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STUDIES IN
ACTS 
21. AQUILA AND PRISCILLA - a
devoted couple
"A Jew name Aquila, a native of Pontus… with his wife Priscilla" (Acts
18:2).
Introduction
As a couple Aquila and Priscilla were devoted to each other and the
Lord's work. Acts 18:1-28 tells their story.
Consider the people
The couple left Rome at the time Emperor Claudius expelled Jews from
the capital and settled in Corinth. (There is historical evidence that
trouble developed in the city's Jewish community when some of their
number became Christians.)
Study the Scriptures
When Paul came to Corinth he met Aquila and Priscilla. He accepted
their hospitality and joined their business as 'tentmakers' (and
leather workers). In turn they supported his ministry (Acts 18:1-3).
Notice how the names of husband and wife are reversed to Priscilla and
Aquila in Acts 18:18ff. (cf. Rom.16:3). This may indicate her superior
rank or acknowledge her gifting. (Some scholars suggest that Priscilla
could be the author of the Epistle to the Hebrews. Others suggest
Aquila and Priscilla, yet others, Apollos.) When Paul left Corinth,
Aquila and Priscilla travelled with him as far as Ephesus (1
Cor.18:19). Here they met Apollos and instructed him more thoroughly in
the Christian faith (Acts 18:24-26). It appears that when the trouble
in Rome died down Aquila and Priscilla returned home. Paul sends them
greetings in his letter to the church at Rome, referring to them as
fellow-workers (Rom.16:3). Paul's affection for the couple is obvious
from the greeting conveyed in what must be his last letter before his
death (2 Tim.4:19).
Ask questions
1. Circumstances led Aquila and Priscilla to Corinth. Does God
work through circumstances, including political and religious
upheavals? Study Rom.8:28,29 using various translations.
2. As married couples we can spiritually help or hinder our
partners. How can we do this? Remember the contrasting story of Ananias
and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-10).
3. Should the Lord's work be allowed to separate married
couples for long periods of time? Consider Eph.5:22-33 and 1 Cor.7:1-5
here.
4. What lessons can we learn from the story of Apollos in Acts
18:24-26?
Apply some thoughts
1. Church planting is hard work. Paul needed encouragement to
work in Corinth for eighteen months. This came from a divine vision
(Acts 18:9-11) and from the practical support of Aquila and Priscilla,
who were the right people, in the right place, and the right time.
2. Pray for pioneers and pioneer evangelism.
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