Aquila and Priscilla, a prominent couple in the early Christian church, are frequently mentioned in the New Testament as exemplary figures in the spread of the Gospel and the nurturing of early Christian communities. Their account is a testament to the vital role of laypeople in the mission of the Church and the power of hospitality and teaching in the growth of the faith.

Background and Early Life

Aquila, a Jew from Pontus, and his wife Priscilla (also known as Prisca) are first introduced in Acts 18:2. They had recently come from Italy to Corinth because Emperor Claudius had ordered all Jews to leave Rome. This expulsion, dated around AD 49, led them to meet the Apostle Paul, who shared their trade as tentmakers. "There he met a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had ordered all the Jews to leave Rome. Paul went to visit them" (Acts 18:2).

Partnership with Paul

Aquila and Priscilla quickly became close companions and co-laborers with Paul. Their shared profession allowed them to work together, and their home became a base for Paul's ministry in Corinth. Acts 18:3 notes, "and because he was of the same trade, he stayed with them and worked, for they were tentmakers by trade" . This partnership was not merely professional but deeply spiritual, as they supported Paul in his mission to spread the Gospel.

Ministry in Ephesus

The couple's influence extended beyond Corinth. When Paul left for Ephesus, Aquila and Priscilla accompanied him (Acts 18:18-19). In Ephesus, they played a crucial role in the early church, particularly in the life of Apollos, an eloquent speaker and knowledgeable teacher of the Scriptures. However, Apollos knew only the baptism of John. Aquila and Priscilla took him aside and explained "the way of God more accurately" (Acts 18:26). This act of discipleship highlights their deep understanding of Christian doctrine and their commitment to ensuring the accurate teaching of the faith.

Return to Rome and Later Ministry

After their time in Ephesus, Aquila and Priscilla eventually returned to Rome. Paul greets them in his letter to the Romans, indicating their continued influence and leadership within the church there: "Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, who have risked their lives for me. Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them" (Romans 16:3-4). This commendation underscores their dedication and the high regard in which they were held by the early Christian community.

Legacy and Impact

Aquila and Priscilla's legacy is one of faithful service, hospitality, and teaching. They are mentioned again in Paul's final letter to Timothy, where he sends greetings to them, indicating their ongoing presence and influence in the church (2 Timothy 4:19). Their home often served as a meeting place for believers, as noted in 1 Corinthians 16:19: "The churches in the province of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Prisca greet you warmly in the Lord, along with the church that meets at their house" .

Through their example, Aquila and Priscilla demonstrate the importance of lay ministry, the power of hospitality, and the impact of sound teaching. Their partnership with Paul and their independent contributions to the early church highlight the essential role of dedicated believers in the spread of Christianity and the nurturing of its communities.