Priscilla: A Model of Faithful Leadership and Service
Summary
### Summary
In our ongoing series on women who played pivotal roles in the early church, we have explored the lives of several remarkable women. Today, we focus on Priscilla, a woman of great faith and leadership. Priscilla, along with her husband Aquila, was expelled from Rome due to Emperor Claudius's decree. They relocated to Corinth, where they met Paul and began a significant ministry. Priscilla's servant heart and leadership were evident as she and Aquila opened their home to Paul and worked alongside him in tent-making and ministry.
Priscilla's influence extended beyond Corinth. She and Aquila traveled with Paul to Ephesus, where they helped establish a church. Priscilla's leadership is highlighted in her interaction with Apollos, a learned man who preached about Jesus but lacked a full understanding of the Holy Spirit. Priscilla, alongside Aquila, took Apollos aside and explained the way of God more accurately, demonstrating her deep knowledge and teaching ability.
Priscilla's prominence in the early church is further underscored by the fact that her name is often mentioned before her husband's in the New Testament, indicating her significant role. Paul, in his letters, acknowledges Priscilla and Aquila as co-workers in Christ, emphasizing their importance in the early Christian movement. They hosted house churches, provided hospitality, and risked their lives for the gospel.
Priscilla's story is a powerful reminder that God uses people from all walks of life, regardless of gender or background, to advance His kingdom. Her example challenges us to serve faithfully, embrace new opportunities, and remain open to God's leading, even in difficult circumstances.
### Key Takeaways
1. Embracing New Opportunities: Priscilla and Aquila's expulsion from Rome could have led them to despair, but they saw it as a new opportunity to serve God in Corinth. This teaches us to reframe our challenges and ask, "What is God doing?" rather than "Why is this happening?" By doing so, we can find new avenues to serve and grow in our faith. [06:43]
2. Servant Leadership: Priscilla exemplified servant leadership by using her skills and resources to support the early church. Whether it was making tents, hosting house churches, or teaching others, she served with a heart eager to follow God's direction. This reminds us that true leadership in God's kingdom is marked by a willingness to serve others selflessly. [04:53]
3. Teachable Spirit: Apollos, a learned man, was humble enough to learn from Priscilla, a woman in a patriarchal society. This highlights the importance of having an open heart and mind, being willing to learn from anyone God places in our path. A teachable spirit allows us to grow deeper in our understanding and walk with God. [23:52]
4. Countercultural Faithfulness: Priscilla's prominence in the early church, often mentioned before her husband, challenges cultural norms. Her story encourages us to be faithful to God's call, even when it goes against societal expectations. God values and uses each of us uniquely, regardless of our background or gender. [17:49]
5. Hospitality and Community: Priscilla and Aquila's home was a hub for early Christian fellowship and teaching. Their hospitality created a space for believers to grow together in faith. This underscores the importance of community and opening our homes and lives to others, fostering environments where faith can flourish. [28:30]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:35] - The Samaritan Woman
[03:10] - Tabitha's Leadership
[04:53] - Priscilla's Servant Heart
[06:43] - Expulsion from Rome
[08:24] - Tent-Making in Corinth
[09:38] - Reframing Challenges
[10:32] - Personal Reflections
[11:52] - Paul's Greetings
[13:12] - Journey to Ephesus
[14:39] - Establishing the Church in Ephesus
[16:02] - Continued Ministry
[17:49] - Priscilla's Prominence
[19:23] - Teaching Apollos
[22:08] - Apollos' Humility
[23:52] - Open Hearts and Minds
[25:27] - Paul's Letter to Rome
[27:00] - Risking Lives for the Gospel
[28:30] - House Churches
[30:11] - Priscilla's Countercultural Role
[33:05] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Acts 18:1-3 (NIV)
> "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."
2. Acts 18:24-26 (NIV)
> "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."
3. Romans 16:3-5 (NIV)
> "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. Greet also the church that meets at their house."
