Priscilla and Aquila: The Dream Team

The book of Acts tells us that Priscilla and Aquila left Asia Minor when Claudius expelled the Jews. They probably arrived in Corinth around 49 AD and lived there about 18 months. When Paul came to Corinth from Athens, he discovered this dynamic husband and wife team (Acts 18:2, 8 & 26).

We can learn some great attributes from this couple to incorporate into our lives:

They were one in marriage.
This couple exemplifies what Christianity began to do, even in the first century, concerning the elevation of women to their proper position in God. Amid the intense stress of first-century ministerial endeavors, this couple seemed to be inseparable. Mentioned six times in the New Testament, one is never referred to without the other. They are always presented to us as harmonious laborers in love, united in purpose. Priscilla is seen as supportive of her husband, hospitable and grounded in the Word of God.

They were one in occupation.
Paul made tents and so did they. Although she must have been a very busy wife, Priscilla made time to both weave tent cloth and teach the Word of God alongside her soul mate. They understood the blessing of working and ministering together.

They were one in friendship with Paul.
Every time we read their names, it is in close association with Paul. He called them his “helpers in Christ Jesus” (Rom. 16:3). Although he records that this couple “laid down their necks” for his sake, he does not give us the specifics (Romans 16:3-4). They traveled with him to Syria and then to Ephesus where they met Apollos. Paul left them there for a while to minister when he left for Syria.

They were one in Bible knowledge.
Although Apollos was already “mighty in the Scriptures” (Acts 18:24-26), his theology needed to be balanced by this godly couple. They blessed Paul with a more efficient worker by further developing the skills of Apollos. Paul refers to “the church that is in their house” (I Cor. 16:19), proving that teaching and mentoring were part of their lifestyle.

Nearing the end of his life, Paul instructs Timothy to greet them both. The last time we read of Priscilla and Aquila, they are faithfully ministering in Ephesus (II Tim. 4:19). Tradition records that they died together for the sake of the Gospel.

The New Testament presents to us a picture of a focused, happy ministerial team. The need today is for more and more Christian couples to exemplify the spirit of Priscilla and Aquila as they serve the Lord together.

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Quick Quiz

1. How does Paul describe Priscilla and Aquila in Romans 16:3-4?

2. What skill did they have in common with Paul (Acts 18:3)?

3. From what country had they recently come (Acts 18:2)?

4. What happened in their home (Rom. 16:3-5)?

5. What is confirmed regarding this in First Corinthians 16:19?

6. Who mentored Apollos (Acts 18:24-26)?

7. In what specific way did they help this man? How was his ministry impacted and
      what impact did his ministry have on others (Acts 18:28)?

8. How is marital harmony directly related to effective ministry?

Maxim of the Moment

You can’t go forward looking backwards. - Tommy Barnett