Who is Priscilla in the Bible? What can we learn from this woman? Every creation of God is unique and loved by Him. Priscilla is sometimes called the first female preacher and missionary. Although we may not know her hair color, height, weight, or favorite food, we learn from the Bible that she loved God and wanted to share His message with others so they would know Him, too. Scripture gives insight into the personality of this dedicated woman. She holds an important place in history.
Where Does the Bible Mention Priscilla?
Scripture mentions Priscilla in the book of Acts, Romans, 1 Corinthians, and 2 Timothy. The Bible tells that Priscilla was a tentmaker, along with her husband, Aquila. Tents were often used as homes and portable temples. Making tents allowed Priscilla and her husband to earn funds for daily living and travel to teach people about God. Priscilla used her business resources to help further the gospel. She and Aquila were two of the first missionaries.
This wife and husband team is mentioned several times in the New Testament. Priscilla and Aquila had gone to Corinth from Rome when the emperor Claudius ordered all Jews to leave the city. Aquila, a Jew, was a native of Pontus. They met Paul, a tentmaker and apostle of Christ (Acts 18:1-3). A lifetime friendship was formed between the three. Priscilla, Aquila, and Paul desired to share the gospel and lead others to Christ. The three worked together on that mission. Sometimes they were met with opposition, and other times they were met with a desire to know more about God. Either way, the three friends were ready to travel and invite people to learn.
After a time, Paul left for Syria, and Priscilla and Aquila accompanied him. When they arrived at Ephesus, Paul left the couple. When questioned about staying and if he would return, Paul replied with conviction. “I will come back if it is God’s will” (Acts 18:21 NIV).
A Jew named Apollos had come to Ephesus. He began to speak about Scripture. Priscilla and Aquila heard Apollos speak, invited him to their home, and taught him more about God and Scripture. Apollos only knew about the baptism of John. Although Apollos was trying to share the gospel, he needed more teaching to correctly preach God’s word.
This is a reminder that we can learn at any time. There is always more to glean from Scripture.
Paul acknowledges the dedication and loyalty of his two special friends. He wrote to the Romans, telling them about the couple: “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” (Romans 16:3-4 NIV).
As we read that they risked their lives, we may wonder what specific encounters they faced. A man and woman who were husband and wife could have faced difficulties because of their faith or other reasons.
To the church in Corinth, Paul shares that the churches in the province of Asia send their greetings. Those greetings are also sent by Aquila and Priscilla, along with the church that meets in their home (1 Corinthians 16:19). The couple opened their home so new Christians could meet, learn the gospel, and hear the teachings of Paul. He trusted them with settling disputes and answering questions.
In 2 Timothy, Paul writes a letter from his prison cell in Rome. He faced the realization that he might not be released. Some of his supporters had abandoned him. Even during his stressful time, Paul was concerned about the church. Once again, Paul asks the people to greet Priscilla and Aquila.
What Do the Names Priscilla and Aquila Mean?
According to some historians, the name Priscilla means “old” and “venerable.” The Hebrew meaning of the name Priscilla is “ancient.” Other studies state that the name goes along with the personality. The Bible indicates that Priscilla was generous, compassionate, and desired to share the word of God.
The name Aquila in the Bible means “an eagle.” Perhaps the name fits his personality. Aquila was a tentmaker who needed accuracy and detail in tentmaking. He needed a sharp eye to make tents people would want to purchase. He also needed the eyes of an eagle to guard against enemies trying to prevent God’s message from being given.
What Can We Learn from Priscilla and Aquila?
The Bible offers the opportunity to learn from every one of God’s creations. Beginning in Genesis, Scripture tells the creation story. God worked for six days and rested on the seventh day.
God has a plan and purpose for each of us. Some people are given the gift of hospitality, prophecy, wisdom, teaching, or other important ways to share the love of Christ. Have you ever been asked, “What is your spiritual gift?” Perhaps your gift changes depending on the situation.
Priscilla and Aquila had the gift of being able to work with their hands to make tents. Along with the physical act of creating tents, they were able to use the funds earned to further their mission.
The two opened their homes so people could enter and learn about God. This would be the gift of hospitality. Perhaps friends, family, and strangers entered their home seeking to know more about Him. Maybe food and drink were offered to the guests who visited and wished to gain knowledge about God.
We can learn from the example of these two important people. Priscilla and Aquila used their resources to travel so they could share the gospel. They were dedicated friends of Paul. According to Paul, the couple had risked their own lives for him and other churches.
Their work continued when Paul left and the husband and wife stayed behind. They did not stop sharing the gospel just because their mentor had left. The couple took the initiative and kept preaching.
Their devotion to God showed through their words and actions.
10 Things We Can Learn from Priscilla and Aquila
1. God can use anyone or anything to further His kingdom.
2. God will equip us when He calls us.
3. Some journeys take longer than others. Have patience.
4. There may be tough times during our mission.
5. Our gifts can change according to the mission before us.
6. We don’t have to be rich in money to share His message.
7. Women and men are equally important in sharing about God.
8. Our mission doesn’t stop because we move to another place.
9. If fear sets in, we can go to the Father and seek His guidance.
10. God will never leave us.
God gave us the Bible so we may learn from the past and be ready for the future. People like Priscilla and Aquila are examples of devotion, humility, love for people, and most of all, love for God. Priscilla showed by her actions and words that we can help others develop a relationship with the Father while deepening our own relationship with Him.
A Prayer to Live Like Priscilla and Aquila
Father,
Thank You for Priscilla and Aquila. Thank You for equipping us for the journey. May we forever share Your love and glory. Amen.
In His Name,
Melissa Henderson
Photo Credit: Getty Images/BibleArtLibrary
Melissa is the author of Licky the Lizard and Grumpy the Gator. Her passions are helping in the community and church. Melissa is an Elder, Deacon, and Stephen Minister.
Follow Melissa on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and at http://www.melissaghenderson.
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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