Theme: The Impact of Unsung Heroes in the Bible
Topic:Priscilla and Aquila; A Godly Marriage for Ministry
Main Texts: Acts 18:1-4, 24-26; Romans 16:3-4; 1 Corinthians 16:19
Key verse: Romans 16:3-4 NKJV “Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, who risked their own necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles”.
Introduction:
During Paul’s missionary journeys, he had the opportunity to partner with many men and women in the work of the ministry. Some, such as Barnabas, Silas and Timothy became well known. Romans 16:1-15 provides us with a list of some of the lesser known of Paul’s support network among whom are a devoted couple, Priscilla and Aquila “fellow workers in Christ Jesus who risked their necks for my life”. Paul met them in Corinth on his first missionary journey. They had been expelled from Rome when Emperor Claudius ordered all Jews to leave (Acts 18:2). Paul had gone to see them because they were of the same trade, tentmaker. He stayed with them, and they worked together. It is implied, but not stated, that they were Christians, but it is also possible that Paul may have led them to Christ. They planted the church at Corinth with Paul and went on to plant others in Ephesus (1Cor 16:19) where they met and mentored a passionate but not fully informed preacher, Apollos (Acts 18:26), before going on to lead another church in their home when they returned to Rome (Romans 16:3,5). Commenting on Romans 16, Charles Spurgeon noted that “when two loving hearts pull together, they can accomplish wonders”. Priscilla and Aquila, “united in sincere devotion”, are noted for having provided a presence that strengthened the early Christian churches. This is in stark contrast to the first couple introduced in Acts, Ananias and Saphira (Acts 5:1-4) who were “united in hypocrisy” and are noted for something very different.
Q1. Read Acts 16:1, 18:1-3, Romans 16:1-2 (1a) What can we learn about the scope of people that Paul encountered and worked with in the ministry, in terms of age, marital status, gender, tribe, profession, etc.? (1b) Priscilla, Aquila and Paul were tent makers and church planters (Acts 18:13). What does this teach us about our roles as disciples in the marketplace? (1c) Read Acts 18:24-26,20:28. How are we to confront deficient Biblical teaching when we come across it?
Paragraph 2:
Priscilla and Aquilla were a great example of the people that God used to spread the Gospel in the early church. Men and women from different backgrounds who were filled with the Holy Spirit and empowered in diverse ways worked in collaboration for the advancement of the Kingdom of God. Some taught, mentored new believers. Others hosted church gatherings in their homes and lodged visiting believers and preachers; others gave to meet the personal expenses and other needs. Many times, these people did their work behind the scenes, with no special mention. Many times, this was done at great risk to themselves as believers were often targets of persecution from religious and civil authorities. Paul was mindful to recognize their contributions and to greet them whenever he was writing to a church in their city. He showed great compassion for his “co- labourers” in the ministry and was intentional about praying for their spiritual growth (e.g., Col. 1:914; Eph. 1:17-21; Phil. 1:9-11, etc., referred to as the “Pauline prayers”), and for the growth of new Christian converts.
Q2. Read Rom 12:6-8; Eph 4:11-12; 1 Cor 16:19; Rom 16:5 (2a) What are some of the roles in ministry?
(2b) Who benefits ultimately from the work of ministry? See Acts 16:5; Eph 4:12; 1 Cor 14:12; 2 Cor 12:19 (2c) What specific roles did Priscilla and Aquila play in ministry? (Acts 18:3, 18, 26 AMPC; Rom 16:3-4; 1 Cor 16:19).
Paragraph 3:
Many Christians shy away from getting too involved in ministry because they are afraid of the commitment and sacrifice and are not willing to pay the price. They prefer to maintain their “regular” lives and support the work of ministry from afar. Paul’s encounters on the mission field show the kinds of hardships people fear. He was beaten, shipwrecked, imprisoned and abandoned. He suffered sleepless nights and days andoften went without food or nourishment for days on end. Many of today’s missionaries in hostile parts of the world experience similar challenges, making the call to ministry one that many continue to avoid. We are unlikely to face what Paul did or the intense hostility and persecution that our brothers and sisters on the frontlines in this and many countries are facing but we are called by the same Lord into the same army with the same demands (Matt 16:24;Mark 8:34-35; Luke 9:23-26).For many of us, our mission field is right where we are, and it is there that we must stand up and meet the cost of discipleship.
Q3. (3a) From 2 Cor. 11:24-27, 2 Tim. 4:10, 14-16, what are some of the risks or challenges in ministry?
(3b) What should our attitude be towards this? (2 Cor. 12:10; Phil. 3:8) (3c) Given your unique skills and gifting, what roles might you consider playing in the advancement of God’s Kingdom?
Prayer: Dear Father, thank You that You can use me as a vessel of honour for Your service. Help me to yield myself fully for Your use, leveraging all that You have uniquely constructed in me for the advancement of Your Kingdom, in Jesus’ Name, Amen.
