Aquila and Priscilla provide a key biblical model for married couples ministering together.
Many denominations and leaders argue different positions regarding women in ministry, influenced by scripture, tradition, and our modern culture. Yet the New Testament mentions women at several ministry levels, including this married couple. Paul counted Jewish Christians Aquila and Priscilla as partners in his apostolic activity.
Exploring the story of Aquila and Priscilla in the Bible, we find important takeaways about couples in ministry together.
Aquila originally came from Pontus—a region on the Black Sea’s southern coast, in modern-day Turkey. Since this region possessed a significant Jewish population, Aquila likely grew up in a Jewish community there. The Bible mentions his wife, Priscilla, alongside him, indicating they were partners not only in marriage but also in business and ministry.
Before meeting Paul, Aquila and Priscilla lived in Rome. However, around A.D. 49, the Roman Emperor Claudius issued an edict expelling all Jews from Rome. Roman historian Seutonius mentions that Claudius expelled the Jews because of constant disturbances instigated by “Chrestus,” which many scholars interpret as a reference to Christ and early Christian preaching.
Forced to leave Rome, Aquila and Priscilla relocated to Corinth, a bustling commercial hub in Greece. Corinth’s reputation for diversity and its position as a trade center made it suitable for Aquila and Priscilla to continue their tentmaking business. Tentmaking was a common ancient trade involving manufacturing and repairing leather goods, not only tents.
During Paul’s second missionary journey (around A.D. 50), Aquila and Priscilla met him in Corinth:
“After this, Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. 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 Jews to leave Rome. Paul went to see them, and because he was a tentmaker as they were, he stayed and worked with them.” (Acts 18:1-3)
Their shared trade brought them together but the partnership extended beyond business; they developed a spiritual connection, becoming friends and fellow workers in Christ. Aquila and Priscilla’s home likely became a center for the local Christian church Paul planted.
Paul’s letters reflect his deep bond with Aquila and Priscilla. In Romans 16:3-4, he writes, “Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my co-workers in Christ Jesus. They risked their lives for me. Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them.”
Aquila and Priscilla's journey with Paul began in Corinth and extended to Ephesus, and they made significant contributions to the ministry and growth of the early church.
After their fruitful collaboration in Corinth, Aquila and Priscilla accompanied Paul to Ephesus. They traveled together to Ephesus, a significant port city in Asia Minor known for its large population (Acts 18:18-19).
In Ephesus, Aquila and Priscilla continued their ministry independently from Paul. They established a home church and became influential leaders in the local Christian community. Their house again likely served as a gathering place for believers. Their commitment to the faith and teaching ability is highlighted in their interaction with Apollos. Acts 18:24-26 narrates this encounter:
“Meanwhile a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was a learned man with a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures. He had been instructed in the way of the Lord, and he spoke with great fervor and taught about Jesus accurately, though he knew only the baptism of John. He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately.”
Apollos later became important in the church in Corinth.
Priscilla and Aquila’s path did not end in Ephesus. After some time, Paul wrote to the Romans, indicating that Aquila and Priscilla had returned to that city (Romans 16:3-4). This return to Rome suggests their ongoing commitment to supporting and strengthening Christian communities wherever they were.
Paul’s later letters indicate that Aquila and Priscilla might have traveled again to Ephesus. In 2 Timothy 4:19, Paul instructs, “Greet Priscilla and Aquila and the household of Onesiphorus.” This greeting suggests they were back in Ephesus, continuing their work in the church there.
Aquila and Priscilla exemplify how couples can effectively serve in ministry together, offering valuable lessons for contemporary Christian couples.
First, they illustrate the strength of partnership in ministry. The Bible always mentions them together, highlighting their unity and collaboration. Their unity allowed them to work seamlessly together, supporting each other’s strengths and compensating for each other’s weaknesses. Modern couples can learn from this example by recognizing working harmoniously together in ministry matters: unity allows them to leverage each other’s talents and skills to enhance their service.
