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What Can We Learn from Priscilla in the Bible? – Viral Believer
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What Can We Learn from Priscilla in the Bible?

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Introduction

Priscilla, also known as Prisca, is a woman of great significance in the New Testament. Her story, along with her husband Aquila, offers valuable lessons for modern-day Christians. As we study their lives, we will discover the importance of hospitality, discipleship, and partnership in ministry.

Priscilla and Aquila’s dedication to the early church and their commitment to spreading the Gospel serve as an inspiration for all believers.

In this blog post, we will delve deeper into Priscilla’s story, as well as the broader context of her life and ministry. By examining the various roles she played in the early church, we can gain a greater understanding of the ways in which we can apply her wisdom and devotion to our own faith journey.

Let us now take a closer look at the lessons we can learn from Priscilla.

A Model of Hospitality and Partnership in Ministry

Welcoming Believers Into Their Home

Priscilla and her husband Aquila were tentmakers by trade and met the Apostle Paul in Corinth during his second missionary journey. They immediately formed a close bond, and Paul stayed with them while he worked alongside them in their trade (Acts 18:2-3, NKJV).

The couple opened their home to Paul and other believers, providing a safe space for fellowship and worship (1 Corinthians 16:19, NKJV). This act of hospitality serves as a powerful example for Christians today, reminding us of the importance of welcoming others into our homes and lives.

Working Together as a Team

The ministry of Priscilla and Aquila demonstrates the value of partnership in spreading the Gospel. Throughout their time with Paul, they worked as a team, using their individual skills and resources to further the cause of Christ.

In Romans 16:3-4 (NKJV), Paul acknowledges their joint effort, stating, “Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, who risked their own necks for my life.” This unity and collaboration can serve as a model for modern Christians, emphasizing the importance of working together to achieve a common goal.

Traveling for the Gospel

As Paul continued his missionary journeys, Priscilla and Aquila accompanied him to Ephesus (Acts 18:18-19, NKJV). Once there, they continued to minister to the local Christian community and played a vital role in establishing the church.

This willingness to leave their familiar surroundings and travel for the sake of the Gospel demonstrates their commitment to Christ and their desire to share His message with others.

The Importance of Discipleship

Mentoring Apollos

While in Ephesus, Priscilla and Aquila encountered a gifted preacher named Apollos (Acts 18:24-26, NKJV). Although Apollos was a knowledgeable and eloquent speaker, his understanding of the Gospel was incomplete.

Recognizing his potential, Priscilla and Aquila took him under their wing and “explained to him the way of God more accurately.”

This act of discipleship highlights the importance of mentorship within the Christian faith, as more experienced believers guide and support those who are still growing in their understanding of God’s Word.

A Spirit of Humility

Priscilla’s willingness to teach Apollos also demonstrates her spirit of humility. Despite her own knowledge and experience, she did not seek recognition or authority, but instead focused on helping Apollos grow in his faith.

This humility serves as a powerful reminder for modern Christians, encouraging us to put the needs of others before our own and to approach our own spiritual growth with a teachable spirit.

Encouraging the Growth of the Early Church

By mentoring Apollos and sharing their wisdom, Priscilla and Aquila played an essential role in the growth and development of the early church.

Their investment in the spiritual well-being of others not only nurtured the faith of individuals like Apollos but also contributed to the overall strength and vitality of the Christian community. This example underscores the value of discipleship in the life of the church, as believers work together to foster spiritual growth and maturity.

Empowering Women in Ministry

Priscilla’s Prominent Role

The fact that Priscilla is often mentioned before her husband Aquila in Scripture (e.g., Acts 18:18, Romans 16:3) is significant, as it suggests that she played an active and prominent role in their joint ministry.

This recognition of her leadership and influence serves as a powerful testament to the importance of women in the early church and provides a model for modern Christian women seeking to use their gifts for the glory of God.

Challenging Cultural Norms

In a time when women were often marginalized and relegated to the background, Priscilla’s involvement in ministry challenged cultural norms and expectations. Her active role in teaching, mentoring, and leading within the early church serves as a reminder that God calls and equips both men and women for His work.

This example can inspire contemporary Christians to embrace the gifts and talents of all believers, regardless of gender, and to work together for the advancement of the Gospel.

A Lasting Legacy

Priscilla’s impact on the early church left a lasting legacy that continues to inspire and encourage Christian women today. Her life and ministry demonstrate that women can be effective leaders, teachers, and mentors within the church.

By following her example, modern Christians can help create a more inclusive and diverse faith community, where all believers have the opportunity to serve and contribute to the work of the Kingdom.

The Significance of a Godly Marriage

A Shared Commitment to Christ

The strong partnership between Priscilla and Aquila was rooted in their shared commitment to Christ. Together, they sought to honor God in their work, their home, and their ministry, creating a powerful testimony to the transformative power of a Christ-centered marriage.

This example can serve as an inspiration for married couples today, reminding them of the importance of pursuing a shared spiritual vision and purpose.

Supporting One Another in Ministry

Priscilla and Aquila’s joint involvement in ministry highlights the value of mutual support and encouragement within a marriage. By working together in service to the Lord, they were able to strengthen their own relationship while also furthering the cause of the Gospel.

This model can inspire contemporary Christian couples to seek opportunities for joint ministry and to actively support one another in their individual callings and pursuits.

A Witness to the World

The loving and supportive marriage of Priscilla and Aquila served as a witness to the world of God’s design for relationships. Their unity and collaboration in ministry demonstrated the beauty and power of a godly marriage, offering a compelling testimony to the truth of the Gospel.

As modern Christians strive to cultivate Christ-centered marriages, they too can become a beacon of light and hope in a world that desperately needs to see the love of Christ in action.

Conclusion

The story of Priscilla in the Bible provides a rich tapestry of lessons and inspiration for modern-day Christians. Her commitment to hospitality, discipleship, and partnership in ministry serves as a powerful reminder of the ways in which we can use our gifts and resources to advance the cause of Christ.

Priscilla’s prominent role as a woman in ministry challenges cultural norms and expectations, highlighting the importance of empowering and equipping all believers to serve the Lord.

Finally, her Christ-centered marriage with Aquila offers a beautiful example of the transformative power of a shared commitment to Christ, as well as the value of mutual support and encouragement within a marriage.

As we study the life of Priscilla, we are challenged to embrace the opportunities that God provides for us to serve and minister to others. Whether through hospitality, mentorship, or partnership in ministry, we can learn from her example and strive to create a more inclusive and diverse faith community.

Furthermore, we can draw inspiration from Priscilla’s godly marriage to Aquila, seeking to cultivate Christ-centered relationships that are a witness to the world.

In conclusion, the life and ministry of Priscilla serve as a testament to the power of a devoted and faithful servant of Christ. As we seek to follow her example, may we be continually inspired to use our gifts and talents for the glory of God and the advancement of His Kingdom.

Let us commit ourselves to a life of hospitality, discipleship, and partnership in ministry, as we strive to be the hands and feet of Christ in our world today.

Pastor Duke Taber
Pastor Duke Taber

Pastor Duke Taber

All articles have been written or reviewed by Pastor Duke Taber.
Pastor Duke Taber is an alumnus of Life Pacific University and Multnomah Biblical Seminary.
He has been in pastoral ministry since 1988.
Today he is the owner and managing editor of 3 successful Christian websites that support missionaries around the world.
He is currently starting a brand new church in Mesquite NV called Mesquite Worship Center, a Non-Denominational Spirit Filled Christian church in Mesquite Nevada.