Living Generously: The Legacy of Priscilla and Aquila
Summary
Priscilla and Aquila's story is a powerful testament to the impact of living a life dedicated to the gospel. Their journey, marked by generosity, courage, and deep faith, offers us a model for how to live as followers of Christ. Priscilla and Aquila were not just passive participants in the early church; they were active leaders who opened their homes, risked their lives, and invested deeply in the spiritual growth of others. Their story is a reminder that the church is not just a building or an institution but a community of believers empowered by the Holy Spirit to spread the gospel.
The narrative of Priscilla and Aquila begins with their expulsion from Rome, a moment that could have led to despair. Instead, they embraced their new circumstances, partnering with Paul in Corinth and later in Ephesus. Their willingness to adapt and continue their mission despite adversity is a testament to their faith and commitment. They hosted house churches, providing a space for believers to gather and grow in their faith. Their homes became centers of spiritual nourishment and community, demonstrating the power of hospitality in the kingdom of God.
Priscilla's role as a teacher and mentor is particularly noteworthy. Her influence on Apollos, a gifted teacher, highlights the importance of discipleship and theological depth. Priscilla's ability to teach and refine Apollos's understanding of the gospel shows that women have always played a crucial role in the church's mission. Her story challenges us to recognize and celebrate the contributions of women in ministry.
As we reflect on Priscilla and Aquila's legacy, we are called to live generously, dangerously, and deeply. We are encouraged to open our homes and hearts to others, to take risks for the sake of the gospel, and to invest in our spiritual growth and the growth of others. Their story is a reminder that we are part of a larger narrative, one in which Jesus is the ultimate hero. As we celebrate communion, we remember that all our efforts and sacrifices are a reflection of the greater sacrifice made by Christ, who defeated sin and death and offers us eternal life.
Key Takeaways
- Priscilla and Aquila exemplify the power of hospitality in the kingdom of God. By opening their homes to host house churches, they created spaces for believers to gather, grow, and thrive. Their generosity challenges us to consider how we can use our resources to further the gospel and build community. [44:58]
- The courage of Priscilla and Aquila in the face of adversity is a testament to their faith. Despite being expelled from Rome and facing persecution, they continued to spread the gospel and support the early church. Their story encourages us to take risks for the sake of the gospel, trusting that God will use our efforts for His glory. [47:32]
- Priscilla's role as a teacher and mentor to Apollos highlights the importance of discipleship and theological depth. Her ability to refine Apollos's understanding of the gospel demonstrates the significant impact of investing in others' spiritual growth. This challenges us to seek deeper understanding and to share our insights with others. [49:51]
- The story of Priscilla and Aquila reminds us that the church is a community of believers empowered by the Holy Spirit. Their partnership with Paul and their leadership in the early church show that every believer has a role to play in spreading the gospel. We are called to be active participants in God's mission, using our unique gifts and opportunities. [53:22]
- As we celebrate communion, we are reminded that Jesus is the ultimate hero of our story. Priscilla and Aquila's efforts, like those of all biblical heroes, point to the greater work of Christ, who defeated sin and death. Our lives should reflect His sacrifice, as we strive to live generously, courageously, and deeply for His kingdom. [56:35]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[08:32] - Holiday Spirit and Connection
[32:27] - Preparing for Communion
[34:13] - Introduction to Priscilla
[35:27] - The Bible's One Story
[37:32] - The Promise and Its Challenges
[38:58] - Priscilla and Aquila's Journey
[41:03] - Tent Making and Ministry
[44:58] - Hosting House Churches
[47:32] - Risking for the Gospel
[49:51] - Teaching and Mentoring
[53:22] - Living Generously, Dangerously, Deeply
[56:35] - Communion and the Ultimate Hero
[58:23] - Jesus, Our True Hero
[01:07:33] - Closing Remarks and Farewell
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide: Priscilla and Aquila
#### Bible Reading
1. Acts 18:1-3
2. Romans 16:3-5
3. 2 Timothy 4:19
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#### Observation Questions
1. What circumstances led Priscilla and Aquila to meet Paul in Corinth? How did their shared profession contribute to their relationship? [38:58]
2. How did Priscilla and Aquila demonstrate hospitality in their ministry, and what impact did it have on the early church? [44:58]
3. In what ways did Priscilla and Aquila show courage and commitment to the gospel despite facing adversity? [47:32]
4. How did Priscilla contribute to Apollos's understanding of the gospel, and what does this tell us about her role in the early church? [49:51]
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#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does the story of Priscilla and Aquila teach us about the importance of hospitality in the Christian community? How can this be applied in today's context? [44:58]
2. How does Priscilla's role as a teacher and mentor challenge traditional views of women's roles in the church? What implications does this have for modern ministry? [49:51]
3. What can we learn from Priscilla and Aquila's willingness to take risks for the gospel? How does this reflect their faith and trust in God? [47:32]
4. How does the partnership between Priscilla, Aquila, and Paul illustrate the concept of teamwork in ministry? What can modern churches learn from their example? [38:58]
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#### Application Questions
1. Priscilla and Aquila opened their homes to host house churches. How can you use your home or personal space to foster community and spiritual growth? [44:58]
2. Reflect on a time when you faced adversity in your faith journey. How did you respond, and what can you learn from Priscilla and Aquila's courage in similar situations? [47:32]
3. Priscilla played a significant role in mentoring Apollos. Is there someone in your life you can mentor or guide in their spiritual journey? How can you start this process? [49:51]
4. Consider the risks Priscilla and Aquila took for the gospel. What is one risk you feel called to take in your faith journey, and how can you prepare for it? [47:32]
5. Priscilla and Aquila's story reminds us that the church is a community of believers. How can you actively participate in your church community to support its mission? [53:22]
6. As we celebrate communion, we remember Jesus as the ultimate hero. How can you ensure that your life reflects His sacrifice and love in your daily actions? [56:35]
7. Priscilla and Aquila lived generously, dangerously, and deeply. Which of these aspects do you feel most challenged to grow in, and what steps can you take to develop in this area? [53:22]
Devotional
Day 1: The Transformative Power of Hospitality
Priscilla and Aquila's story highlights the profound impact of hospitality in the kingdom of God. By opening their homes to host house churches, they created spaces where believers could gather, grow, and thrive. Their generosity challenges us to consider how we can use our resources to further the gospel and build community. Hospitality is not merely about providing a physical space; it is about creating an environment where spiritual growth can occur. Priscilla and Aquila's homes became centers of spiritual nourishment, demonstrating that our homes can be places where God's love is tangibly experienced. [44:58]
"Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality." (Romans 12:13, ESV)
Reflection: How can you use your home or personal space to create an environment that fosters spiritual growth and community this week?
