Priscilla and her husband Aquila emerge as powerful examples of teamwork, discipleship, and mentorship in the early Church. Their partnership in ministry, highlighted in several passages of the New Testament, offers valuable lessons about the role of married couples in Christian service and the significance of mentoring others in the faith.
Priscilla and Aquila exemplify the strength of a shared commitment to Christ within marriage. Mentioned six times in the New Testament, their names are often listed together, emphasizing their united efforts in ministry. In Acts 18:1-3, we first encounter them as tentmakers in Corinth who offer hospitality and support to Paul. Their shared trade becomes a foundation for their shared mission, demonstrating how couples can integrate their professional lives with their calling to serve God. Their partnership is one of mutual respect and collaboration, with no indication of a rigid hierarchy between them. Priscilla’s name often precedes Aquila’s, which may indicate her prominent role in their ministry. This dynamic challenges traditional assumptions about gender roles in ministry and invites couples today to embrace shared leadership in serving Christ.
One of the most striking examples of their ministry is their mentorship of Apollos, a learned and eloquent teacher who lacked a complete understanding of the Gospel. In Acts 18:24-26, Priscilla and Aquila hear Apollos speaking boldly in the synagogue and invite him into their home to explain the way of God more accurately. This act of mentorship reflects profound humility and wisdom. Rather than publicly correcting Apollos, they approach him privately, offering guidance with gentleness and care. Their example reminds us that mentorship is not about undermining or criticizing others but nurturing their potential and helping them grow in their understanding and faith.
Priscilla’s role in teaching Apollos is particularly significant, as it underscores the importance of women as active participants in the spread of the Gospel. Her involvement in this mentorship illustrates that discipleship and teaching are not confined to men but are responsibilities shared by all members of the Church. Priscilla’s knowledge of the faith, coupled with her willingness to share it, demonstrates the vital role of women in forming and equipping future leaders. This challenges us to value and encourage the contributions of women in all areas of lay ministry and religious orders today.
The story of Priscilla and Aquila also highlights the transformative power of hospitality and relational ministry. Their home served as a place of learning, fellowship, and worship, becoming a vital hub for the early Christian community. Their example inspires us to consider how to use our homes and resources to support and nurture others in their faith journeys.
Priscilla and Aquila’s partnership teaches us that teamwork in marriage is not merely about sharing life’s burdens but about uniting in a common mission to serve God and others. Priscilla’s role as a mentor encourages us to invest in discipleship, offering guidance and support to those who seek to grow in their relationship with Christ. May their story inspire us to work together in faith, using our unique gifts to build up the body of Christ.