Women of the Word: Priscilla

Scripture References 

Acts 18:2; Acts 18:8; Acts 18:26; Romans 16:3; 1 Corinthians 16:19; 2 Timothy 4:19

Name Meaning

A form of Prisca, which is a family name. Meaning Primitive, worthy, or venerable

Family

Wife of Aquila

Her name is Roman, as is her husband’s, indicating she came from a distinguished Roman family. Her husband was born in Pontus. It is assumed she is also from Pontus.

No family connections are known

Introduction 

Priscilla and Aquila are frequently mentioned in various letters from Paul. This pair were highly valued by Paul, as well as his close friends and partners in ministry. She is always paired with her husband, but this woman of the Word has much to teach us about the role of women in the early church.

Lesson

This pair were mentioned six times in the Scriptures, with three instances where her name was listed first and three where his name came first, but always mentioned together. Many conjectures have been put forth regarding the importance of their name order, so you can choose to believe what you will as the Spirit leads you. For some, this indicates that she had an equal role in leadership. To others it indicates that she had a prominent role, possibly even more influential than her husband. Some say she had a stronger personality or was more energet, thus more memorable. Some believe she was a believer first and converted her husband. Others feel she had a higher social status amongst the Romans than her husband, being from a noble family.

Regardless, the fact remains that Priscilla DID have a significant role in church leadership. She was a leader, and that fact cannot be denied. For all of the people who claim women are unable to hold roles as leaders, Priscilla serves as an example from the Scriptures where a woman did indeed serve as a leader.

She also serves as a role model to married women. We can assume they had a strong marriage since they are always spoken of together. We assume she is childless, since no mention is ever made of her children. But we do not know if that is true or not. We do know they were partners in ministry and served with their whole being, united in both marriage and service.

They were Jews living in Corinth, having been driven from their homes by the edict of Claudius that expelled all of the Jews from Rome. We first hear of them when Paul goes to Corinth from Athens and discovers them. In fact, we read that he met them (NIV) or found them (KJV) or discovered them (MSG). Whatever version, Paul met them for the first time in Acts 18:2. If you have ever been a leader, you know the amazing blessing upon your ministry or work when you “discover” strong, willing, passionate workers!

Paul stayed with this couple for eighteen months. Can you imagine what a blessing in your life it must be to have someone like Paul staying with you so long? It is no wonder they became such close friends. They were already firmly rooted in their faith and being Jews, they knew the Old Testament Scriptures. But imagine the spiritual growth they must have experienced as a result of sharing their home with Christianity’s most influential Bible teacher! Not only did they share a passion for their faith, but they, too, were tentmakers like Paul. He referred to his friends as “co-workers in Christ Jesus.”

They also worked as missionaries. We meet them in Corinth, but they went to Ephesus and Rome to assist Paul is sharing the gospel and teaching the believers. While in Ephesus there was something drastic that happened that we do not know of as it was never chronicled. We know this from what was said in Romans 16:3-4, where Paul says they risked their lives for me (NIV), who have for my life laid down their own necks (KJV), or They once put their  lives on the line for me (MSG).

We do not know what became of this couple, but the last mention of them is about their return to Ephesus in 2 Timothy 4:19.. Tradition says that there they were martyred. The Roman Church celebrates them on the eighth of July. Their view is that the couple was led beyond the city walls and beheaded on that day.

Conclusion 

What a blessing it must have been to work in one with her husband, to have a partner in ministry, and to have such great influence in the history of the early church. As women, we can cite Priscilla as an example of the role of a woman in leadership. As wives, we can look to Priscilla as an example of communion and partnership in ministry. As missionaries and evangelists we can look to Priscilla as a model of being bold in sharing the gospel. As teachers we can credit Priscilla with showing us the importance of discipleship (Apollos became a great, beloved preacher after being under their tutelage). As friends, we see the love shared between Priscilla, Aquila, and Paul. This power couple has much to show us that we can learn from.