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1st century AD · expelled from Rome around AD 49, Paul’s co-workers around AD 50-67

Priscilla and Aquila in the Bible

The couple devoted to the gospel. Name meaning: Aquila, from the Latin Aquila, “eagle”; Priscilla (or Prisca), from the Latin Prisca, “ancient, venerable,” Priscilla being the affectionate form

Aquila, a Jew from Pontus, and his wife Priscilla are tentmakers driven out of Rome by the emperor Claudius. At Corinth, they take Paul in and work alongside him; at Ephesus, they instruct the eloquent Apollos. Their home becomes a meeting place for the church, first at Ephesus and then at Rome, and they risk their lives for Paul. They are always named together: a couple united in work, hospitality and ministry.

Main books: Acts

Key moments

  • Driven out of Rome by Claudius’s edict Acts 18:2
  • They welcome Paul and work with him Acts 18:3
  • They leave with Paul for Ephesus Acts 18:18–19
  • They instruct Apollos more accurately Acts 18:26
  • A church meets in their house 1 Corinthians 16:19
  • They risk their necks to save Paul Romans 16:4
  • Paul’s last greetings 2 Timothy 4:19

Strengths

  • Hospitality
  • Unity as a couple
  • Diligence at work
  • Courage
  • Teaching with tact

Weaknesses

Scripture reports no fault of Priscilla and Aquila. Their lives show rather how a believing couple can go through exile, moves and dangers without losing their faithfulness.

Lessons for today

  • A couple can serve God together, united in work, faith and ministry (Acts 18:2-3; Rom 16:3).
  • Opening your home is a real ministry: hospitality sheltered Paul and entire churches (1 Cor 16:19; Rom 16:5).
  • Correct with humility and in private, to help the other person grow rather than humiliate him (Acts 18:26).
  • God can use an imposed uprooting to place us where he wants to use us (Acts 18:2).
And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.
Acts 18:26
Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus: Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles.
Romans 16:3–4
The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.
1 Corinthians 16:19

People around Priscilla and Aquila

  • Paul — Co-worker, guest and friend, whom they saved at the risk of their own lives
  • Apollos — A preacher whom they instructed in Ephesus
  • Timothy — Asked by Paul to greet them
  • The emperor Claudius — The one who drove the Jews out of Rome

Stories with Priscilla and Aquila

Quiz: how well do you know Priscilla and Aquila?

What was the trade of Priscilla and Aquila?

In which city does Paul meet Priscilla and Aquila?

Which eloquent preacher did Priscilla and Aquila instruct more accurately?

There are many more questions like these in Bible Academy, each with its explanation and verse. Start your free trial.