Priscilla and Aquila

Scripture: Acts 18:24-28

24 Meanwhile, a Jew named Apollos, an eloquent speaker who knew the Scriptures well, had arrived in Ephesus from Alexandria in Egypt. 25 He had been taught the way of the Lord, and he taught others about Jesus with an enthusiastic spirit and with accuracy. However, he knew only about John’s baptism. 26 When Priscilla and Aquila heard him preaching boldly in the synagogue, they took him aside and explained the way of God even more accurately. 27 Apollos had been thinking about going to Achaia, and the brothers and sisters in Ephesus encouraged him to go. They wrote to the believers in Achaia, asking them to welcome him. When he arrived there, he proved to be of great benefit to those who, by God’s grace, had believed. 28 He refuted the Jews with powerful arguments in public debate. Using the Scriptures, he explained to them that Jesus was the Messiah. (Acts 18:24-28 NLT)

Priscilla and were Jews who had recently been expelled from Rome when Emperor Claudius ordered all Jews to leave the city. They resettled in Corinth, where they met the Apostle Paul. Because they shared the same trade—Tent making—Paul stayed with them and worked alongside them. Here are some things we know about them:

1. Equal Partnership in Marriage & Ministry. Priscilla and Aquila are always mentioned together. They operated as a team. Priscilla’s name is usually mentioned first. She was a prominent, highly active spiritual leader alongside her husband.

2. The Power of “Tentmaking”. Priscilla and Aquila were business owners who made tents to support themselves. They didn’t separate “work life” from “faith life.” Their workshop was where they built relationships, funded ministry, and partnered with Paul. You don’t need a full-time pastoral role to be in full-time ministry.

3. Radical Hospitality. Everywhere Priscilla and Aquila lived—Corinth, Ephesus, and eventually back in Rome—their home became a central hub for believers. They opened their space to house churches and gave Paul a place to stay when he needed community. Hospitality is a key spiritual tool.

4. Gentle, Constructive Mentorship. In Acts 18:24–26, an eloquent, passionate preacher named Apollos arrived in Ephesus. He knew the Scriptures well, but his understanding of the Gospel was incomplete. Because of their humble mentoring of Apollos, he went on to become one of the most effective leaders in the early Church.

Prayer:

Father, Thank you for the inspiration and example of Priscilla and Aquila. Thank you for the privilege you have given Jean and me to work together in business, marriage, and ministry through the years. May others be encouraged and inspired as well! Amen!