Connect 1 Corinthians 16:19 with Romans 16:5 regarding house churches. An open doorway into the early church “The churches in the province of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Priscilla greet you warmly in the Lord, along with the church that meets at their house.” (1 Corinthians 16:19) “Greet also the church that meets at their house. Greet my dear friend Epenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in the province of Asia.” (Romans 16:5) Two passages, one pattern – Same couple: Aquila and Priscilla (also called Prisca) – Same practice: a gathered body of believers inside their private dwelling – Same priority: extending fellowship and greetings as an expression of shared life in Christ – Different locations: 1 Corinthians was penned from Ephesus (Asia), while Romans was sent to Rome—yet wherever Aquila and Priscilla lived, their home became a local church Why did the Spirit highlight these house churches? – Faithful hospitality made the gospel visible – Ordinary space was consecrated as sacred by the presence of believers and the word of God – Mobility of leaders did not hinder ministry; it multiplied it—every relocation birthed another gathering – Personal names anchor doctrine in real relationships; the church is never abstract More New-Testament snapshots of home gatherings – Acts 2:46 – “They broke bread from house to house.” – Acts 12:12 – Believers praying in Mary’s house when Peter was released from prison – Acts 20:20 – Paul taught “publicly and from house to house.” – Colossians 4:15 – “The church in her house” (Nympha, Laodicea) – Philemon 1:2 – “The church that meets at your house” (Philemon, Apphia, Archippus) What stands out about Aquila and Priscilla – Acts 18:1-3 – Tentmakers in Corinth, partnering with Paul – Acts 18:24-26 – Taught Apollos “more accurately” in Ephesus, likely in their home – Romans 16:3-4 – Risked their necks for Paul; “all the churches of the Gentiles” give thanks Believers who combine doctrinal precision with open-door hospitality become pillars wherever God sends them. House-church characteristics worth noticing – Simplicity: no special architecture required – Flexibility: able to multiply rapidly as the gospel advances – Intimacy: relationships grow through shared meals, prayer, teaching, and mutual care – Accountability: everyone is visible; gifts are recognized and exercised – Mission: homes become neighborhood lighthouses, naturally intersecting daily life Implications for today – Buildings are helpful tools, but not essential for authentic church life – Every Christian home can function as kingdom outpost: welcoming, discipling, sending – Leaders trained in Scripture and hospitality remain vital; Aquila and Priscilla model both – Persecution or cultural shifts cannot stop the church when homes are already in play – The pattern affirms Scripture’s literal, historical witness: real people, real houses, real gatherings—easily reproducible in any age Walking it out – Guard the unity and purity of the gospel in our households – Practice generous, thoughtful hospitality – Equip every believer to share the word—whether a tentmaker’s workplace or a living-room table – Remember: the same Lord who filled the upper room in Acts still delights to fill a living room today |
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