Aquila Tentmaker and Co-worker with Paul

Q: Why were Aquila and Priscilla expelled from Rome?

Emperor Claudius issued an edict around 49 AD expelling all Jews from Rome, likely due to disturbances in the Jewish community, possibly related to disputes about Christ. This forced expulsion led to their meeting with Paul in Corinth and beginning their significant ministry partnership. Historians like Suetonius record this event, showing how God used even persecution to spread the gospel.

Q: What was the significance of tentmaking in the early church?

Tentmaking provided financial independence for missionaries like Paul, Aquila, and Priscilla, allowing them to minister without burdening new churches. The trade involved working with leather and cloth to make portable shelters, essential in the Roman world. This occupation also gave them mobility and connections with traders, facilitating the spread of the gospel throughout the Mediterranean world.

Q: How did Aquila and Priscilla risk their lives for Paul?

While Scripture doesn't give specific details, Paul mentions in Romans 16:4 that they 'risked their lives' for him, likely during one of the many dangers he faced in his ministry. This could have been during the riot in Ephesus, persecution in Corinth, or another crisis where they protected Paul at personal cost. Their willingness to face danger for the gospel demonstrates their deep commitment to both Paul and Christ.

New Testament

About Aquila

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.

Aquila's Character Traits

HospitableSkilled craftsmanFaithful teacher

Aquila's Life Timeline

View journey on map

Early Christian Period49-50 AD

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 18:1-2

Paul's Second Missionary Journey50-51 AD

Paul 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 18:3

Ministry in Ephesus52 AD

Aquila 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 18:18-19

Teaching Apollos53 AD

When 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 18:24-26

Return to Rome57 AD

Aquila 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 16:3-4

Later Ministry67 AD

Paul 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 4:19

Aquila's Key Relationships

PriscillaFamily

Devoted wife and ministry partner who worked alongside him in tentmaking, church planting, and discipleship

Paul the ApostleAlly

Close friend, business partner, and fellow worker in the gospel who stayed in their home and worked with them for years

ApollosDisciple

Eloquent preacher whom Aquila and Priscilla mentored and taught more accurately about the way of God

TimothyFriend

Fellow minister who received Paul's greetings to pass on to Aquila and Priscilla in Ephesus

Aquila's Key Locations

Corinth

Where Aquila and Priscilla first met Paul and established their partnership in ministry and tentmaking after being expelled from Rome

Ephesus

Major center of their ministry where they taught Apollos, established a church, and served as key leaders in the Christian community

Rome

Their home city from which they were expelled, but to which they later returned to establish a house church and continue their ministry

Spiritual Lessons from Aquila

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.

Key Verses about Aquila

Acts 18:1-3 Acts 18:24-26 Romans 16:3-5

Frequently Asked Questions

Why were Aquila and Priscilla expelled from Rome?+

What was the significance of tentmaking in the early church?+

How did Aquila and Priscilla risk their lives for Paul?+