How does Priscilla and Aquila's example connect with Acts 18:2-3? Priscilla and Aquila’s Backstory in Acts 18:2–3 “Paul went to visit them, and because he was of the same trade, he stayed with them and worked with them, for they were tentmakers by trade.” • A literal, historical snapshot: husband and wife, recently expelled from Rome, making a living in Corinth. • Their marketplace skills became the bridge for friendship with Paul. • Ministry and manual labor blended seamlessly; no false divide between sacred and secular work. How Romans 16:3 Echoes Acts 18:2–3 “Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus.” • Same couple, same steadfast devotion—only the city has changed (now back in Rome). • “Fellow workers” links directly to the shoulder-to-shoulder tentmaking days of Acts 18. • The phrase certifies that their partnership was not a one-off; years later Paul still counts on them. Shared Trade, Shared Mission • Tentmaking put food on the table and funded gospel travel (1 Thessalonians 2:9). • Their skills created daily proximity with Paul—discipleship happened while stitching canvas. • Modern parallel: vocational believers can advance the kingdom right in their workplaces. Hospitality That Fueled Ministry • Acts 18 shows them opening their home to Paul; 1 Corinthians 16:19 and Romans 16:5 show a house-church meeting there later. • They discipled Apollos in their living room (Acts 18:24-26). • Homes became launchpads for sound doctrine and missional friendships. Consistency Over Time • From Corinth (Acts 18) to Ephesus (Acts 18:18-19) to Rome (Romans 16:3) and back to Ephesus again (2 Timothy 4:19), they keep serving. • Their mobility mirrors the early church’s spread—wherever God moved them, ministry followed. Risk-Taking Love for the Gospel • Romans 16:4 adds, “They risked their lives for me.” Literal danger, likely during riots or persecution (Acts 19:23-41). • Courage was cultivated in daily obedience that started back in the tent shop. Key Takeaways for Us • Integrate work and witness; God uses ordinary skills (Colossians 3:23-24). • Keep your home open; hospitality disciples more than sermons alone (1 Peter 4:9). • Stay faithful through relocations and seasons; God’s call travels with you (Hebrews 10:23). |
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