Acts 18:2-4 And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla… No book is less systematic than the Bible, yet none has so complete a code of faith and duty. Its statements of principles and directions for conduct, again, are not always on the surface, but often where we should least expect them. Through the indirect teaching of an example, though words dropped incidentally, by the relation of casual circumstances, we learn to "understand what the will of the Lord is." In the case of Onesimus, e.g., we face the problem of slavery, and see how Christianity deals with it, not by violence but by forbearance and the sense of justice. Julius the centurion reminds us of the value and duty of courtesy (Acts 27:3, 31, 43); Timothy of the necessity of a religious education; and Aquila and Priscilla that the true unit of social life in the Church is found in married life. We have, of course, conjugal duties laid down very clearly and fully by Peter (1 Peter 3:1-7) and Paul (Ephesians 5:22, 23; Colossians 3:18, 19), but there are some things in the relation of married life to the Church which no mere catalogue of duties could have taught; and it is remarkable that in the history of each of these apostles there is notice of a married couple in the one case as a warning, in the other as a useful example. Ananias and Sapphira warn us that a curse instead of a blessing may enter the circle which should be the holiest and happiest on earth, and that husband and wife, instead of strengthening one another in doing and suffering God's will, may make one another strong and fearless in sin and shame. Turning to our subject, note — I. THE MEETING OF ST. PAUL WITH AQUILA AND PRISCILLA. We have here an illustration of the providential opportunities of life. They had been brought to Rome through the exigencies of trade. Thence in consequence of the emperor's edict they moved eastward, possibly intending to return to Pontus, and meanwhile exercising their craft in Corinth, which lay on their route. At that moment Paul was moving southward to the same place. The synagogue would be, of course, one bond of union, but another was found in their common trade. Here we see the unexpected blessing which came to Paul through having learnt tent making. Such a meeting was remarkable, yet it occurred, as have many of our own God-provided meetings, in the natural order of events. One of our greatest responsibilities consists in the right use of such providential opportunities. This meeting secured for Paul, at a critical time, a close friendship which — 1. Enabled him to further his religious work, as we shall see more fully further on. 2. Provided solace for him when much needed. He was alone and discouraged. The profligacy of Corinth must have been a perpetual distress to him, and all the associations of the place must have been alien from his sympathies. How much, then, must he have valued the home he unexpectedly found at this time. II. THEIR REMOVAL TO EPHESUS (ver. 18). Possibly Paul's movements determined theirs, or the exigencies of business may have afforded him an opportunity for accomplishing part of his journey to Jerusalem. No doubt arrangements were made for them to continue the work begun by Paul at Ephesus, and to prepare for more systematic work on his return. And an occasion soon presented itself in the case of Apollos, whose willingness to learn, and from a woman, notwithstanding his zeal and the admiration which his talents excited, is worthy of imitation. But on their side we are to note the zeal for Christ which made them quick sighted in discovering his capabilities, and their devotion to the task of equipping him more completely for his high service. Their sound judgment and mature character fitted them for the task, in which a great part must be assigned to the ready sympathy and tact of Priscilla, which teaches us the responsible and efficient part which women have to play in advancing God's kingdom, Note, too, how their work at Ephesus reacted on the place where they first met with Paul. He had instructed them at Corinth; they instruct Apollos at Ephesus; and then he passes to Corinth to "water" where the apostle had "planted" (ver. 26 cf. 1 Corinthians 3:6). So true it is that the streams of God's providence move hither and thither, and often turn back to the place from which they originally moved. III. THEIR REUNION WITH PAUL AT EPHESUS. Again (1 Corinthians 16:19, which was written from Ephesus), we are invited to look at Christianity from its domestic side, than which no side is more important, and English religion is to be congratulated on its recognition of it in the institution of family worship. But turning back to these times the phrase, "the Church that is in their house" suggests hospitality on its heroic side. The home of Aquila was the acknowledged meeting place of Christians for worship and mutual help, and this involved persecution. From being a place of comfort and protection for Paul, it became one for all Christ's followers, and thus for Christ Himself (Matthew 25:35, 40). IV. THEIR RESIDENCE AT ROME (Romans 16:3-5). Once more their hospitality is prominent; but more. They are said by the apostle not only to have been "his helpers in Christ Jesus," but to have "laid down their necks for His sakes" probably at Ephesus, for which not only the apostle gives thanks, "but all the Churches of the Gentiles," beginning with that of Corinth, and surely including those of today. V. THE LAST NOTICE OF THEM is in Paul's latest Epistle (2 Timothy 4:19). The friendship, tried and strengthened through such a variety of experience, continued to the end. The sharers of the salutation are "the household of Onesiphorus," so that the domestic aspect of Christian life is doubly made conspicuous and charming at the very close of Paul's career. Conclusion: Aquila and Priscilla were examples of the combination of active Christianity with industrial life; but it is well to emphasise the lesson above indicated. Wedded life in combination with active Christianity is the very central point of the safety and happiness of society. (Dean Howson.) Parallel Verses KJV: And found a certain Jew named 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. |
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