How can you support your church leaders, as Aquila and Prisca did? Rooted in a House Church (1 Corinthians 16:19) “The churches in the province of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Prisca greet you warmly in the Lord, along with the church that meets at their house.” Snapshots of Aquila and Prisca’s Ministry • Acts 18:2-3 – They opened their home and workplace to Paul, sharing both lodging and livelihood. • Acts 18:26 – They quietly instructed Apollos, protecting doctrine while honoring the pulpit. • Romans 16:3-4 – They “risked their own necks” for Paul, treating his life as precious. • Romans 16:5; 1 Corinthians 16:19 – They repeatedly hosted a congregation, sacrificing privacy and comfort. • 2 Timothy 4:19 – Years later, Paul still counted on their steady support. How You Can Support Your Leaders Today Open Your Home • Offer a meeting place for Bible studies, meals, or visiting missionaries. • Hospitality cements relationships and eases ministry costs (1 Peter 4:9). Stand Shoulder to Shoulder • Volunteer for ministries your leaders carry alone—administration, teaching, outreach. • Treat their burdens as family business (Philippians 1:5). Safeguard Their Well-being • Protect reputations by refusing gossip (Proverbs 17:9). • Provide practical help: rides, repairs, meals, child care—whatever keeps them healthy for the Word. Teach and Defend Sound Doctrine • Like Aquila and Prisca with Apollos, study diligently so you can explain truth when questions arise (2 Timothy 2:15). • Guard the pulpit from error, freeing leaders to preach without distraction (Titus 1:9). Encourage Consistently • Speak specific words of gratitude (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13). • Celebrate fruit: baptisms, answered prayers, reconciled families. Give Generously • Financial support honors those who labor in preaching and teaching (1 Timothy 5:17-18; Galatians 6:6). • Surprise gifts—books, retreats, a family night out—refresh weary hearts. Pray Intentionally • Intercede for boldness, holiness, wisdom (Ephesians 6:19-20). • Invite others into regular prayer circles, multiplying spiritual cover. Stand with Them in Risk • If ministry invites opposition, be visible allies (Romans 16:3-4). • Offer legal, medical, or logistical help when threats arise (3 John 6-8). Scriptural Motivation to Act • Hebrews 13:17 – “Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls…” • Proverbs 11:25 – “Whoever refreshes others will himself be refreshed.” • Matthew 25:40 – Serving Christ’s servants is serving Christ Himself. A Lifestyle That Strengthens the Church Embracing Aquila and Prisca’s pattern turns every living room, schedule, and paycheck into an altar of support. When believers rally around their shepherds, doctrine stays pure, mission advances, and the watching world sees a living testimony of Christ’s love worked out in real time. |
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