Second, their story shows how hospitality enables ministry. Aquila and Priscilla opened their home to Paul, providing him with a place to stay and work. Their home became a center for Christian fellowship and teaching. They created a nurturing environment for spiritual growth and community building by welcoming others into their home. Couples today can follow this example by using their homes as places of ministry, offering hospitality, and creating spaces where people can encounter God.
Third, Aquila and Priscilla demonstrated the importance of support and discipleship. They played a crucial role in the early church by mentoring and instructing others. Acts 18:26 recounts how they took Apollos aside and explained to him “the way of God more accurately.” Their willingness to invest in others’ spiritual development shows the impact that couples can have when they support each other in discipling and mentoring others. Modern couples can emulate this by engaging in joint discipleship efforts and encouraging and teaching others.
Finally, their adaptability and commitment to God’s mission provide a powerful lesson. Aquila and Priscilla moved several times due to various circumstances, including persecution and ministry opportunities. Despite these challenges, they remained steadfast. Paul’s references to them in 1 Corinthians 16:19 show their resilience. Their commitment to God’s work, regardless of location, teaches modern couples the importance of being flexible with circumstances yet dedicated to their ministry calling, even when faced with difficulties.
While some denominations reject women in certain roles, this partnership in ministry reflects God’s original plan. The Lord provided Eve as Adam’s equal and complementary partner for one distinct purpose—they would accomplish their mission together. Following the Fall, men and women deal with more conflict and separation. The new covenant and the Spirit redeem humanity back to the original design, husband and wife, as partners in life and ministry. Aquila and Priscilla exemplify this.
Despite what a denomination might teach, every couple has ways to minister together as partners.
Aquila and Priscilla provide valuable insights into vocational and bi-vocational ministry. Their lives and ministries illustrate how dedicated Christians can serve God effectively while maintaining professional vocations. Their interactions with Paul, a pivotal figure in the early church, significantly influenced their approach to ministry.
First, Priscilla and Aquila’s example teaches that vocational work and ministry can coexist harmoniously. We can learn to view professions as livelihood means and ministry platforms. By excelling in their trades and demonstrating integrity and diligence, believers can witness to their colleagues and clients, reflecting Christ in the marketplace.
Yes, the Bible affirms financially supporting pastors and evangelists (1 Corinthians 9:13-14, 1 Timothy 17-18, Galatians 6:6). Sometimes, we elevate this model above bi-vocational ministry. Both have validity, and neither should be dismissed as less important. While it may seem like Christians need a full-time Christian worker’s salary to serve God well, Paul didn’t; he had a business and occasionally received financial help. His mix of resources allowed him to plant several churches and write a large portion of the New Testament.
Second, Aquila and Priscilla’s relationship with Paul underscores why mentorship matters in ministry. His influence on them shows in their commitment to their trade and ministry work. This mentorship likely strengthened their understanding of integrating their faith into their daily lives and work. They likely taught other believers who met in their homes how to do the same.
Third, their active participation in the early church’s mission shows Paul’s influence. They supported Paul in his missionary journeys and took on significant ministry roles, from Jesus followers meeting in their homes to mentoring Apollos. Apollos became the main leader in Corinth—to the point his popularity competed with Paul, who planted the church. The church began to divide over these two leaders, but Paul used this situation to point people to Christ (1 Corinthians 3:4-6). Aquila and Priscilla’s roles in mentoring and educating new believers influenced people throughout the region.
Finally, their ability to balance vocational work with ministry reflects adaptability and commitment. Despite being expelled from Rome, they continued their ministry in Corinth and Ephesus. Their resilience and willingness to serve wherever needed exemplify how bi-vocational ministers can adapt to changing circumstances while maintaining their ministry focus. This can be a strength of bi-vocational ministries: skills that translate to new places allow missionaries to relocate when persecution or a new calling means they must move. Adaptability, combined with hosting meetings in homes, gives leaders organic flexibility: they can work many places, empowering all believers to be the kingdom of priests we’ve been called to be (Revelation 1:5-6).
Peace.
Photo Credit: Public domain seventeenth-century painting via Wikimedia Commons.
This article is part of our People of Christianity catalog that features the stories, meaning, and significance of well-known people from the Bible and history. Here are some of the most popular articles for knowing important figures in Christianity:
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