In our study today, we continue in the New Testament and discuss Priscilla. She was a woman of faith who worked along side her husband to teach others the true gospel. Like Phoebe, Paul mentions Priscilla along with her husband Aquila in his letter to the Roman church. ‘Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, who risked their necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks but all the churches of the Gentiles give thanks as well.’ Romans 16:3-4.

In Acts of the apostles, we learn about Priscilla, also known as Prisca. In chapter 18 of Acts, we are introduced to Priscilla. She and her husband Aquila had traveled from Italy. While working as tentmakers in Corinth, this couple met Paul when he arrived from Athens. ‘After this Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. And he found a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to leave Rome. And he went to see them, and because he was of the same trade he stayed with them and worked, for they were tentmakers by trade.’ Acts 18:1-3.

Scripture tells us that Paul stayed and worked with Aquila and Priscilla ‘because he was of the same trade he stayed with them and worked‘. Here we see the example of Priscilla’s hospitality. She and her husband provided Paul with a place to stay as well as an opportunity to earn money. Providing a place for Paul to rest and aid him in earning money had to have positively impacted him. Even though the bible doesn’t elaborate, I’m fairly certain Paul needed time and location to replenish himself to continue in his missionary journeys. Priscilla’s willingness to offer hospitality showed her faith in action.

In Acts 18, we continue to read about Priscilla’s example of faith. ‘After this, Paul stayed many days longer and then took leave of the brothers and set sail for Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila. At Cenchreae he had cut his hair, for he was under a vow.’ Acts 18:18. Priscilla and Aquila traveling with Paul on his missionary journey represents an admirable strength, courage, and trust in God.

Probably the most memorable part of Priscilla’s story was her involvement with teaching Apollos. ‘He began to speak boldly in the synagogue, but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately.’ Acts 18:26. She knew God’s teachings and had the confidence to correct someone in error. She did not let fear stop her from speaking to someone about the truth. When Priscilla corrected Apollos in his inaccurate understanding of God, I doubt she was aware of the profound effects it would have for the kingdom of God. We can read in Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians that Apollos was instrumental in spreading the gospel, ‘I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth.’ 1 Corinthians 3:6.

Priscilla sharing her faith with others and offering hospitality to those working to further God’s message not only resulted in the church’s growth during biblical times, but also gives us an excellent example today. From Priscilla’s example we learn the importance of knowing the scriptures so we can effectively teach. May we be prepared to take the opportunities that God gives us to teach others about Him.

Until next time