Priscilla and Aquila: Tentmakers, Early Christian Converts who Assisted Paul

Priscilla and Aquila, a dynamic husband-and-wife team, were early Christian converts who played a significant role in the spread of Christianity. They were tentmakers by trade and close companions of the Apostle Paul, assisting him in his missionary work and providing leadership in the early church.

Quick Facts

1. Tentmakers: Priscilla and Aquila were tentmakers by profession, which they shared in common with Paul.
2. Early Christian Converts: They were among the early converts to Christianity and were instrumental in the early church.
3. Companions of Paul: They worked closely with Paul, assisting him in his missionary journeys.
4. Hosts of House Churches: They hosted house churches, providing a place for Christians to meet and worship.
5. Teachers of Apollos: They played a crucial role in instructing Apollos, a powerful preacher, in the way of God more accurately.
6. Mentioned in Multiple Epistles: They are mentioned in several of Paul’s letters, indicating their significant influence and contributions.
7. Persecution and Travel: They experienced persecution and traveled widely, including to Corinth, Ephesus, and Rome.
8. Legacy of Leadership: Their partnership in ministry serves as an example of Christian leadership and hospitality.

Background and Conversion

Priscilla (also known as Prisca) and Aquila were a Jewish couple who converted to Christianity. They are first mentioned in the New Testament in Acts 18:2, where they had recently arrived in Corinth from Italy due to Emperor Claudius’s edict expelling Jews from Rome. Their profession as tentmakers provided them with a mobile means of livelihood, enabling them to support themselves and the early Christian communities they served.

Companions and Collaborators with Paul

Paul met Priscilla and Aquila in Corinth and stayed with them because they were fellow tentmakers (Acts 18:3). Their shared profession and faith forged a strong bond, leading them to become close companions and collaborators in ministry. They traveled with Paul to Ephesus, where they remained to help establish the church there (Acts 18:18-19).

Hosts of House Churches

Priscilla and Aquila were known for their hospitality and leadership within the Christian community. They hosted house churches, which were essential for the early church’s gatherings and worship (1 Corinthians 16:19). Their home became a center of Christian fellowship and teaching, providing a safe and welcoming environment for believers.

Instructing Apollos

One of the notable contributions of Priscilla and Aquila was their instruction of Apollos, a learned and eloquent speaker who was knowledgeable about the Scriptures but only acquainted with the baptism of John. They took him aside and explained the way of God more accurately (Acts 18:24-26). This act of mentoring highlights their theological acumen and commitment to the growth of the church.

Mentioned in Paul’s Epistles

Priscilla and Aquila are mentioned in several of Paul’s epistles, indicating their ongoing influence and support for his ministry. Paul refers to them affectionately and acknowledges their significant contributions to the church (Romans 16:3-5, 2 Timothy 4:19). They are praised for risking their lives for Paul and for their dedication to the church.

Persecution and Travel

The couple experienced persecution and displacement, yet remained steadfast in their faith and ministry. After being expelled from Rome, they established themselves in Corinth and later in Ephesus. They eventually returned to Rome, demonstrating their resilience and commitment to spreading the Gospel despite the challenges they faced.

Theological Themes

1. Partnership in Ministry: Priscilla and Aquila exemplify the power of partnership in ministry, working together to support and advance the early church.
2. Hospitality and Leadership: Their willingness to host house churches and mentor others reflects the importance of hospitality and leadership in the Christian community.
3. Faith and Resilience: Their ability to endure persecution and continue their ministry underscores the themes of faith and resilience in the face of adversity.

Legacy and Impact

Priscilla and Aquila’s legacy is marked by their significant contributions to the early church. Their partnership with Paul, their role as hosts and teachers, and their enduring faith under persecution left a lasting impact on Christian history. They serve as models of dedicated Christian service, hospitality, and leadership.

Conclusion

Priscilla and Aquila, tentmakers and early Christian converts, were instrumental in assisting Paul, hosting house churches, and mentoring key figures like Apollos. Their contributions to the early church highlight the importance of partnership, hospitality, and resilience in Christian ministry.