How can we emulate Priscilla and Aquila's dedication to serving the church today? Root Text: Romans 16:3 “Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus.” Hospitality that Welcomes Kingdom Work - Acts 18:2-3 shows the couple opening their home to Paul and even sharing their trade: “Paul went to see them, and because he was of the same trade, he stayed with them and worked.” - 1 Corinthians 16:19 highlights that “the church that meets at their house” sent greetings—hospitality became a launchpad for a local congregation. - Today: • Keep a dining-room table or living room intentionally available for Bible study, mentoring, or small-group worship. • View meals as ministry: food plus fellowship equals fertile soil for gospel conversations. Sacrificial Courage for the Gospel - Romans 16:4: “They risked their lives for me.” Their devotion moved beyond convenience to personal danger. - Modern parallels: • Stand publicly with persecuted believers, write letters, give legal aid, share resources. • Refuse to compromise biblical truth even when careers, friendships, or popularity are on the line. Discipleship in Daily Life - Acts 18:24-26 records Aquila and Priscilla taking Apollos aside and “explaining the way of God to him more accurately.” - Key practices: • Couple-to-individual mentoring—showing that significant growth often happens in quiet, personal settings. • Keep Scripture central; they did not merely share opinions but clarified truth. Team Ministry: Male and Female in God’s Design - Scripture alternates their names (e.g., Acts 18:18, 1 Corinthians 16:19), underscoring partnership without confusion over God-given roles (cf. Genesis 2:18). - Practical steps: • Couples serve side-by-side—teaching children, leading home groups, counseling young marriages. • Singles partner with trusted believers of the same sex; ministry was never meant to be solo. Marketplace as Mission Field - Tentmaking financed their travel and ministry (Acts 18:3). - Application: • View the workplace as an assignment from God; craftsmanship, integrity, and relationships all witness to Christ. • Use business trips, conferences, and lunch breaks the way Paul used the workshop—spaces for gospel seed-sowing. Supporting and Honoring Church Leaders - Paul calls them “my fellow workers,” not merely helpers. He also tells Timothy, “Greet Prisca and Aquila” (2 Timothy 4:19), indicating lasting friendship and support. - How we emulate: • Encourage pastors with texts, meals, financial gifts. • Defend them in conversations where gossip surfaces, just as Priscilla and Aquila put their necks on the line for Paul. Putting It Into Practice Today - Host one regular gathering in your home each month—dinner, prayer, or Bible study. - Identify one believer younger in the faith; meet bi-weekly to read Scripture and pray. - Create a “gospel fund” in your budget for spontaneous needs of missionaries or persecuted Christians. - Integrate faith with work: display a verse on your desk, offer to pray for coworkers, maintain excellence that commends Christ. - Serve together: spouses, families, or close friends choosing one church ministry to shoulder as a team. |
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