Priscilla and Aquila: A Model of Faithful Partnership
Summary
Throughout Scripture, it is difficult to find a truly exemplary couple, but Priscilla and Aquila stand out as a remarkable model of partnership, faith, and ministry. Their story, woven through four books of the New Testament, reveals a couple who faced displacement and discrimination, yet responded with resilience and trust in God’s providence. Forced to leave Rome due to an imperial edict, they arrived in Corinth as migrant tentmakers, where their paths crossed with Paul. This meeting was not by chance, but a clear example of God’s providential guidance, as their shared profession led to a deep spiritual partnership and discipleship.
Priscilla and Aquila’s journey did not end with their own conversion. They became active participants in Paul’s ministry, enduring persecution and hardship alongside him. Their discipleship was not merely intellectual, but a lived, sacrificial commitment to Christ and His people. They modeled what it means to be transformed by the gospel, not just in knowledge, but in lifestyle—opening their home, risking their lives, and nurturing others in the faith.
Their ministry extended beyond their own growth; they were deployed for disciple-making. When Paul left Ephesus, he entrusted the city’s fledgling church to Priscilla and Aquila, recognizing their spiritual maturity and leadership. Their impact is seen most clearly in their gentle, wise discipleship of Apollos, a learned and eloquent teacher who needed a fuller understanding of Christ. Rather than correcting him publicly, they invited him into their home, embodying a discipleship that is relational, humble, and deeply caring.
A striking feature of their partnership is their dynamic unity. In a patriarchal society, Priscilla is often named first, indicating her prominence and the mutual respect within their marriage. Their relationship transcended social norms, with each leading where gifted, and always working together. This unity bore fruit wherever they went—churches were planted, communities were strengthened, and the gospel advanced.
Priscilla and Aquila’s legacy is not just in their ministry, but in their marriage—a partnership marked by mutual empowerment, shared mission, and enduring faithfulness, even unto death. Their story challenges every couple, every believer, to pursue a life of dynamic unity, sacrificial discipleship, and courageous hospitality, trusting that God can use ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things.
Key Takeaways
- God’s Providence in Displacement: Priscilla and Aquila’s forced migration was not a detour, but a divine redirection. Even when life feels unfair or we are uprooted by circumstances beyond our control, God is at work, orchestrating encounters and opportunities for His purposes. Their story encourages us to trust God’s providence, especially in seasons of loss or transition. [03:43]
- Discipleship as Life Change, Not Just Knowledge: True discipleship is not about accumulating information, but about transformation. Priscilla and Aquila’s lives were changed by Christ, and they in turn modeled sacrificial obedience and faithfulness, inviting others into a lived experience of the gospel. Discipleship is seen in concrete actions, not just in what we know, but in how we love and serve. [15:57]
- Hospitality and Gentle Correction: When Apollos needed further teaching, Priscilla and Aquila did not embarrass him publicly, but welcomed him into their home and explained the way of God more adequately. This approach highlights the power of relational discipleship—correction and growth happen best in the context of trust, humility, and genuine care. [23:25]
- Dynamic Unity in Marriage and Ministry: Their partnership was marked by mutual respect and complementary leadership, transcending cultural norms. Priscilla’s frequent mention before Aquila signals a marriage where each led according to their gifts, and both supported one another fully. This dynamic unity is a model for marriages and ministry teams, showing that true strength comes from empowering one another. [28:47]
- Fruitfulness Through Shared Mission: Priscilla and Aquila’s unity and faithfulness led to tangible fruit—churches were planted, leaders were discipled, and the gospel spread. Their willingness to serve together, even in hardship, demonstrates that God multiplies the impact of those who are united in purpose and open to His leading, regardless of their background or status. [34:27]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:10] - The Search for an Exemplary Couple
[03:43] - Priscilla and Aquila: Displaced Migrants
[07:30] - God’s Providence in Unexpected Places
[10:45] - Paul, Tentmaking, and Workplace Witness
[15:57] - Discipleship as Lifestyle Change
[19:46] - Deployed for Ministry in Ephesus
[20:29] - Apollos: A Scholar in Need of Discipleship
[21:46] - The Power of Relational Discipleship
[23:25] - Hospitality and Gentle Correction
[24:47] - Women’s Leadership in Ephesus
[25:47] - Contextualizing Paul’s Instructions
[27:17] - Servant Leadership and Church Growth
[28:47] - Dynamic Unity in Marriage
[31:03] - Complementarity and Mutual Empowerment
[32:01] - The Challenge of Working Together
[34:27] - From Migrants to Missionaries
[35:57] - Legacy and Prayer for the Church
[37:01] - Call to Become Priscilla and Aquila
[37:47] - Ministry Time and Closing Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Priscilla & Aquila – A Model of Partnership, Faith, and Ministry
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### Bible Reading
1. Acts 18:1-3, 18-28
(The story of Priscilla and Aquila meeting Paul, their ministry in Corinth and Ephesus, and their discipleship of Apollos.)
2. Romans 16:3-5
(“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.”)
