Aquila and Priscilla

Aquila and Priscilla were pivotal figures in the early Christian church (A.D. 50-70?), known for their partnership with Paul, for their Hospitality, and their theological instruction.

Their story intersects with:

1. Roman imperial policies, (Persecution: circa, 49 CE under Emperor Claudius)
2. Missionary travels, and
3. Development of house churches
4. The Work of sharing the gospel
5. The Work of making disciples: Key Figure: Apollos from Alexandria, Egypt
6. Being a Glorious Example of  Marriage in Christ:
   Proclaiming, and Imparting the work of being filled with the Holy Spirit of God,
7. Walking with Christ as Head: Following in His Footsteps as Martyrs until Death.

Background and Expulsion from Rome

Aquila, a Jewish tentmaker from Pontus, and Priscilla (Prisca) were expelled from Rome around 49 CE under Emperor Claudius, who targeted Jews due to disturbances linked to debates about “Chrestus” (likely a misspelling of Christus, referring to Christ) 2 6. This expulsion, recorded by Suetonius and corroborated in Acts 18:2, forced them to relocate to Corinth, where they met Paul 1 3. Their shared trade as tentmakers/leatherworkers facilitated a partnership with Paul, who stayed and worked with them for 18 months 17 .

Ministry with Paul

• Corinth: They collaborated with Paul in establishing the Corinthian church, hosting gatherings in their home 3 7.

• Ephesus: After accompanying Paul to Ephesus, they remained to lead a house church (1 Corinthians 16:19) 4 8.Paul later credited them with risking their lives for him (Romans 16:3–4)1 7.

• Return to Rome: Following Claudius’s death in 54 CE, they returned to Rome and again hosted a house church (Romans 16:3–5)1 8.

House Churches as Centers of Worship

Their homes in Corinth, Ephesus, and Rome became vital hubs for early Christian fellowship, teaching, prayer, and worship. These intimate gatherings contrasted with temple-based rituals, emphasizing communal meals, prayer, and doctrinal instruction 4 8. For example:

• In Ephesus, their house church provided a space for Apollos’s theological refinement 5.

• In Rome, they hosted one of several decentralized house churches 8.

Mentoring Apollos

When Apollos, an eloquent Alexandrian preacher, arrived in Ephesus, Priscilla and Aquila recognized gaps in his understanding of Christian doctrine (he knew only John’s baptism). They privately instructed him, clarifying the role of Jesus’ death, resurrection, and the Holy Spirit. This mentorship enabled Apollos to become a more effective evangelist in Achaia [or Greece], (Acts 18:24–26) 1 5 7.

Legacy

• Leadership: Priscilla is often (3 out of 6 times) named first in biblical references, suggesting she held a prominent ministry role 1 6.

• Martyrdom: Tradition holds they were martyred together 3.

• Model for Collaboration: Their partnership with Paul exemplifies lay-led ministry, hospitality, and theological education 7 8.

During Claudius’s reign (41–54 CE), the expulsion of Jews from Rome and the rise of house churches like theirs reflect the tensions and adaptability of early Christianity in a hostile Roman Empire  2 6.

Missionary Activity in Asia

The New Testament records that Aquila and Priscilla traveled extensively with Paul and played significant roles in the early Christian movement. After being expelled from Rome under Claudius, they settled in Corinth, where they met Paul and became his close collaborators. Later, they accompanied Paul to Ephesus, in the Roman province of Asia (modern-day Turkey), where they continued their ministry and hosted a house church (Acts 18:18–19; 1 Corinthians 16:19)168. According to Orthodox Christian tradition, Paul later appointed Aquila as a bishop in Asia, and together with Priscilla, he evangelized in Asia, Achaia, and Heraklia, converting pagans, establishing presbyters, and strengthening new Christian communities6.

Martyrdom Tradition

While the New Testament does not explicitly mention the deaths of Aquila and Priscilla, early church tradition holds that they were martyred together. The Orthodox Church recounts that pagans murdered Aquila, and that Priscilla was killed alongside him6. Other Christian traditions also affirm their martyrdom for the faith, often associating it with their bold preaching and leadership in the early church18. Their willingness to risk their lives is echoed in Paul’s letter to the Romans, where he thanks them for “risking their necks” for his sake (Romans 16:3–4)18.

Summary Table

The New Testament clearly presents Aquila and Priscilla as missionary partners with Paul, active in Asia and elsewhere. Their martyrdom is not recorded in Scripture but is a well-established tradition in early Christian writings, highlighting their enduring legacy as courageous witnesses to the Christian faith 1 6 8.