At some point, Aquila traveled from Pontus, his home in northern Asia Minor near the Black Sea, to Rome. He was a tentmaker and it is well to note that freed slaves often held such jobs. However, Paul was also a tentmaker, was a free-born Roman citizen (Acts 22:25-28), indicating that both free men and former slaves worked as artisans. While most artisans were members of trade guilds, Jews usually did not join because guild members honored their guild’s patron deities at regularly held banquets.
In 49 A.D., according to Suetonius, Emperor Claudius expelled all Jews who followed “Chrestus,” from Rome Included in that number were Aquila and Priscilla, who traveled to Corinth and opened a leather-works business (Acts 18:2). When Paul met them, they were already followers of Jesus. Later, they traveled with Paul to Ephesus and remained there to support the young church. While in Ephesus, Priscilla and Aquila instructed the gifted preacher Apollos more accurately about the gospel, particularly about baptism (Acts 18:26). Then, when Claudius’s edict was rescinded, they returned to Rome (Romans 16:3-4).
Priscilla and Aquila are mentioned by name six times in the New Testament, always together as a couple (Acts 18:2-3, Romans 16:3-5; 1Cor 16:19). They provided leadership in the fledgling churches and were held in high esteem. Their partnership highlights one model of ministry in the early church (see Romans 16:7; 1 Corinthians 9:5). Paul praised their willingness to risk their necks to help him (Romans 16:3-4), and twice noted that churches were meeting in their homes (Romans 16:5; 1 Corinthains 16:19).
Priscilla may have held a higher social status than her husband Aquila, for her name appears before his four times (Acts 18:18, Acts 18:26; Romans 16:3; 2 Timothy 4:19). All named women in Acts are wealthy, with the exceptions of Mary (Jesus’ mother) and Rhoda. The name order might also signal Priscilla’s superior teaching capabilities, for when Acts 18:26 notes that the couple taught Apollos, her name appears first. Some scholars argue she is the author of the New Testament book of Hebrews.
Priscilla and Aquila set an example for us of hospitality by opening their home to Paul and using their house as a meeting place for the church. We should be impressed by their passion for Christ and their hunger for knowledge of Him. Another hallmark of their lives is their desire to build others in the faith. Paul’s last reference to them is in his last letter. While imprisoned in Rome and writing to Timothy who was pastoring the church at Ephesus, he noted that Aquila and Priscilla were there with him, still faithfully ministering (2 Timothy 4:19).
