Ἀκύλας

Aquila

Definition

Ἀκύλας (Aquila) is the Greek transliteration of the Latin name meaning 'eagle.' In the New Testament, it refers exclusively to a Jewish Christian man, Aquila, who is always mentioned alongside his wife Priscilla (or Prisca). He was a tentmaker by trade, originally from Pontus, who lived in Rome until the edict of Claudius forced him to move to Corinth (Acts 18:2). Together with Priscilla, he became a close coworker of the Apostle Paul, hosting a house church and providing crucial instruction to other believers, such as Apollos (Acts 18:26). Paul refers to them as his 'fellow workers in Christ Jesus' who risked their lives for him (Romans 16:3-4).

Biblical Usage

The name Ἀκύλας appears six times, always paired with his wife Priscilla/Prisca. It is used in narrative contexts in Acts (18:2, 18, 26) detailing their travels, hospitality to Paul, and teaching ministry. In the epistles (Romans 16:3, 1 Corinthians 16:19, 2 Timothy 4:19), Paul uses their names in greetings, highlighting their role as leaders of a house church and his valued partners in ministry. The consistent pairing underscores their ministry as a unified team.

Etymology

The name is a direct Greek transliteration (Ἀκύλας) of the Latin cognomen 'Aquila,' which means 'eagle.' It is not derived from Greek roots like ἀ- (not) and a hypothetical 'kylas.' As a personal name, it carried the symbolic strength and keen vision associated with the eagle in Roman culture.

Semantic Range

Aquila and Priscilla exemplify lay ministry, hospitality, and theological education within the early church. Their story shows how married couples and skilled laborers (tentmakers) were integral to apostolic mission, supporting Paul financially and providing a base for church gatherings. Their correction of Apollos (Acts 18:26) demonstrates responsible, knowledgeable lay leadership. Understanding them as a named, active team counters any notion that women were excluded from early Christian teaching and leadership.

As a Jewish tentmaker with a Latin name, Aquila represents the diverse, mobile world of the Roman Empire. His expulsion from Rome (Acts 18:2) reflects the periodic tensions between the Roman authorities and the Jewish community. The trade of tentmaking (working with leather or cloth) was portable and provided a means for Paul and his team to be self-supporting missionaries, avoiding charges of profiteering from the gospel.

No direct synonyms as a proper name. As a coworker, he is associated with: Συνεργός (synergos, G4904) — a 'fellow worker,' a term Paul uses for him and Priscilla in Romans 16:3.

Word Details

Scripture References