#### Observation Questions
1. What circumstances led Priscilla and Aquila to relocate to Corinth? ([06:43])
2. How did Priscilla and Aquila support Paul during his ministry in Corinth? ([08:24])
3. What was Apollos' initial understanding of Jesus, and how did Priscilla and Aquila help him? ([19:23])
4. How does Paul describe Priscilla and Aquila in his letter to the Romans? ([25:27])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does Priscilla and Aquila's willingness to relocate and continue their ministry in Corinth teach us about embracing new opportunities? ([09:38])
2. How does Priscilla's role in teaching Apollos challenge the cultural norms of her time? ([23:52])
3. In what ways does the hospitality of Priscilla and Aquila reflect the importance of community in the early church? ([27:00])
4. How does Paul’s acknowledgment of Priscilla and Aquila as co-workers in Christ emphasize their significance in the early Christian movement? ([25:27])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you faced a significant change or challenge. How did you see it as an opportunity to serve God, similar to Priscilla and Aquila's experience? ([09:38])
2. Priscilla exemplified servant leadership in various ways. What are some practical steps you can take to serve others selflessly in your community or church? ([04:53])
3. Apollos had a teachable spirit and was open to learning from Priscilla. How can you cultivate a teachable spirit in your own life, especially when learning from unexpected sources? ([23:52])
4. Priscilla's prominence in the early church was countercultural. How can you be faithful to God's call in your life, even when it goes against societal expectations? ([17:49])
5. Priscilla and Aquila's home was a hub for Christian fellowship. How can you open your home or life to foster a sense of community and spiritual growth among those around you? ([28:30])
6. Paul mentions that Priscilla and Aquila risked their lives for the gospel. Are there areas in your life where you feel called to take risks for your faith? How can you step out in faith this week? ([27:00])
7. Reflect on the importance of hospitality in your own life. What are some specific ways you can show hospitality to others, creating spaces where faith can flourish? ([28:30])
Devotional
### Day 1: Embracing New Opportunities
Priscilla and Aquila's expulsion from Rome could have been a moment of despair, but they chose to see it as a new opportunity to serve God in Corinth. This teaches us to reframe our challenges and ask, "What is God doing?" rather than "Why is this happening?" By doing so, we can find new avenues to serve and grow in our faith. Their story reminds us that God can use even the most difficult circumstances to advance His kingdom and our personal growth.
When faced with unexpected changes or challenges, it is easy to become discouraged or question God's plan. However, Priscilla and Aquila's example encourages us to trust in God's sovereignty and look for the new opportunities He may be presenting. Their willingness to adapt and serve wherever they were placed is a powerful testament to their faith and dedication to God's work. [06:43]
Acts 18:1-3 (ESV): "After this Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. And he found a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to leave Rome. And he went to see them, and because he was of the same trade he stayed with them and worked, for they were tentmakers by trade."
Reflection: Think of a recent challenge or unexpected change in your life. How can you reframe it as an opportunity to serve God and grow in your faith?
### Day 2: Servant Leadership
Priscilla exemplified servant leadership by using her skills and resources to support the early church. Whether it was making tents, hosting house churches, or teaching others, she served with a heart eager to follow God's direction. This reminds us that true leadership in God's kingdom is marked by a willingness to serve others selflessly.
In a world that often equates leadership with power and authority, Priscilla's example stands in stark contrast. Her leadership was not about seeking recognition or control but about humbly serving others and advancing the gospel. By opening her home and using her talents for God's work, she demonstrated that servant leadership is about putting others' needs before our own and being faithful stewards of the gifts God has given us. [04:53]
Mark 10:43-45 (ESV): "But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
Reflection: In what ways can you use your skills and resources to serve others in your community or church this week?
### Day 3: Teachable Spirit
Apollos, a learned man, was humble enough to learn from Priscilla, a woman in a patriarchal society. This highlights the importance of having an open heart and mind, being willing to learn from anyone God places in our path. A teachable spirit allows us to grow deeper in our understanding and walk with God.
In our journey of faith, it is crucial to remain open to learning and growth, regardless of our current knowledge or status. Apollos' willingness to learn from Priscilla demonstrates that true wisdom comes from recognizing that we can always learn more, especially from those who may have different perspectives or experiences. This humility and openness to instruction are essential for spiritual growth and maturity. [23:52]
Proverbs 9:9 (ESV): "Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning."
Reflection: Think of a recent situation where you were challenged to learn from someone unexpected. How did you respond, and what can you do to cultivate a more teachable spirit?
### Day 4: Countercultural Faithfulness
Priscilla's prominence in the early church, often mentioned before her husband, challenges cultural norms. Her story encourages us to be faithful to God's call, even when it goes against societal expectations. God values and uses each of us uniquely, regardless of our background or gender.
Priscilla's leadership and influence in the early church were significant, despite the cultural norms of her time. Her story is a powerful reminder that God's call transcends societal expectations and that He equips and uses individuals based on their faithfulness and willingness to serve. By remaining faithful to God's call, even when it goes against the grain, we can make a profound impact for His kingdom. [17:49]
Galatians 3:28 (ESV): "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."
Reflection: Are there areas in your life where you feel called to serve but are held back by societal expectations or norms? How can you step out in faith and follow God's leading?
