Πρίσκιλλα

Prisca, Priscilla

Definition

Priscilla (also called Prisca) is the name of a prominent early Christian woman, the wife of Aquila. She is consistently mentioned alongside her husband, indicating their partnership in ministry, work, and hospitality. In the New Testament, she is known for her role in instructing Apollos more accurately in the Christian faith (Acts 18:26) and for hosting a house church in both Ephesus (1 Corinthians 16:19) and Rome (Romans 16:3-5). The two forms of her name—Prisca (the formal Latin name) and Priscilla (a diminutive)—are used interchangeably, with no difference in meaning or reference.

Biblical Usage

Priscilla is used exclusively as a proper name for this individual across the Book of Acts and the Pauline epistles. She is always mentioned with her husband Aquila, and their names appear in different orders (sometimes 'Aquila and Priscilla,' sometimes 'Priscilla and Aquila'), which may reflect her significant role. Key passages include their work with Paul as tentmakers (Acts 18:2-3), their travel and ministry with him (Acts 18:18), their instruction of Apollos (Acts 18:26), and Paul's greetings to them as fellow workers who risked their lives for him (Romans 16:3-4).

Etymology

The name Πρίσκιλλα (Priskilla) is a Latin diminutive of the Roman name Πρίσκα (Prisca), which means 'ancient' or 'venerable.' It was a common Roman feminine praenomen (first name). The Greek New Testament uses both the formal 'Prisca' and the familiar 'Priscilla' form without distinction, reflecting the bilingual context of the early church.

Semantic Range

Priscilla's presence in the New Testament is theologically significant for understanding early church leadership and gender roles. She is presented as a teacher (instructing Apollos), a co-worker with Paul, a risk-taker for the gospel, and a leader of a house church alongside her husband. This models a partnership in ministry and demonstrates the active, authoritative roles women held in the apostolic church. Understanding her story enriches reading by highlighting the practical, collaborative nature of early Christian mission.

As a Roman woman bearing a Latin name, Priscilla likely came from a higher social status, which may have provided the resources and mobility for her ministry travels. In the 1st-century Greco-Roman world, her active teaching role, especially in instructing a learned man like Apollos, would have been notable, though not unheard of in certain philosophical or religious circles. The fact that she and Aquila hosted house churches was a common practice, as Christians met in homes, with the hosts often providing leadership.

Word Details

Scripture References