Acts 18:2, 18, 26; Romans 16:3; 1 Corinthians 16:19; 2 Timothy 4:19
Maybe, Adam and Eve should have started off our month of love stories of the Bible… but this is a good one.
Priscilla is the feminine of Prisca meaning “primitive,” “worthy, or venerable,” Her husband, Aquila, had the name meaning eagle. Both names are Roman and she was from a distinguished and notable family. Though scripture is not clear, she was likely born in Pontus, she and her husband were Jews from Asia Minor. They were expelled by Claudius and end up in Corinth and became beloved friends of Paul.
Priscilla is always paired with her husband, Aquila, so she is not placed her on a pedestal of her own. Yet, the Lord placed her on a pedestal as a graceful example of working together as a husband wife team. Their two hearts beat as one. Harmoniously, they were joined together in the service of the church, and to assisting Paul, and to exemplifying Christ. He and the Father were one and so should husbands and wives be in Him.
They walked as one having agreed to put Christ first. They may have come to believe in Christ through Pauls ‘s teaching. In the six references where both are mentioned, the name of Priscilla comes first in three instances, and Aquila first in the other three. They are never mentioned apart. Whether there is any significance to that or not is not really clear but draws speculation, that she was the more energetic one, that she believed first, I don’t think it matters to Him, it is people who make more out of it, if both husbands and wives are submitted to God there should not be division or jealousy or giving credence to what people think .
They must have had a romance, been in love and the blending of personalities are associated by their names always being together. It would be interesting to know their whole story. Together from the time of their marriage they are always named together, and were inseparable. It appears there were no children, since Paul doesn’t mention any. What a pleasant picture of wedded bliss, a divine ordinance of marriage, sacred and holy. They were not unequally yoked together but joined in the Lord.
This Christian couple were one in their experience of God’s saving power, after Paul found them in Corinth. They were also tentmakers, so it was natural for them to befriend each other. Just when Aquila and Priscilla came the Lord is not clear. He lived with them a year and a half. It does appear however that they could have already been believers, Aquila and Priscilla as Hebrews were expecting the Messiah and found Jesus as Lord. His stay with them was like an education.
They, in turn, were able to teach Apollos, having made the home like an altar or even a church. They even risked their lives for Paul, possible during the Ephesian riots. June 8th is a traditional day for them as martyrs, though the Bible does not specify, that they were led outside the walls of the city and beheaded. Rebecca Jones / Matthew Rader, thanks.
Beautiful Bible Women 