we are fully capable to do so as well, with the empowering of the Holy Spirit.
3. A last observation I will share about Priscilla is her hospitality. We saw this in Lydia too – the wisdom, the kindness, and the willingness to open their homes as a safe place for the gathering and encouragement of fellow believers. We can see in Scriptures how important it was that homes were opened for the new believers to meet and grow together. The truth is that the church still needs this today. Gathering together in homes and encouraging one another consistently through the week, not just on Sundays, is still the prescribed remedy to our community of believers to being strengthened in the Word and in their walks of faith. Present day we have become fiercely protective of our personal space and personal time. Glorifying our individual relationships with Christ we have minimized the God ordained purpose of gathering as a community. Hebrews 10 v 24, 25 says “Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet one together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near”.
Priscilla presents to us yet another woman that God chose, pursued, loved, transformed, and used for His Kingdom building purpose in the first century church. Yet another story of God’s amazing grace and equipping a woman to passionately disciple others despite the culture of the time. IF you are a woman in the church, may these stories you are hearing every week, empower you to disciple those around you with wisdom and love. There is no meaning in waiting for big opportunities and doors to open. There is no need for a special calling or gifting. There is no need for God to write it on the wall. Every believer is already called to open their hearts and homes to disciple and encourage fellow saints. The great commission had already been declared. God will equip every willing and surrendered heart for His work.
Our Father in heaven, full of mercy and grace, I pray for each person reading this article today and for myself. Help us see your wonderous hand in the story of Priscilla. Help us understand that every child of yours, woman, or man, is of equal value to you and is useful for your kingdom work on earth. Help us know that everything we have is first yours and we reflect you when we give of ourselves freely to our brethren. May others see our love for each other and glorify you. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Pick Up Your Bible 