Word of the Day: Respected
To feel or to show deferential regard: esteem.
Priscilla is one of the ladies from the New Testament. Her husband was Aquila, and her name is a diminutive of Prisca. Both her name and her husband's were Roman names. Her husband's name is going to be attached to hers every time we talk about her; and the reason for that is that they served the Lord as a couple. They were both from Pontus which is now Turkey. They were living in Italy at the time when all the Jews were expelled by Emperor Claudius.
Acts 18:2
…Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla; (because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome:) and came unto them.
Paul's first encounter with this couple was in Corinth. This couple helped Paul as tentmakers and church planters. When he met them, they were alraeady a strong couple in the Lord.
Acts 18:1–2
After these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth;
2 And found a certain Jew named Aquila…
Acts 18:3–4
And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers.
4 And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks.
A little history of Corinth in those days: Corinth was a place of wealth and indulgence. To live in Corinth meant that you were rich or immoral. These were the problems that affected their church.
Priscilla and her husband were as the Bible teaches a couple to be "one flesh" as they always put Christ first. Priscilla outshined her husband most of the time. The Bible mentioned her name first, and we don't know why, but what we do know is that they both served the Lord together.
Nothing is said about this couple having children, but what is said is that they did not get bitter at the circumstances. They were too busy working for the Lord. There was no time for them to think about anything else, they were one in the Lord!!
When Paul decides to leave Corinth after 18 months of teaching the Word of God, Priscilla and Aquila joined him on his journey as far as Ephesus. The couple established themselves there for many years as the leaders of the Ephesian church.
Acts 18:18–19
And Paul after this tarried there yet a good while, and then took his leave of the brethren, and sailed thence into Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila; having shorn his head in Cenchrea: for he had a vow.
19 And he came to Ephesus, and left them there: but he himself entered into the synagogue, and reasoned with the Jews.
At Ephesus Priscilla and Aquila were serving in the ministry with Apollos. Apollos was an eloquent man, but he was still preaching the Baptism of John and knew nothing about the salvation through the cross. The couple took him aside and with wisdom and tact gave him the wonderful gospel of Christ. Apollo knew the truth but not the whole truth.
Acts 18:24–26
And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus.
25 This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John.
26 And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.
Apollos became a great preacher under the influence of Priscilla and Aquila, who was later transferred to Corinth and was well know there.
1 Corinthians 3:6
I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.
Priscilla and her husband were always obedient to the Holy Ghost's orders, later on they returned to Rome. And the last time we hear from them was when they moved back to Ephesus.
Romans 16:3
Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus:
2 Timothy 4:19
Salute Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus.
As I mentioned above this couple had a secular occupation, they had probably learned to do such occupation when they were small. The Jews had a saying "a father who failed to teach his son a trade educated him to be a thief". Jesus' trade was of a carpenter.
Conclusion: Although, we talk a lot about Priscilla's husband in this story we can't deny that this lady was well respected among the Christians in those days. Priscilla represents the good portrait of a good wife who was actively involved in Christ's ministry. She was also noted for her hospitality, back in those days the churches were started at homes. She was a supporting wife and left a legacy for us ladies to follow and implement now days.
*Please let me know if this post has been a blessing to you through a comment, for it would be a blessing for me to know.
I have added some verses down below for those who are not sure if heaven is your future home. Please share with me if you accept the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior through this post. I will be happy to rejoice with you!
9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.
13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Romans 10:9–13
