As a married woman who loves to move God’s Word with my husband, I have been inspired by many believing couples over the years. These couples love God and one another, they love to share God’s Word with all they meet, and they keep their lives flexible to be able to help in the outreach of God’s Word. And they open their loving homes for fellowship. They have inspired me to do the same.
One married couple in the Scriptures who can inspire those of us living in the Grace Administration is Aquila and Priscilla. Together, they were tremendous helpers in establishing the work of the ministry in the first century; they were flexible in how they managed their lives, even willing to travel when needed; they opened their home to support the growing household of believers; and they witnessed as a powerful team.
Aquila and Priscilla were tremendous helpers to the Apostle Paul, so much so that he made special reference to them in the closing chapter of his letter to the Romans.
Romans 16:3,4:
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.
Not only was Paul thankful for Aquila and Priscilla, but all the churches of the Gentiles were as well. Paul points out how significant Aquila and Priscilla were to him and to the other believers, calling them his “helpers” in Christ Jesus. The word “helpers” in Romans 16:3 is translated from the Greek word sunergos, which means “a companion in work, fellow-worker.”
Aquila and Priscilla were flexible, adjusting their lives to meet needs in the household. When needed, they traveled to open up new areas of outreach. At other times, they supported the burgeoning work by hosting disciples in their home.
Acts 18:18,19:
And Paul after this tarried there [Corinth] yet a good while, and then took his leave of the brethren, and sailed thence into Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila; having shorn his head in Cenchrea: for he had a vow.
And he came to Ephesus, and left them [Priscilla and Aquila] there: but he himself entered into the synagogue, and reasoned with the Jews [Judeans].
Although they all traveled together, Acts 18:21 shows that Paul sailed on from Ephesus. Aquila and Priscilla stayed behind, supporting the work of the ministry. In Acts 19, Paul returned to Ephesus, and during this time, “…all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus…” (Acts 19:10). When Paul wrote the first epistle to the Corinthians from Ephesus in Asia, Aquila and Priscilla were still there with him and had a church in their home.
I Corinthians 16:19:
The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.
Aquila and Priscilla were ministers of God’s Word. They were willing to carve out the time in their lives to teach any who would listen, whether small or great. While in Ephesus, Aquila and Priscilla met Apollos.
Acts 18:24-26:
And a certain Jew [Judean] 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 [Apollos] 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.
What Apollos knew, he was able to teach well. But it was limited to the baptism of John. However, Aquila and Priscilla had learned about the Grace Administration from Paul, so they were able to share with Apollos, one who was “mighty in the scriptures,” more vital information about the new birth. Think of the result here. Because of the love Aquila and Priscilla had to teach God’s Word and extend themselves, Apollos was then able to help others excel in God’s grace (Acts 18:27,28)!
When we look at the impact believers can have in this world, the lives of this married couple, Aquila and Priscilla, shine brilliantly as examples. We see how much they were able to do in supporting the movement of God’s Word. As the helpers of Paul, they were fellow workers with him, hosted home fellowships, traveled to where the need was to open up new areas of outreach, and ministered the Word of God to others. May we be encouraged and motivated by their example of love and service to God as we too help in the outreach of His Word!