CHARACTER STUDY OF PRISCILLA – WIFE OF AQUILA, TEACHER OF APOLLOS
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Acts 18:24-26
"Now a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man and mighty in the Scriptures, came to Ephesus... So he began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Aquila and Priscilla heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately." (Acts 18:24-26, NKJV)
Supporting Texts: Romans 16:3-5, 1 Corinthians 16:19, 2 Timothy 4:19
INTRODUCTION
Priscilla, also known as Prisca, was a dedicated servant of God, wife of Aquila, and a prominent figure in the early church. She was actively involved in ministry, teaching, and discipleship, particularly in mentoring Apollos. Her life exemplifies how women can play significant roles in advancing the Gospel through hospitality, teamwork, and sound teaching.
1. PRISCILLA WAS A FAITHFUL SERVANT OF GOD
a) She was a Jewish believer (Acts 18:2)
Priscilla, along with her husband Aquila, was a Jewish Christian who embraced the message of Christ and dedicated her life to His service.
b) She faced persecution but remained steadfast (Acts 18:2)
Priscilla and Aquila were expelled from Rome under Emperor Claudius' decree, yet they continued their ministry without fear.
c) She worked as a tentmaker (Acts 18:3)
Like her husband, Priscilla was skilled in tentmaking, demonstrating that ministry and work can coexist.
d) She opened her home for ministry (Romans 16:3-5)
The early church met in her home, showing her hospitality and dedication to the body of Christ.
e) Biblical Example: Lydia’s hospitality (Acts 16:14-15)
Like Priscilla, Lydia used her home as a centre for Christian fellowship and ministry.
2. PRISCILLA WAS A STRONG PARTNER IN MINISTRY
a) She ministered alongside her husband (Acts 18:18)
Priscilla and Aquila always worked together in ministry, showing the power of unity in marriage.
b) She travelled for the sake of the Gospel (Acts 18:18-19)
She journeyed with Paul and her husband to Ephesus, where they continued their mission work.
c) She hosted believers and church meetings (1 Corinthians 16:19)
The church in Ephesus gathered in her home, making her a key leader in the early church.
d) She risked her life for Paul (Romans 16:3-4)
Paul acknowledged that Priscilla and Aquila risked their lives for him, highlighting their unwavering dedication to the Gospel.
e) Biblical Example: Mary, the mother of Jesus, supporting Jesus’ ministry (Luke 8:1-3)
Like Mary, Priscilla played a crucial role in ministry, supporting and nurturing the work of God.
3. PRISCILLA WAS A GIFTED TEACHER OF THE WORD
a) She had a deep understanding of Scripture (Acts 18:26)
Priscilla, alongside her husband, corrected and instructed Apollos, an eloquent but incomplete preacher.
b) She taught with wisdom and humility (Acts 18:26)
She and Aquila took Apollos aside privately, ensuring he was taught without embarrassment.
c) She strengthened the doctrine of the early church (Acts 18:26)
Her role in mentoring Apollos helped spread sound teaching and correct errors in doctrine.
d) She played a significant role in discipleship (Acts 18:26)
Priscilla invested in the spiritual growth of others, ensuring the Gospel message was accurately conveyed.
e) Biblical Example: Deborah, a judge and teacher in Israel (Judges 4:4-5)
Like Deborah, Priscilla was a teacher and leader who helped shape the faith of others.
4. PRISCILLA WAS A DEDICATED FOLLOWER OF CHRIST
a) She endured hardships for the sake of the Gospel (Acts 18:2)
Despite being displaced from her home in Rome, she remained committed to Christ’s work.
b) She prioritised the work of God over personal comfort (Romans 16:3-5)
Priscilla dedicated her home, skills, and time to the advancement of God’s kingdom.
c) She maintained her faith throughout her life (2 Timothy 4:19)
Even in Paul’s later years, Priscilla was still serving the Lord faithfully.
d) She influenced both men and women in ministry (Acts 18:26)
By mentoring Apollos, she helped shape the faith of a powerful preacher who impacted many.
e) Biblical Example: Phoebe, a deaconess in the early church (Romans 16:1-2)
Like Phoebe, Priscilla was a faithful and influential woman in the church.
5. PRISCILLA TEACHES US KEY LESSONS FOR CHRISTIAN LIFE AND MINISTRY
a) Women have an essential role in ministry (Acts 18:26)
Priscilla was actively involved in teaching and discipleship, proving that God uses women in powerful ways.
b) Marriage should be a partnership in ministry (Acts 18:18-19)
She and Aquila worked together in unity, showing the power of a godly partnership.
c) Teaching others is a vital part of Christian service (Acts 18:26)
Her instruction of Apollos demonstrates that all believers should share their knowledge of Christ.
d) Hospitality is a powerful tool for evangelism (Romans 16:3-5)
Opening her home for church meetings allowed the Gospel to flourish.
e) Biblical Example: Martha serving Jesus (Luke 10:38-42)
Like Martha, Priscilla served God with her home and resources, showing that service is a form of worship.
STRENGTHS OF PRISCILLA
• Strong faith and commitment – She remained devoted to Christ despite persecution.
• Gifted teacher – She helped train Apollos and strengthen the church.
• Hospitable and generous – She used her home for ministry.
• Courageous and selfless – She risked her life for the Gospel.
• Supportive wife and partner – She worked alongside her husband in unity.
WEAKNESSES OF PRISCILLA
• Often overshadowed by Aquila – Though influential, her role is sometimes linked primarily to her husband.
• Faced displacement and hardships – She had to move due to persecution, which brought challenges.
LESSONS TO LEARN FROM PRISCILLA
• Women are valuable in ministry – God uses both men and women to teach and lead.
• Marriages should be centred on Christ – Priscilla and Aquila’s marriage was an example of unity in ministry.
• Knowledge of the Word is crucial – Teaching others correctly strengthens the church.
• We should be willing to disciple others – Like Apollos, many need guidance in their faith.
• Our homes should serve God’s purpose – Hospitality can be a powerful way to advance the Gospel.
CONCLUSION
Priscilla was a faithful servant, teacher, and disciple of Christ. Her life teaches that women can play a significant role in ministry, that marriages should be focused on God, and that teaching and hospitality are powerful tools in spreading the Gospel. Her commitment to Christ, even in the face of persecution, is a model for all believers.
PRAYER POINTS
1. Lord, help me to serve You faithfully in every season.
2. Father, use my home as a place of ministry and blessing.
3. Lord, grant me wisdom to disciple and teach others.
4. Father, help me to be a faithful partner in my marriage and ministry.
5. Lord, give me the courage to stand firm in my faith despite challenges.
