Priscilla

Priscilla

Teacher and Co-worker with Paul

New Testament

Priscilla (also called Prisca) was the wife of Aquila and a prominent early Christian teacher. She and her husband worked alongside Paul as tentmakers and ministry partners. They notably took Apollos aside to teach him "the way of God more accurately."

Character Traits

Theologically knowledgeableHospitable leaderCourageous

Life Timeline

Early Christian Era50-52 AD

Priscilla and her husband Aquila meet the apostle Paul in Corinth after being expelled from Rome by Emperor Claudius. As fellow tentmakers, they work together and become close ministry partners. Paul stays with them for eighteen months, establishing the Corinthian church.

ACT 18:1-3
Missionary Journey52 AD

Priscilla and Aquila accompany Paul to Ephesus, where Paul leaves them to continue the ministry. They establish themselves in this important commercial city and begin building relationships within the Jewish and Christian communities. Their home becomes a center for Christian fellowship and teaching.

ACT 18:18-19
Teaching Ministry53-54 AD

Priscilla and Aquila hear Apollos, an eloquent and learned man, teaching about Jesus but with incomplete knowledge. They take him aside privately and explain the way of God more accurately, helping him understand the full gospel message. This demonstrates Priscilla's theological knowledge and teaching ability.

ACT 18:24-26
Church Leadership55-57 AD

Priscilla and Aquila host a church in their home in Ephesus, providing leadership and pastoral care to the growing Christian community. Paul acknowledges their sacrificial service, noting they risked their lives for him. Their house church becomes an important center for Christian worship and evangelism.

1CO 16:19
Return to Rome57-58 AD

Priscilla and Aquila return to Rome after the political climate improves, where they again establish a house church. Paul greets them warmly in his letter to the Romans, calling them his fellow workers in Christ Jesus. Their consistent ministry across multiple cities demonstrates their commitment to spreading the gospel.

ROM 16:3-4

Key Relationships

Key Locations

Spiritual Lessons

The Power of Hospitality in Ministry

Priscilla's example shows how opening one's home can become a powerful ministry tool. Her house churches provided safe spaces for believers to gather, worship, and grow in faith. Hospitality remains a crucial spiritual gift for building community and advancing God's kingdom.

Teaching with Wisdom and Grace

When correcting Apollos' incomplete understanding, Priscilla demonstrated how to teach with both accuracy and gentleness. She and Aquila took him aside privately rather than publicly embarrassing him. This shows the importance of correcting others with love and respect while maintaining doctrinal truth.

Partnership in Ministry

Priscilla's ministry alongside her husband Aquila illustrates the beautiful potential of married couples serving God together. Their shared commitment to the gospel strengthened their marriage and multiplied their ministry effectiveness. Unity in purpose creates powerful witness for Christ.

Key Verses

Frequently Asked Questions

View journey on map