Priscilla is one of the most influential women in the New Testament. She is often mentioned alongside her husband, Aquila, and is known for her strong faith, leadership, and work in the early Church. Her story is a powerful example of devotion, boldness, and partnership in ministry.
1. Priscilla Was a Tentmaker Like Paul
Priscilla and her husband Aquila were tentmakers by trade. This shared profession connected them with the apostle Paul.
Acts 18:2-3 (ESV):
“And he found a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla... and because he was of the same trade he stayed with them and worked, for they were tentmakers by trade.”
1 Thessalonians 2:9 (NIV):
“Surely you remember, brothers and sisters, our toil and hardship; we worked night and day in order not to be a burden to anyone while we preached the gospel of God to you.”
2. She Traveled Across the Roman Empire
Priscilla and Aquila moved from Rome to Corinth, then to Ephesus, and later returned to Rome.
Acts 18:18-19 (NIV):
“Paul left the brothers and sisters and sailed for Syria, accompanied by Priscilla and Aquila... They arrived at Ephesus, where Paul left Priscilla and Aquila.”
Romans 16:3-5 (NIV):
“Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my co-workers in Christ Jesus... Greet also the church that meets at their house.”
Acts 18:2 (NLT):
“There he became acquainted with a Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, who had recently arrived from Italy with his wife, Priscilla. They had left Italy when Claudius Caesar deported all Jews from Rome.”
3. Priscilla Is Often Named Before Aquila
In several places, Priscilla’s name is listed first, which may suggest she had a prominent role in ministry.
Romans 16:3 (ESV):
“Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus.”
Acts 18:18 (KJV):
“...Paul... took him unto him, and came unto Ephesus, and left them there...”
2 Timothy 4:19 (NKJV):
“Greet Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus.”
4. She Helped Teach Apollos the Truth About Christ
Priscilla and Aquila guided Apollos, who was already an eloquent speaker, to better understand the gospel.
Acts 18:24-26 (ESV):
“Now a Jew named Apollos... spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John... Priscilla and Aquila... took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately.”
5. Priscilla Was a Host of a House Church
The early Church met in homes, and Priscilla opened hers regularly for worship and teaching.
1 Corinthians 16:19 (NKJV):
“The churches of Asia greet you. Aquila and Priscilla greet you heartily in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.”
Romans 16:5 (NLT):
“Also give my greetings to the church that meets in their home.”
Hebrews 13:2 (NIV):
“Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.”
6. She Lived During a Time of Persecution
Priscilla lived under Roman rule during a time of intense Jewish and Christian persecution.
Acts 18:2 (CSB):
“...Claudius had ordered all the Jews to leave Rome.”
Matthew 5:10 (NIV):
“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
7. Paul Called Her His “Fellow Worker”
Priscilla wasn’t just a helper—Paul called her a co-laborer, placing her ministry on equal ground with his own.
Romans 16:3 (ESV):
“Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus.”
8. She Risked Her Life for Paul
Paul publicly thanked Priscilla and Aquila for putting their lives in danger for him.
Romans 16:4 (NIV):
“They risked their lives for me. Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them.”
John 15:13 (NIV):
“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
9. She Is a Model of Christian Marriage
Priscilla and Aquila are always mentioned together, showing the strength of their unity in faith and service.
Acts 18:26 (ESV):
“He began to speak boldly in the synagogue, but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained the way of God more accurately.”
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (NLT):
“Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed... If one person falls, the other can reach out and help.”
10. Her Faith Still Inspires Today
Priscilla’s courage, wisdom, and hospitality have made her a timeless example of faith. She showed that women have a strong place in the Church.
Galatians 3:28 (NIV):
“There is neither Jew nor Gentile... nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
Summary Table: Key Traits of Priscilla
Fact | Bible Reference | Key Lesson |
---|---|---|
Tentmaker with Paul | Acts 18:2-3, 1 Thessalonians 2:9 | Work can serve ministry |
Traveled frequently | Acts 18:18-19, Romans 16:3-5 | Faith follows God, even when it’s hard |
Often listed first | Romans 16:3, 2 Timothy 4:19 | God uses women in leadership |
Taught Apollos | Acts 18:24-26 | Humble teaching matters |
Hosted house churches | 1 Corinthians 16:19, Romans 16:5 | Hospitality builds the Church |
Survived persecution | Acts 18:2, Matthew 5:10 | Faith endures trials |
Called “fellow worker” | Romans 16:3 | Ministry is a team effort |
Risked her life | Romans 16:4, John 15:13 | Boldness for the gospel is vital |
Strong marriage | Acts 18:26, Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 | Faithful couples can serve together |
Inspiring legacy | Galatians 3:28 | Her faith speaks across generations |