Page 8 - Good News September 2013 paper

P aul writes about them: “Greet Priscilla not complete. Instead of open confrontation,
and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus: the couple quietly took Apollos home and
Who have for my life laid down their shared with him what he needed to know. Until
own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, then, Apollos had only known John the
but also all the churches of the Gentiles” Baptist's message about Christ. Priscilla and
(Romans 16:3,4). Aquila told him about Jesus' life, death, and
Some couples know how to make the most of resurrection, and the reality of God's
life. They complement each other, utilize each indwelling Spirit. Apollos continued to preach
other's strengths, and form an effective team. powerfully - but now with the full story!
Their united efforts affect those around them. As for Priscilla and Aquila, they went on using
Aquila and Priscilla were such a couple. They their home as a warm place for training and
are never mentioned apart from one another in worship. Back in Rome years later, they hosted
the Bible. In marriage and ministry, they one of the house churches that developed. The
were always together. early Christians did not meet in church
Priscilla and Aquila met Paul in Corinth while buildings, but in the homes of its members.
Paul was on his second missionary journey. This informal atmosphere provided oppor-
They had just been expelled from Rome by tunity for intimate fellowship.
Emperor Claudius' decree against the Jews. In an age when the focus is mostly on what
The emperor expelled the Jews from Rome for happens between husband and wife, Aquila
rioting (apparently over questions about the and Priscilla are an example of what can
Messiah). Their home was as movable as the happen through husband and wife. Their
tents they made to support themselves. They effectiveness together speaks about their
opened their home to Paul, and he joined them relationship with each other. Their hospitality
in tentmaking. He shared with them his wealth opened the doorway of salvation to many.
of spiritual wisdom. The Christian home is still one of the best
Priscilla and Aquila made the most of their tools for spreading the Gospel. Do guests
spiritual education. They listened carefully to find Christ in your home?
sermons and evaluated what they heard. When (Aquila and Priscilla's story is told in Acts 18.
they heard Apollos speak, they were They are also mentioned in Romans 16:3-5,
impressed by his ability as an orator, but 1 Corinthians 16:19, and 2 Timothy 4:19).
realized that the content of his message was - Life Application Bible

HELP DIT?

aar het weer 'n olietenkskip naby die see, roep hy uit: “Dit maak 'n verskil vir
die kus op die rotse geloop. Die wit hierdie een!”
Dstrande was kilometers aaneen met
'n swart laag olie bedek. Daar was ernstige “Waar iemand ook al op aarde, in die
skade aan die seelewe. Naam van Christus in die hemel, probeer
Die vrou met die oop hart vir mens en dier om diens te lewer, probeer om van
was al vroegoggend die volgende môre by hierdie wêreld 'n leefbaarder, vriende-
die see, kniediep in die water. Elke liker, veiliger plek te maak, is die Heilige
oliebesmeerde seevoël wat sy kon bykom, Gees besig om midde-in die winter van
is kant toe gebring en sorgvuldig hierdie wêreld lentebloeisels te laat
skoongemaak. Maar dit het na 'n hopelose
taak gelyk: Vir elkeen wat gehelp is, was bot, tekens wat verkondig: God se
daar dosyne ander wat hulpeloos in hul somer kom!” (Flip Theron)
swart oliejasse rondgespartel het. [Uit; Stories vir die Lewe Omnibus, Piet
Dag vir dag het die vrou voortgegaan, al Naudé, Lux Verbi.BM, 2002]
was die vordering skynbaar minimaal. http://static.ddmcdn.com/
Later het 'n klomp skoolkinders haar kom
help, maar nog steeds was die aantal
besmeerde seevoëls en pikkewyne
nimmereindigend. Een middag vra 'n
siniese toeskouer: “Hoekom gee julle nie
maar die stryd gewonne nie? Watter
verskil kan julle moeite tog maak aan 'n
ekologiese ramp van dié omvang?”
'n Jong seun het die antwoord gegee.
Terwyl hy 'n seemeeu met wit gewaste
vlerke die lug in stuur en dié koers kry oor