### Day 5: Hospitality and Community
Priscilla and Aquila's home was a hub for early Christian fellowship and teaching. Their hospitality created a space for believers to grow together in faith. This underscores the importance of community and opening our homes and lives to others, fostering environments where faith can flourish.
Hospitality is a powerful ministry that can create a sense of belonging and community among believers. By opening their home, Priscilla and Aquila provided a safe and welcoming space for early Christians to gather, learn, and grow in their faith. Their example challenges us to consider how we can use our homes and resources to build community and support one another in our spiritual journeys. [28:30]
Romans 12:13 (ESV): "Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality."
Reflection: How can you practice hospitality in your own life? Consider inviting someone over for a meal or creating a space for fellowship and spiritual growth in your home.
Quotes
1. "You know, I think in all of our lives, we go through times of feeling expelled or rejected or hurt. How do we respond to that? Sometimes it's easy and tempting to just live in a state of exhaustion and grief and despair and hopelessness, but that's not what we see Priscilla and Aquila doing. Instead, they look at this as a new opportunity. They know how to make tents, and so sewing fabric again becomes a very important part of this process, just like we saw with Lydia and Tabitha before." [06:43] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "But I think part of us should maybe reframe the question, much like we see Priscilla and Aquila and even Paul and Silas doing, to consider what? God, what are you doing? I may not fully understand why all these things happen and why they happen the way that they do, but what are you wanting to do in my life? What are you wanting to do? What kind of life is this? How seemingly can they be relieved through me in these new seasons, new opportunities?" [09:38] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "I know for me that when I look back and I can't always see it in the moment but when I look back on challenging times times of great duress times where things didn't happen the way that I wanted them to and there was almost a forced response that I didn't like I felt expelled I felt betrayed I felt rejected that in the moment I can't see beyond that but down the road sometimes I can see that even though that was painful and that was problematic and I don't want to go back and do it all over again it has brought me to a new place a new place to learn to grow to deepen my faith and a new place to meet new people." [10:32] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "So Paul, Silas, Aquila, Priscilla, they're working, they're looking for opportunities, they're asking God, why is it that you've brought us here to Corinth? Corinth was the capital of the Roman province of Acacia, about 40 miles to the west of Athens, had two significant harbors, and so this was a place of a lot of commercial trade and movement of troops and people that were coming and going. going on a regular basis and it was well protected and fortified by an 1800 foot rock crevice at the shoreline." [08:24] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Paul will later write these words to the church in Corinth and he'll speak about Priscilla and Aquila in 1st Corinthians chapter 16 verse 19 writing from the churches in most likely Ephesus but he speaks here of the province of Asia the churches in the province of Asia send you greetings Aquila and Priscilla greet you warmly in the Lord and so does the church that meets in their house and I will talk more about the church meeting their house in a few moments but notice this continuation of concern and wellness for the people of Corinth even after Priscilla and Aquila have moved somewhere else." [11:52] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "So in a countercultural way, Priscilla taught another pastor about the Holy Spirit. Instead of being offended by some woman who is trying to teach him something, telling her to get in her place, and boastfully saying that he knows better than she does, Apollos models for us having a teachable spirit." [23:52] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Friends, Priscilla is a tremendous example of a woman who served God wholeheartedly, who led the church, and who guided others to a deeper understanding of God and his goodness. May we all join the cause. May we all help lead the charge that others may experience the fruitfulness and the blessed joy of walking with Jesus each day." [33:05] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "In closing, and somewhat of a summary fashion, I want to read the description, it's rather lengthy, of Lisa Ingram from Biola University in her blog, Priscilla, A Deeper Look. At an early church leader. And as I read through this, I ask you to reflect with me on how God is leading you to serve. Whatever that is, don't let the culture around you dictate what you can and cannot do based upon your age or your gender or your background. Rather, let God guide you in what to do, even if it's difficult and counter-cultural, to be faithful to God's call, on your life." [28:30] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "Priscilla used her gifts of hospitality, hosting house churches in her home. She used her gifts of knowing God's truth to clarify the gospel message for the charismatic Apollos. She used the fruits of her business acumen and welcomed Paul into the heart of her leather workshop, providing him a platform to teach and preach. And she used her gift of friendship to encourage the greatest evangelist who ever lived." [31:15] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "Paul here is putting them not on a level below him, but on a level equal with him. We are in this together. We work side by side. They are just as important to the advancement of the kingdom as my work is. And then he says, they risked their lives for him. This could have been by staying. And experiencing the opposition there as Paul and Silas traveled on. Or it could have been any number of other experiences where they were a part of helping to advance the gospel and being willing to risk their lives to do so." [27:00] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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