Introduction
Priscilla of Rome (Greek: Priskila tis Rōmis) was born circa AD 1 (3761–3762 in the Hebrew calendar) in the Roman province of Italy. Her husband Aquila (Greek: Akouila tou Pontou) was born around the same time but in the Roman province of Bithynia and Pontus. They were Jewish Christians and dear friends to Paul of Tarsus during his missionary journeys. Priscilla is a Latin name and a diminutive of Prisca, meaning "ancient." Luke of Antioch identified Aquila—his name deriving from the Latin word for "eagle"—as being from the Pontus region on the Euxine Sea (now the Black Sea). After moving to Rome, he met his wife, Priscilla, and they worked as tentmakers. However, the emperor Claudius (10 BC–AD 54) expelled the Jews from the city of Rome around AD 50, which both Scripture and the Roman historian Suetonius (AD 69–c. 122) noted (Acts 18:2; cf. Claudius 25.4). Claudius blamed the Christians for disturbing the peace, though the Romans still considered Jesus' followers a sect of Judaism.
Priscilla & Aquila in Ministry
Priscilla and Aquila were both teachers in the first-century church. When they saw a man named Apollos ministering publicly about Jesus, Priscilla and Aquila "invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately" (Acts 18:26). Apollos did not yet receive much less know about baptism in Jesus, only that of John the Baptist (Acts 18:25). Apollos was originally a Jew from Alexandria, a city well-known for its library and schools of philosophy. Aquila and Priscilla, being Jewish, were better acquainted with Old Testament symbolism—especially as friends of Paul, a former Pharisee. They often accompanied him throughout the Mediterranean (Rom. 16:3; 1 Cor. 16:19; 2 Tim. 4:19).
Priscilla and Aquila were both leaders of a house church in Ephesus. The New International Version (NIV) correctly renders the Greek verb proslambanō (G4355) as "invited him to their home" in Acts 18:26. In contrast, other versions, such as the English Standard Version (ESV) translates proslambanō as "took aside" (Acts 18:26 ESV). The preposition of pros- (G4314) intensifies the verb lambanō (G2983, "to lay ahold of with initiative"), therefore making proslambanō an aggressive reception of another person with strong personal interest. This same verb was used by Matthew when Simon Peter "took him aside" and rebuked Jesus for predicting his death (Matt. 16:22). However, both Luke and Paul used proslambanō in the context of Mediterranean hospitality. Consider these verses:
The islanders showed us unusual kindness. They built a fire and welcomed us all because it was raining and cold (Acts 28:2).
So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me (Phlm. 1:17).
So, when Luke used the verb proslambanō, he attested that Aquila and Priscilla were leaders of a church that met in their home in Ephesus. He also mentioned Apollos that the couple taught advanced theology, not just basic catechism. Furthermore, Luke's choice of language implies a recognition of Aquila and Priscilla's significant role within the early Christian community, highlighting their authority and influence. This depiction underscores the dynamic nature of early Christian gatherings, where individuals like Apollos were nurtured in a rich theological environment fostered by knowledgeable leaders like Aquila and Priscilla.
Conclusion
Priscilla and Aquila were a couple who played an essential role in early Christianity. They came from different places but shared a strong faith. They worked closely with the apostle Paul and helped spread the Christian message. Even after being forced to leave Rome because of political issues, they continued to teach and support other Christians. Their dedication to their faith and their work in helping others shows the importance of community, learning, and service in the early church. Their example inspires Christians today to be welcoming, knowledgeable, and helpful in their faith.
Prayer
Blessed are you, LORD our God, King of the universe; by the example of your servants, spur us on to a better life so that we, who celebrate the memory of Priscilla and Aquila, may also imitate their deeds without ceasing; through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. 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.
Henderson, Silas. "Saint of the Day: Prisca and Aquila." Aleteia. July 8, 2024. link.
Houdmann, S. Michael. "Who Was Apollos?" Got Questions. January 4, 2022. link.
Mowczko, Margaret. "At Home with Priscilla and Aquila." Marg Mowczko (blog). November 11, 2015. link.
Suetonius. "The Life of Claudius 25." Translated by J. C. Rolfe. Lexundria. link.
Witherington, Ben, III. Priscilla: The Life of an Early Christian. Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2019.