Priscilla

Priscilla was a first-century Christian woman and missionary who, together with her husband Aquila, supported the apostle Paul and played a key role in the early church. She is noted for her theological instruction of Apollos and for risking her life for the gospel. Her partnership with Aquila is highlighted across multiple New Testament letters.

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Biography

Occupation: tentmaker
Spouse: aquila
Era: New Testament
Nationality: Jewish

Family

Priscilla ⚭ aquila

Did You Know?

Priscilla and Aquila were expelled from Rome by Emperor Claudius's edict against Jews around 49 AD, which brought them to Corinth where they first partnered with Paul in tentmaking.

In four of the six New Testament references to the couple, Priscilla's name precedes Aquila's, an unusual pattern that scholars interpret as evidence of her prominent leadership in early Christian communities.

While based in Ephesus, Priscilla personally instructed the eloquent Alexandrian scholar Apollos to correct his incomplete understanding of baptism and the gospel, showcasing her theological authority over a male minister.

Priscilla and Aquila hosted house churches in at least three cities. Corinth, Ephesus, and later Rome. Providing both lodging for Paul and gathering places for believers during a time when Christianity lacked formal buildings.

Romans 16:3-4 notes that Priscilla and Aquila risked their lives for Paul, likely during a crisis such as a riot or persecution in Ephesus, earning explicit commendation from the apostle for their bravery.

Key Passages

Meeting Paul in Corinth

Acts 18:2-3

Priscilla and Aquila hosted Paul and worked with him as tentmakers after being expelled from Rome.

A²nd found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla; (because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome:) and came unto them.

³ And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers.

Read full chapter: Acts 18 →

Instructing Apollos

Acts 18:24-26

Priscilla and Aquila took Apollos aside and explained the way of God to him more accurately.

A²⁴nd a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus.

²⁵ This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John. ²⁶ And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.

Read full chapter: Acts 18 →