We find in the beginning the woman was created to be a mate fit for her husband. This was God’s design for the couple to be all He wanted them to be. Both man and woman had their proper roles, and when both seek God and His desires more than their own selfish desires you have perfect harmony in the home. This is not a popular setup for marriage in our society, but like most things, we yield to selfish desires, which allows Satan a foothold in the home. Today, we will look at a woman whom the Bible highly esteems. There are no words recorded about her that are negative. She was truly a co-laborer to her husband, and as a result, God used them greatly.
A noted disciple of Christ, Priscilla was born in Pontus. She was married to Aquila, an important married couple in the first-century church. Our first encounter with this lady and her husband was in Acts 18, where we learn that they met Paul while in Corinth. They were part of the Jewish population in Rome when the Jews were expelled by Claudius.
In Romans 16:3, Paul calls Priscilla and Aquila his helpers in Christ Jesus. According to the statements in verse 4, they must have defended Paul against those who were out to harm him. He states that they put themselves in harm’s way to defend him. Not only does this show us their desire to do right, but also their willingness to give their own lives for the gospel. When we defend someone who is standing for truth, we are also defending Christ, the author of truth.
Romans 16:3 “Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus: Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles.”
The next verse gives a little more insight into this couple. They must have had some degree of wealth because they used their home as a church. Early churches met in homes, but the homes had to be large enough to hold large groups of people. From this, we know Priscilla loved to serve. Most of the things done in the home are left to the women, especially during this period of history.
Romans 16:5 “Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my well-beloved Epaenetus, who is the first fruits of Achaia unto Christ.”
They were tentmakers by trade and evidently had enough business to spread the wealth. According to Acts 18:3, Paul worked with them, making tents for a period of time.
Act 18:3 “And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers.”
This couple seems to be a couple any pastor would willingly welcome in their church and ministry. They had a business that obviously gave them significant income, and they used that to help the preacher Paul and others seeking to serve Christ. Their home was offered as a place to meet. Their love for others was shown as they shared Christ with Apollos. They were instrumental in discipling Apollos, and Apollos was well known for his walk with Christ. Therefore they had a part in his ministry.
Act 18:24-26 “And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures came to Ephesus. This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John. And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.”
I found Priscilla to be a wife who would qualify as a Proverbs 31 woman. She worked alongside her husband, and each time her husband is mentioned in scripture, she is also mentioned. She must have been a great hostess, using what God had provided for her to open her home to others.
Proverbs 31:11-12 “The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.”
We could learn much from her. She always works beside her husband, not seeking to usurp his authority. She witnesses with him and helps in the ministry as a team. It is worth repeating that there is nothing negative about Priscilla in scripture. Wow, what a statement!
I want to be this kind of woman for Christ. I want to be this kind of woman in my home. A woman who used all that God provided her to His glory, She was willing to take a stand, work hard, share Christ, encourage others, and serve selflessly.