Day 2: Courage in Adversity
The courage of Priscilla and Aquila in the face of adversity is a testament to their unwavering faith. Despite being expelled from Rome and facing persecution, they continued to spread the gospel and support the early church. Their story encourages us to take risks for the sake of the gospel, trusting that God will use our efforts for His glory. In times of difficulty, their example reminds us that our faith can be a source of strength and resilience. By stepping out in faith, even when circumstances are challenging, we align ourselves with God's purposes and witness His power at work. [47:32]
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9, ESV)
Reflection: What is one risk you feel God is calling you to take for the sake of the gospel, and how can you take a step of faith in that direction today?
Day 3: The Role of Women in Ministry
Priscilla's role as a teacher and mentor to Apollos highlights the importance of discipleship and theological depth. Her ability to refine Apollos's understanding of the gospel demonstrates the significant impact of investing in others' spiritual growth. This challenges us to seek deeper understanding and to share our insights with others. Priscilla's story is a powerful reminder that women have always played a crucial role in the church's mission. Her example encourages us to recognize and celebrate the contributions of women in ministry, acknowledging the diverse gifts and callings within the body of Christ. [49:51]
"And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue, but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately." (Acts 18:26, ESV)
Reflection: Who is someone in your life that you can mentor or disciple, and what steps can you take to invest in their spiritual growth this week?
Day 4: Empowered by the Holy Spirit
The story of Priscilla and Aquila reminds us that the church is a community of believers empowered by the Holy Spirit. Their partnership with Paul and their leadership in the early church show that every believer has a role to play in spreading the gospel. We are called to be active participants in God's mission, using our unique gifts and opportunities. The Holy Spirit equips and empowers us to fulfill our calling, and as we step out in faith, we become part of a larger narrative where God is at work in and through us. [53:22]
"To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good." (1 Corinthians 12:7, ESV)
Reflection: What unique gifts or opportunities has God given you, and how can you use them to actively participate in His mission this week?
Day 5: Reflecting Christ's Sacrifice
As we celebrate communion, we are reminded that Jesus is the ultimate hero of our story. Priscilla and Aquila's efforts, like those of all biblical heroes, point to the greater work of Christ, who defeated sin and death. Our lives should reflect His sacrifice, as we strive to live generously, courageously, and deeply for His kingdom. Communion is a time to remember and reflect on the sacrifice of Christ, and it calls us to align our lives with His example, living in a way that honors His sacrifice and advances His kingdom. [56:35]
"For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes." (1 Corinthians 11:26, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can your life more fully reflect the sacrifice of Christ, and how can you intentionally live out this reflection in your daily actions and decisions?
Quotes
Welcome home. Welcome to the family. The holidays are here, baby. Thanksgiving is on its way. You've got four days to get hungry. But before that, we do have some unfinished business. We do need to visit our last unsung hero. [00:34:15] (19 seconds)
And finally, last week, in the period...Noah showed us perhaps the greatest threat to the promise. Unbelief. But the woman who was ill, the dad with a dead daughter, they believed, they had faith. And Jesus heals the woman and raises the dead girl to life to prove that he's greater than suffering and death. [00:37:43] (29 seconds)
And this is where we come to our last unsung hero, Priscilla. And Priscilla's story is our story because Priscilla is part of the church and we are part of the church. And the same Holy Spirit that empowered Priscilla to do amazing things, it's the same Holy Spirit that empowers us today. [00:38:28] (25 seconds)
So Aquila, Priscilla, Paul, they hit it off immediately, because they had three things in common. They were all Jewish believers in Jesus. And they were all in the same business, tent making. And they were all three passionate about the gospel. [00:40:47] (20 seconds)
And in this patriarchal culture, in this ancient Koine Greek language that was very significant because by default it would always be the man first. So Luke and Paul, it's like they're taking a yellow highlighter and putting it over the name of Priscilla because she is the one emerging as a leader and being recognized for her gifts and contributions. [00:43:20] (24 seconds)
Priscilla steps in and changes the course of a young man's life. Luke writes, 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 grace. [00:48:55] (22 seconds)
And remember, you can always check in 24 -7 at iwant .info to request prayer, ask questions, or find your next step. you. I'm praying for you. Have a great week. Maddy, where's my sweater? Oh, man. Wait, Brad, where's the turkey? It's right there. That's a chicken, man. It's still a bird. You think that's enough for all of us? Loaves and fishes, my friend. Loaves and fishes. Oh, okay, whatever you say. [01:07:16] (49 seconds)
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