AQUILA AND PRISCILLA

Some couples know how to make the most of life. They complement each other, utilize each other's strengths, and form an effective team. Their united efforts affect those around them. Aquila and Priscilla were such a couple. They are never mentioned apart from one another in the Bible. In marriage and ministry, they were always together. Priscilla and Aquila met Paul in Corinth while Paul was on his second missionary journey. They had just been expelled from Rome by Emperor Claudius' decree against the Jews. The emperor expelled the Jews from Rome for rioting (apparently over ques-tions about the Messiah). Their home was as moveable as the tents they made to support themselves. They opened their home to Paul, and he joined them in tentmaking. He shared with them his wealth of spiritual wisdom. Paul wrote about them in Romans 16:3-4: "Give my greetings to Priscilla and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, who risked their lives [endangering their very necks] for my life. To them not only I but also all the churches among the Gentiles give thanks." Priscilla and Aquila made the most of their spiritual education. They listened carefully to ser-mons and evaluated what they heard. When they heard Apollos speak, they were impressed by his ability as an orator, but realized that the content of his message was not complete. Instead of open confrontation, the couple quietly took Apollos home and shared with him what he needed to know. Until then, Apollos had only known John the Baptist's message about Christ. Priscilla and Aquila told him about Jesus' life, death and resurrection, and the reality of God's indwelling Spirit. Apollos continued to preach powerfully but now with the full story! As for Priscilla and Aquila, they went on using their home as a warm place for training and worship. Back in Rome years later, they hosted one of the house churches that developed. The early Christians did not meet in church buildings, but in the homes of its members. This informal atmosphere provided opportunity for intimate fellowship. In an age when the focus is mostly on what happens between husband and wife, Aquila and Priscilla are an example of what can happen through husband and wife. Their effectiveness together speaks about their relationship with each other. Their hospitality opened the doorway of salvation to many! The Christian home is still one of the best tools for spreading the Gospel. Do guests find Christ in your home? [Life Application Bible, Tyndale House Publishers, USA,1988].