Priscilla & Aquila

Courtesy of Affirm Films

Introduction

Priscilla (Greek: Priskila) was born around AD 1 in the city of Rome. Her husband, Aquila (Greek: Akulas), was born about the same time in the Roman province of Bithynia and Pontus. Both were Jewish Christians and close companions of the apostle Paul during his missionary journeys. Priscilla's name, a diminutive of Prisca, means "Ancient" in Latin. Aquila's name in Latin means "Eagle," a common Roman name that fits well with his Pontic background near the Black Sea. After moving to Rome, Priscilla and Aquila worked as tentmakers. Around AD 49, the emperor Claudius (r. AD 41–54) expelled the Jews from Rome, blaming them for public disturbances, since the Romans still saw Christians as part of Judaism at that time. Luke records this event in the Acts of the Apostles, and the Roman historian Suetonius (c. AD 69–122) also mentioned it in The Twelve Caesars (Acts 18:2; cf. Claudius 25.4).

Courtesy of Affirm Films

Priscilla & Aquila in Ministry

​

Priscilla and Aquila served as teachers in the first-century church. When they heard Apollos preaching about Jesus, they invited him into their home, where they explained "the way of God more adequately" (Acts 18:26). At that time, Apollos knew only John the Baptist's immersion and did not yet understand the whole meaning of baptism in Christ (Acts 18:25). Apollos was a Jew from Alexandria, a city famous for its library and schools of philosophy. However, he still benefited from the deeper insight Priscilla and Aquila offered. As Jewish Christians well-trained in the Old Testament and close friends of the apostle Paul, they helped fill the gaps in his knowledge. The couple often traveled with Paul around the Mediterranean, supporting his ministry and helping establish early Christian communities (Rom. 16:3; 1 Cor. 16:19; 2 Tim. 4:19).

Priscilla and Aquila led a house church in Ephesus. In Acts 18:26, Luke uses the Greek verb proslambanō (G4355), which the New International Version translates as "invited him to their home," while the English Standard Version renders it "took him aside." The verb combines pros (G4314), a preposition that intensifies an action, with lambanō (G2983, "to take hold of with initiative"). Together, the word describes a deliberate and personal act of receiving someone. Matthew uses proslambanō when Peter "took [Jesus] aside" to rebuke him (Matt. 16:22). However, in the Acts of the Apostles and in Paul's letters, it usually expresses Mediterranean hospitality and intentional, Christlike welcome. Paul writes, "Accept [proslambanō] the one whose faith is weak" (Rom. 14:1), and again, "Accept one another, just as Christ accepted you" (Rom. 15:7). Luke shows the same idea when he describes how the islanders of Malta "welcomed us all" (Acts 28:2) and when Paul urges Philemon to "welcome him as you would welcome me" (Phlm. 1:17).

By choosing proslambanō in Acts 18:26, Luke shows that Priscilla and Aquila did far more than pull Apollos aside. They welcomed him into their home, gave him personal instruction, and demonstrated strong and responsible church leadership. Luke's wording also suggests that Apollos was already teaching advanced Christian theology, not just basic concepts, and that Priscilla and Aquila helped refine his understanding within a sound doctrinal environment. This language highlights the couple's authority and influence in the early church. It also reveals the dynamic setting of first-century Christian gatherings, where experienced believers mentored gifted teachers like Apollos.

Courtesy of Affirm Films

Conclusion

Priscilla and Aquila stand out as one of the most influential ministry couples in the early church. Though they came from different parts of the Roman world, they shared a deep love for Jesus and a strong commitment to his mission. They worked alongside the apostle Paul, opened their home to believers, and used their knowledge of Scripture to guide others, including the gifted teacher Apollos. Even when political forces pushed them out of Rome, they continued to serve wherever God placed them. Their lives show how ordinary work, faithful friendships, and intentional hospitality can shape the church in powerful ways. Today, their example challenges Christians to welcome others, teach the truth with humility, and build communities where people grow in faith and courage.

Ben White

Prayer

Blessed are you, LORD our God, King of heaven and earth. Your servants Priscilla and Aquila opened their home, welcomed believers, and strengthened the church. Form us with that same spirit of hospitality, courage, and faithful ministry. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.​

---

Bibliography

Bauer, Walter. A Greek–English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature. 3rd ed. Revised and edited by F. W Danker. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2000.

Houdmann, S. Michael. "Who Was Apollos?" Got Questions. January 4, 2022. [link].

Mowczko, Marg. "At Home with Priscilla and Aquila." Marg Mowczko (blog). November 11, 2015. [link].

Suetonius. The Life of Claudius. Translated by J. C. Rolfe. 1913. Lexundria. [link].

Witherington, Ben, III. Priscilla: The Life of an Early Christian. Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2019.