Who Was Priscilla in the Bible?

Priscilla, also known as Prisca, was a prominent woman living during the time of the New Testament. She is first mentioned in Acts 18:2, where she is identified as the wife of Aquila. Priscilla is frequently mentioned alongside her husband in various New Testament passages, indicating a strong partnership in their ministry work. The couple is mentioned in Romans 16:3, 1 Corinthians 16:19, and 2 Timothy 4:19, highlighting their significant role in the early Christian church.

Biblical Account of Priscilla

Partnership with Aquila

Priscilla and Aquila were Jewish Christians who had been expelled from Rome by Emperor Claudius. They moved to Corinth, where they met the Apostle Paul. Acts 18:2-3 states, “There he met a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had ordered all Jews to leave Rome. Paul went to see them, and because he was a tentmaker as they were, he stayed and worked with them.”

This initial meeting led to a lasting friendship and partnership in ministry. Priscilla and Aquila traveled with Paul to Ephesus, where they continued their ministry work.

Ministry and Teaching

Priscilla’s dedication to the ministry is evident in her active involvement in teaching and mentoring others. One notable instance is found in Acts 18:26, where she and Aquila take aside Apollos, an eloquent speaker who was knowledgeable in the Scriptures but only familiar with the baptism of John. The passage states, “He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately.” This act demonstrates Priscilla’s deep understanding of the Christian faith and her willingness to teach others.

Hospitality and Church Leadership

Priscilla and Aquila also used their home as a place for church gatherings. In 1 Corinthians 16:19, Paul writes, “The churches in the province of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Priscilla greet you warmly in the Lord, and so does the church that meets at their house.” Their home became a center for Christian fellowship and worship, indicating their significant role in the early church.

Lessons for the Modern Christian

The Value of Partnership in Ministry

Priscilla and Aquila’s partnership serves as a powerful example of how couples can work together in ministry. Their collaboration highlights the importance of mutual support and shared commitment to God’s work. Modern Christians can learn from their example by fostering partnerships in their ministry efforts, whether within marriage, family, or church community. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 teaches, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.”

The Role of Women in the Church

Priscilla’s active role in teaching and leadership challenges any notion that women cannot hold significant positions within the church. Her life exemplifies how women can contribute profoundly to the spread of the gospel and the strengthening of the church. This serves as an encouragement for modern Christian women to engage fully in their calling and use their gifts for God’s glory. Galatians 3:28 affirms, “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

Commitment to Hospitality

Priscilla and Aquila’s willingness to open their home for church gatherings underscores the importance of hospitality in Christian life. Hospitality creates opportunities for fellowship, discipleship, and evangelism. Modern Christians are encouraged to practice hospitality as a way to build community and demonstrate God’s love. Hebrews 13:2 urges, “Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.”

Connection to a Loving God

God’s Providence and Guidance

Priscilla’s story highlights God’s providence in bringing people together for His purposes. The meeting between Paul, Priscilla, and Aquila was not a mere coincidence but part of God’s plan to spread the gospel. This serves as a reminder to modern Christians that God is always at work, orchestrating events and relationships for His glory and our good. Proverbs 16:9 says, “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”

God’s Inclusivity

Priscilla’s prominent role in the early church demonstrates God’s inclusive nature. God uses individuals from all backgrounds and genders to accomplish His work. This inclusivity reflects God’s love for all humanity and His desire for everyone to be part of His redemptive plan. Acts 10:34-35 states, “Then Peter began to speak: ‘I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right.'”

Connection to Jesus Christ

Following Christ’s Example

Priscilla’s dedication to teaching and hospitality mirrors the example set by Jesus Christ. Jesus was a teacher who welcomed all and showed compassion to everyone He met. By following Christ’s example, Priscilla lived out her faith in a tangible way. Modern Christians are called to emulate Jesus in their daily lives by being faithful in teaching, showing hospitality, and loving others. John 13:34-35 instructs, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

The Spread of the Gospel

Priscilla’s role in the early church contributed to the spread of the gospel. Her willingness to teach and mentor others, like Apollos, ensured that the message of Jesus Christ reached more people. This dedication is a testament to the Great Commission given by Jesus in Matthew 28:19-20, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Conclusion

Priscilla, also known as Prisca, is a significant figure in the New Testament, known for her partnership with her husband Aquila in ministry, her teaching and mentoring of others, and her hospitality in hosting church gatherings. Her life exemplifies the active role women played in the early Christian church and provides valuable lessons for modern Christians about partnership in ministry, the role of women, and the importance of hospitality. Priscilla’s story also highlights God’s providence, inclusivity, and the call to follow Christ’s example in spreading the gospel. Through her faithful service, Priscilla left a lasting impact on the early church, demonstrating that every believer has a crucial role in God’s redemptive plan.

References:
– Acts 18:2
– Romans 16:3
– 1 Corinthians 16:19
– 2 Timothy 4:19