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    In Context

    Who Was Priscilla in the Bible — In Biblical Context

    Priscilla was an early Christian leader who, with her husband Aquila, taught Apollos, hosted house churches, and risked her life for the apostle Paul.

    Quick Answer

    Priscilla was an early Christian leader who, with her husband Aquila, taught Apollos, hosted house churches, and risked her life for the apostle Paul.

    "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." Acts 18:26 (KJV)

    The Biblical Context

    Priscilla (also called Prisca) is one of the New Testament's most prominent women. She and her husband Aquila were tentmakers who worked alongside Paul (Acts 18:2-3). Together they taught the eloquent Apollos 'the way of God more perfectly' (Acts 18:26). Paul mentions Priscilla before Aquila in several references (Romans 16:3, 2 Timothy 4:19), possibly indicating her prominence. They hosted a church in their home (1 Corinthians 16:19) and 'laid down their own necks' for Paul's life (Romans 16:4). Their partnership models shared ministry between husband and wife, and their instruction of Apollos demonstrates that theological education was not limited to men in the early church.

    Where It Sits in Scripture

    The core passage for this question, Acts 18:26, sits inside Acts 18. To grasp the full meaning, read the surrounding paragraph — the verses before set up the thought, the verses after carry it forward.

    "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."
    Acts 18:26 (KJV)

    Supporting Passages

    Romans 16:3-4
    "Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus: Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles."
    1 Corinthians 16:19
    "The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house."

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