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Priscilla

New TestamentNew TestamentFemaleWifeTeacher

Priscilla, also known as Prisca, was a Jewish Christian and the wife of Aquila, who worked with Paul in his ministry and hosted a church in their home.

Priscilla illustration
Priscilla

Biography

Priscilla, also called Prisca in Paul's epistles, was a prominent leader in the early Christian church. Together with her husband Aquila, she was a tentmaker by trade who first met Paul in Corinth after the couple had been expelled from Rome under Emperor Claudius's edict (Acts 18:2-3). The couple labored alongside Paul in Corinth and later traveled with him to Ephesus, where they remained to strengthen the fledgling church. In Ephesus, Priscilla and Aquila took the eloquent Apollos aside and "explained to him the way of God more accurately" (Acts 18:26). Notably, Priscilla is often named before her husband in Scripture, suggesting her prominence in ministry. The couple hosted house churches in multiple cities (Romans 16:3-5; 1 Corinthians 16:19) and even risked their lives for Paul's sake.

Significance

Priscilla stands as one of the most significant women in the New Testament, modeling shared leadership in marriage and ministry. Paul calls her and Aquila his "fellow workers in Christ Jesus" (Romans 16:3), placing them among his most trusted collaborators. Her instruction of Apollos demonstrates that women played active teaching roles in the apostolic church, shaping the theological understanding of influential preachers. The house churches she co-hosted in Rome, Corinth, and Ephesus show the vital role of hospitality in early Christian expansion. Priscilla's life teaches that faithful, sacrificial service, regardless of gender, is honored by God and essential to the church's mission. Her legacy challenges every generation to embrace collaborative ministry.

Verse Appearances (6)

References

  1. Orr, J. (ed.) (1915) The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. Chicago: Howard-Severance Company. [Public Domain]
  2. Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Translators Individualised Proper Names with all References (TIPNR). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
  3. Wikidata contributors (n.d.) Wikidata. Available at: https://www.wikidata.org. [CC0]
  4. Church of England (1769) The Holy Bible, Authorized (King James) Version. [Public Domain]

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