Priscilla and Aquila
Priscilla and Aquila were a first-century Jewish Christian couple who worked as tentmakers and became trusted co-laborers with the apostle Paul after meeting him in Corinth. In Ephesus they encountered the gifted but incompletely instructed preacher Apollos and privately explained the way of God to him more accurately, enabling him to minister effectively among believers. Their home served as a meeting place for churches in both Ephesus and Rome, and Paul later commended their willingness to risk their lives for the gospel in several of his letters. Their example illustrates the essential role of lay believers, including women, in teaching, hospitality, and advancing the early Christian mission.
Biography
- Occupation
- Tentmakers, Church Leaders
- Spouse
- Each other
- Era
- New Testament (c. AD 49-65)
- Nationality
- Jewish, Roman
- Also Known As
- Prisca and Aquila
Family
Did You Know?
Priscilla and Aquila were forced to relocate from Rome to Corinth after Emperor Claudius issued an edict in AD 49 expelling all Jews from the city, an event corroborated by Roman historian Suetonius.
In four of the six New Testament references to the couple, Priscilla is named first before Aquila, an atypical ordering that scholars suggest may reflect her higher social status or prominent teaching role in the early church.
After accompanying Paul to Ephesus, the couple privately corrected and instructed the already eloquent Alexandrian scholar Apollos in the full Christian gospel, illustrating their function as theological mentors to a leading figure.
Priscilla and Aquila established house churches in multiple cities including Corinth, Ephesus, and Rome, adapting the mobile lifestyle of tentmakers to provide gathering spaces for scattered Christian communities.
Paul specifically notes that Priscilla and Aquila risked their necks for him, underscoring the personal dangers early Christian leaders faced under Roman authorities and their close partnership with the apostle.
Key Passages
Paul Meets Priscilla and Aquila
Acts 18:1-4
This passage shows how God provides faithful companions who share our work and strengthen our faith journey.
1fter these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth;
They Instruct Apollos
Acts 18:24-26
Priscilla and Aquila show how seasoned believers can humbly and privately guide even gifted teachers toward fuller understanding of Godโs ways.
24nd a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus.
Paul's Greeting
Romans 16:3-5
This passage shows how faithful couples like Priscilla and Aquila strengthen the church through hospitality, partnership, and courageous love.
3reet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus: