How does Acts 18:2 connect with Romans 16:3 about Priscilla and Aquila? Note: This study reflects one Christian interpretive viewpoint. The Historical Setting in Acts 18:2 - “And there he found a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had ordered all the Jews to leave Rome. Paul went to see them.” - AD 49: Emperor Claudius expels Jews from Rome. - Aquila and Priscilla relocate to Corinth, meet Paul, and share the same trade—tentmaking (Acts 18:3). How Acts 18 Launches Their Partnership - Immediate fellowship: Paul stays and works with them (Acts 18:3). - Spiritual growth: They hear Paul teach every Sabbath (Acts 18:4). - Missionary travel: They sail with Paul to Ephesus (Acts 18:18-19). - Teaching ministry: They disciple Apollos, grounding him more fully in “the way of God” (Acts 18:26). Romans 16:3—A Snapshot Years Later - “Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus”. - Written c. AD 57 from Corinth, after Claudius’s death (AD 54) lifts the ban, allowing Jews to return to Rome. - Indicates the couple have moved back to Rome and now host a church in their house (Romans 16:5). Key Links Between the Two Verses - Same faithful couple: Priscilla (Prisca) and Aquila. - Expulsion ➔ Providence: Forced exile in Acts 18 becomes the means of meeting Paul. - Partnership ➔ Enduring service: From new acquaintances (Acts 18) to trusted “fellow workers” (Romans 16). - Mobility ➔ Ministry: Their relocations (Rome → Corinth → Ephesus → Rome) spread the gospel and plant churches. - Sacrificial love: “Who risked their own necks for my life” (Romans 16:4) highlights loyalty first proven in Acts. Supporting Scriptures on Their Ongoing Ministry - 1 Corinthians 16:19—hosting a church in Ephesus. - 2 Timothy 4:19—still serving faithfully years later. Takeaways for Today - God uses disruptions (e.g., Claudius’s edict) to advance His purposes. - Hospitality and vocational skills can be strategic tools for gospel work. - Long-term, Christ-centered friendships multiply kingdom impact. |
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