Aquila
Tentmaker and Co-worker with Paul
Aquila was a Jewish tentmaker from Pontus who, with his wife Priscilla, became a close companion of Paul. They met Paul in Corinth, traveled with him, and helped disciple Apollos. They hosted a church in their home and risked their lives for Paul.
Character Traits
Life Timeline
Aquila and his wife Priscilla arrive in Corinth after being expelled from Rome by Emperor Claudius's edict against Jews. They establish their tentmaking business and begin their ministry in this strategic commercial city.
ACT 18:1-2Paul meets Aquila and Priscilla in Corinth and stays with them because they share the same trade of tentmaking. They work together both in business and ministry, establishing a strong partnership that would last for years.
ACT 18:3Aquila and Priscilla travel with Paul to Ephesus where Paul leaves them to continue the ministry. They become key leaders in establishing and strengthening the church in this important city.
ACT 18:18-19When the eloquent and learned Apollos arrives in Ephesus knowing only John's baptism, Aquila and Priscilla take him aside privately and explain the way of God more accurately. Their careful mentoring transforms Apollos into a powerful minister of the gospel.
ACT 18:24-26Aquila and Priscilla return to Rome and establish a church in their home. Paul commends them as his fellow workers in Christ Jesus who risked their lives for him, showing their deep commitment to the apostle and the gospel.
ROM 16:3-4Paul sends greetings to Aquila and Priscilla in his final letter to Timothy, indicating they had returned to Ephesus to continue their faithful service to the church there until the end of Paul's ministry.
2TI 4:19Key Relationships
Devoted wife and ministry partner who worked alongside him in tentmaking, church planting, and discipleship
Close friend, business partner, and fellow worker in the gospel who stayed in their home and worked with them for years
Eloquent preacher whom Aquila and Priscilla mentored and taught more accurately about the way of God
Fellow minister who received Paul's greetings to pass on to Aquila and Priscilla in Ephesus
Key Locations
Spiritual Lessons
The Power of Partnership
Aquila's marriage and ministry partnership with Priscilla demonstrates the strength that comes from unity in purpose. Together they were more effective than they could have been individually, showing how God uses partnerships to advance His kingdom.
Faithful in Small Things
Aquila's willingness to use his tentmaking skills for ministry support and to quietly teach in his home shows that God uses ordinary occupations and humble service. Great ministry often happens through faithful service in everyday circumstances rather than grand gestures.
Gracious Correction
The way Aquila and Priscilla privately instructed Apollos shows the importance of correcting with grace and wisdom. They didn't embarrass him publicly but took him aside to help him grow, demonstrating mature Christian discipleship.