Why is it important to remember individuals like Prisca and Aquila in ministry? Scriptural Snapshot: 2 Timothy 4:19 “Greet Prisca and Aquila, as well as the household of Onesiphorus.” Getting to Know Prisca and Aquila • Husband-and-wife tentmakers (Acts 18:2-3) who partnered closely with Paul • Hospitable leaders who opened their home for a church (1 Corinthians 16:19) • Discerning teachers who explained “the way of God more accurately” to Apollos (Acts 18:26) • Courageous servants who “risked their own necks” for Paul (Romans 16:3-4) Threads Woven Through the New Testament • Acts 18:2-3 – Meet Paul in Corinth, work alongside him • Acts 18:18 – Travel with Paul to Ephesus • Acts 18:26 – Mentor Apollos in sound doctrine • Romans 16:3-5 – Host a church, praised for sacrificial loyalty • 1 Corinthians 16:19 – Still hosting believers years later These repeated mentions show sustained faithfulness across cities, decades, and letters. Reasons to Remember Servants Like Them • Gratitude fuels unity – Paul’s greeting highlights thankful memory; honoring such partners keeps hearts knit together in Christ (Philippians 1:3-5). • Models to imitate – Their marriage displays Spirit-filled teamwork (Ephesians 5:21). – Their balanced life of work and witness reminds that vocation and ministry need not be separate (Colossians 3:23-24). • Proof that ordinary saints matter – Not apostles, yet pivotal. Remembering them affirms every believer’s essential role (1 Peter 4:10). • Encouragement in hardship – Paul writes from a Roman cell; recalling steadfast friends strengthens him (2 Timothy 4:17). Their story still heartens modern servants facing trials. • Safeguard for sound doctrine – Their careful instruction of Apollos shows the value of lay teachers guarding truth (Titus 2:1). • Inspiration for hospitality and generosity – Opening their home advanced the gospel; their memory stirs ongoing open-door ministry (Hebrews 13:2). How Their Memory Shapes Ministry Today • Celebrate faithful couples laboring quietly behind the scenes. • Invest in younger believers with gentle, accurate teaching. • Hold work, home, and church life together under Christ’s lordship. • Stand ready to sacrifice comfort—and even safety—for gospel partners. • Keep long-term gospel friendships alive through intentional encouragement, notes, and visits. Taking It to Heart Paul’s simple greeting in 2 Timothy 4:19 is the Spirit’s reminder that God’s mission advances through remembered relationships. Prisca and Aquila’s names echo through Scripture so that present-day servants will value, honor, and emulate steadfast partners in the work of the Lord. |
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