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### Observation Questions
1. What circumstances led Priscilla and Aquila to leave Rome and settle in Corinth? (Acts 18:1-2)
2. How did Priscilla and Aquila first meet Paul, and what did they have in common? (Acts 18:2-3)
3. In what ways did Priscilla and Aquila support Paul’s ministry, according to Romans 16:3-5?
4. How did Priscilla and Aquila help Apollos grow in his understanding of the gospel? (Acts 18:24-26)
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### Interpretation Questions
1. What does Priscilla and Aquila’s story teach about God’s providence, especially in times of forced change or hardship? [03:43]
2. How does the way Priscilla and Aquila discipled Apollos challenge common ideas about correction and teaching in the church? [23:25]
3. What does their partnership in marriage and ministry reveal about mutual respect and shared leadership, especially considering the culture of their time? [28:47]
4. Why do you think Paul often mentions Priscilla’s name before Aquila’s, and what might that say about their relationship and ministry? [28:47]
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### Application Questions
1. Priscilla and Aquila’s move to Corinth was not their choice, but God used it for His purpose. Have you ever experienced a time when an unwanted change or hardship led to unexpected opportunities? How did you see God at work? [03:43]
2. The sermon emphasized that discipleship is about life change, not just knowledge. In what areas of your life do you sense God calling you to deeper transformation, rather than just learning more information? [15:57]
3. Priscilla and Aquila opened their home to Apollos and gently corrected him. Is there someone in your life who needs encouragement or gentle correction? How can you approach them with humility and care? [23:25]
4. Their marriage was marked by dynamic unity and mutual empowerment. If you are married or in a close partnership, what is one way you can better support or empower your spouse/partner this week? If you are single, how can you practice this kind of unity and support in your friendships or ministry teams? [28:47]
5. Priscilla and Aquila’s home was a place of hospitality and ministry. What is one practical way you can use your home, time, or resources to serve others or build up the church community? [33:18]
6. The couple’s willingness to serve together led to fruitfulness—churches were planted and leaders were discipled. What shared mission or ministry could you pursue with someone else for greater impact? [34:27]
7. The sermon closed with a prayer that every believer would become like Priscilla and Aquila. What is one step you can take this week to move toward being a person of dynamic unity, sacrificial discipleship, or courageous hospitality? [37:01]
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Devotional
Day 1: Faithfulness Amid Displacement and Hardship
Priscilla and Aquila were displaced from their home in Rome due to an unjust government edict, experiencing the pain and uncertainty of being mistreated migrants. Yet, even in the face of discrimination and forced migration, they did not lose hope or faith. Instead, they trusted that God was not done with them and continued to serve Him wherever they went. Their story reminds us that when life is unfair and circumstances threaten our security, God’s providence and purpose remain steadfast. He can use even our most difficult seasons to shape us and bless others through us. [07:40]
Acts 18:1-2 (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.
Reflection: Have you ever experienced unfair treatment or loss? How might God be inviting you to trust Him and serve others even in the midst of hardship today?
Day 2: Divine Appointments and Everyday Witness
God orchestrated the meeting of Paul, Priscilla, and Aquila through their shared profession as tentmakers, turning an ordinary workplace into a place of spiritual transformation. Through their daily work, relationships were formed that led to discipleship and the spread of the gospel. This shows that God is present in our vocations and everyday encounters, inviting us to see our workplaces as mission fields where we can share Christ’s love and truth with those around us. [11:40]
Acts 18:2-4 (ESV)
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. And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and tried to persuade Jews and Greeks.
Reflection: Who in your workplace or daily routine might God be calling you to reach out to with His love and message today?
Day 3: Discipleship as Life Change, Not Just Knowledge
Priscilla and Aquila’s journey with Paul was marked by sacrificial obedience and a willingness to risk their lives for the sake of the gospel. Their discipleship was not merely about learning more information, but about concrete life change—imitating Christ through faithful action, hospitality, and courage. True discipleship is seen in how we live, love, and serve, not just in what we know. [15:57]
Romans 16:3-4 (ESV)
Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, who risked their necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks but all the churches of the Gentiles give thanks as well.
Reflection: In what area of your life is God calling you to move from knowledge to action, living out your faith in a tangible way this week?
Day 4: Empowering Others Through Humble, Mutual Ministry
Priscilla and Aquila exemplified a dynamic partnership in ministry, working together to disciple others like Apollos and to plant and nurture churches wherever they went. Their marriage and ministry transcended traditional roles, empowering each other according to their gifts and always serving side by side. Their example challenges us to build relationships and communities where everyone’s gifts are valued and where we empower one another to serve Christ together. [29:42]
Acts 18:24-26 (ESV)
Now a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was an eloquent man, competent in the Scriptures. He had been instructed in the way of the Lord. And being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John. 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.
Reflection: How can you encourage or empower someone in your life or community to use their gifts for God’s purposes this week?
Day 5: Fruitful Unity and Lasting Legacy
The unity of Priscilla and Aquila—always mentioned together, always serving together—produced a legacy of flourishing churches and transformed lives. Their partnership was marked by mutual support, adaptability, and a willingness to go wherever God called them, even at great personal cost. Their story invites us to pursue unity in our relationships and ministries, trusting that God will multiply our efforts and leave a lasting impact for His kingdom. [34:27]
1 Corinthians 16:19 (ESV)
The churches of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Prisca, together with the church in their house, send you hearty greetings in the Lord.
Reflection: What is one step you can take today to strengthen unity and partnership in your marriage, family, or church community for the sake of God’s mission?
Quotes
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