Introduction
Priscilla (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 both 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 (see Acts 18:2; Claudius Ch. 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 (v. 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 (see 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" (see 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 (see 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
As outlined by historical records and biblical accounts, Priscilla and Aquila's journey encapsulates the intersecting narratives of early Christianity, Roman politics, and personal devotion. Born in different regions yet united in faith, their partnership with Paul of Tarsus exemplifies the collaborative spirit of the early Christian community. Their resilience in the face of adversity, from their expulsion from Rome to their pivotal roles in nurturing and instructing fellow believers, underscores their unwavering commitment to their faith and mission. Through their shared experiences and teachings, Priscilla and Aquila leave a legacy that transcends time, inspiring generations of believers to embody the virtues of hospitality, knowledge, and service in pursuing God's kingdom.
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. Third ed. Rev. and ed. F. W Danker. Univ. of Chicago Press, 2000. p. 883.
Henderson, Silas. "Saint of the Day: Prisca and Aquila." Aleteia. Rome: Foundation for Evangelization through the Media. https://aleteia.org/daily-prayer/friday-july-8.
Houdmann, S. Michael. "Who Was Apollos?" Colorado Springs: Got Questions Ministries. https://www.gotquestions.org/who-Apollos.html.
McReynolds, Paul R., ed. Word Study Greek–English New Testament: with Complete Concordance. Wheaton, IL: Tyndale, 1999.
Mowczko, Marg. "At Home with Priscilla and Aquila." Marg Mowczko: Exploring the Biblical Theology of Christian Egalitarianism (blog). November 11, 2015. https://margmowczko.com/at-home-with-priscilla-and-aquila.
Suetonius. "Life of Claudius 25." Trans. J. C. Rolfe. Lexundria: A Digital Library of Classical Antiquity. https://lexundria.com/suet_cl/25/r.
Witherington, Ben, III. Priscilla: The Life of an Early Christian. Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2019.
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