Topical Bible: Wives: Good: Priscilla

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Topical Encyclopedia

Priscilla, also known as Prisca, is a prominent figure in the New Testament, celebrated for her role as a devoted wife and a committed servant of the early Christian church. She is often mentioned alongside her husband, Aquila, and together they exemplify a model of Christian partnership in marriage and ministry.

Biblical References and Context

Priscilla first appears in the Book of Acts, where she and her husband Aquila are introduced as Jewish Christians who had been expelled from Rome by an edict of Emperor Claudius. They settled in Corinth, where they met the Apostle Paul. Acts 18:2-3 states, "There he met 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 visit them, and because he was of the same trade, he stayed with them and worked with them, for they were tentmakers by trade."

Priscilla and Aquila's relationship with Paul was not merely professional; it was deeply spiritual. They became his close companions and co-laborers in the Gospel. Their home served as a base for Paul's ministry in Corinth, and they later traveled with him to Ephesus (Acts 18:18-19).

Role in the Early Church

Priscilla's influence in the early church is further highlighted in her role as a teacher and mentor. In Acts 18:24-26 , Priscilla and Aquila encounter Apollos, an eloquent speaker and knowledgeable teacher of the Scriptures, but who only knew the baptism of John. "When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him in and explained to him the way of God more accurately." This passage underscores Priscilla's theological acumen and her active participation in instructing others in the faith.

The couple's home also served as a meeting place for believers, as indicated in 1 Corinthians 16:19 : "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." This hospitality and dedication to the church community reflect Priscilla's commitment to fostering the growth of the early Christian movement.

Legacy and Significance

Priscilla's legacy as a good wife is evident in her partnership with Aquila. Together, they exemplified a marriage rooted in mutual respect, shared faith, and a common mission. Her name is often mentioned before Aquila's in the New Testament, which some scholars suggest indicates her prominence or leadership within the church.

Romans 16:3-4 further attests to their significant contribution: "Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, who risked their lives for me. Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them." This acknowledgment by Paul highlights their courage and dedication to the cause of Christ, even at great personal risk.

Priscilla's life and ministry offer a powerful example of a godly wife who, alongside her husband, played a crucial role in the spread of Christianity. Her account is a testament to the impact that a faithful and supportive partnership can have in advancing the Kingdom of God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 18:2,26
And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla; (because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome:) and came to them.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Mothers, Daughters, and Wives in Israel
... of the mother of Mark, of Lydia, Priscilla, Phoebe, Lois, or ... and more particularly
to defend the good fame of ... Wives such as Priscilla, mothers such as that of ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 9 mothers daughters and.htm

Paul in Corinth.
... Christ, in imitation of Aquila and Priscilla, while they ... resisted his endeavours
for their good, "Your blood ... Parents, husbands, wives, friends, and acquaintance ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xxi paul in corinth.htm

2 Timothy iv. 13-Sep
... Such was Priscilla and this Claudia, already crucified, already ... Thou seest then that
good things are multiplied ... are so many impediments, as wives and children ...
/.../homily x 2 timothy iv.htm

Rom. xv. 25-27
... the dress from heaven, and learn whence Priscilla became such ... Having then cast this
aside, which wives of the ... 1668] these both make thee of good repute among ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xxx rom xv 25-27.htm

Letter clxxxviii. (Canonica Prima. )
... into the Father and the Son and Montanus or Priscilla? ... must be kept from the communion
of the good gift, and ... and are in fornication be retained by their wives. ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/letter clxxxviii canonica prima.htm

The Church of God.
... to understand how the church could be in Priscilla and Aquila's ... well his own house,
a lover of good men, just ... for bishop or pastor who has two wives, though one ...
//christianbookshelf.org/orr/the gospel day /chapter vii the church of.htm

Matt. xvi. 24
... who had to rule over workshops, as Priscilla and Aquila. And the prophets too, all
had both wives and households ... before men, and attain unto the good things to ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily lv matt xvi 24.htm

Saint Helena and the Time of Constantine
... Of Priscilla and Maximilla, Dr. McGiffert says: "They were ... passions by forcing from
their homes wives and virgins ... to the Christian churches by her good meanes. ...
/.../brittain/women of early christianity/iv saint helena and the.htm

Post-Nicene Mothers
... Whence come these unwedded wives, these novel concubines, these ... been easily imagined,
if the good sense of ... a large family of girls, one, "Priscilla," or "Agnes ...
/.../brittain/women of early christianity/v post-nicene mothers.htm

Introduction
... of the Jews, it must be equally good against them ... would have it.' Now Philadelphus
had two wives in succession ... like his namesake, the husband of Priscilla, was a ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/conybeare/a grammar of septuagint greek/introduction.htm