Priscilla And Aquila
The couple who did it quietly.
On unglamorous, behind-the-scenes ministry.
The big idea
Some of the most important work in the early church happened in a spare room.
Opening scripture
“When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him to their home and explained the way of God to him more accurately.”
What does “Priscilla And Aquila” walk through?
They Took Him Aside
Acts 18:26 · KJV
And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.
In plain English
When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him to their home and explained the way of God to him more accurately.
Privately, Not Publicly
Apollos was a gifted public speaker getting something wrong. They did not correct him in front of a crowd — they invited him home. The kindness of that is the whole lesson.
Practise Hospitality
Romans 12:13 · KJV
Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.
In plain English
Share with God's people who are in need. Practise hospitality.
“They are mentioned six times and never once alone. Some callings come in pairs.”
Welcome Strangers
Hebrews 13:2 · KJV
Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
In plain English
Don't forget to welcome strangers — some who did have welcomed angels without realising it.
A Home Is A Ministry
They hosted a church in their house, moved cities for the work, and are barely visible in the story. Not everyone is called to a platform. Most people are called to a table.
Pray
God, make my home a place people are safe. Amen.
Write it down
Who could you invite in rather than correct publicly?
Set a table
Quiet work is still the work.
Which passages does this journey use?
3 passages, drawn from Acts 18:26, Romans 12:13, Hebrews 13:2. Every verse appears here in the King James text with a plain-English line beside it, so you can read it without a commentary open. Allow about 6 minutes for the whole thing, or 7 short sittings.
- Acts 18:26
- Romans 12:13
- Hebrews 13:2
Read any of these in full on the complete KJV, or look the wording up independently at Blue Letter Bible.
More in People of the Early Church
All People of the Early Church →Peter, After The Fire
Restoration that matched the wound.
Paul In Prison
Contentment inside limits you did not choose.
John, Who Stayed Close
Abiding, from the one who wrote the word.
Barnabas, The Encourager
The man who vouched for people.
Thomas, Who Asked
The doubt that got a personal answer.
Philip And The Nudge
Obedience to something small.