Priscilla
Co-worker with Aquila and Paul
Wife of Aquila and co-worker with Paul — together they taught Apollos the way of God more perfectly.
Priscilla (Prisca) and her husband Aquila appear six times in the New Testament. Tentmakers like Paul, they hosted churches in their home in Corinth, Ephesus, and Rome, and discipled Apollos privately when his theology needed completing (Acts 18:26).
Her Story
Paul met Aquila and Priscilla in Corinth after they were expelled from Rome under Claudius (Acts 18:2). They worked together, travelled with Paul to Ephesus, and stayed to strengthen the church. When Apollos preached powerfully but knew only John's baptism, Priscilla and Aquila 'took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly' (18:26). Paul calls them 'my helpers in Christ Jesus, who have for my life laid down their own necks' (Romans 16:3-4).
What Scripture Teaches
- 1Wife of Aquila; tentmaker by trade (Acts 18:2-3)
- 2Hosted churches in Corinth, Ephesus, and Rome
- 3Discipled the eloquent Apollos (Acts 18:26)
- 4Named before her husband four of six times — unusual emphasis
- 5Risked her life for Paul (Romans 16:4)
Key KJV Scriptures
"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."
"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."
Why It Matters
Priscilla and Aquila are the Bible's portrait of a husband-wife ministry team. Their home was a school, a workshop, and a church, and the apostle Paul owed his life to them.
Application for Today
Marriage is a ministry team. Open your home, learn the Scriptures deeply enough to teach quietly and well, and stand by gospel workers at personal cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Priscilla often named first?
Four of the six New Testament references list Prisca/Priscilla before Aquila — unusual in the ancient world. Many take this as evidence of her prominent role in teaching and church life, without contradiction to biblical patterns of marriage.
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