Aquila was a Jewish believer, originally from Pontus (on the southern coast of the Black Sea in Asia Minor), who, along with his wife Priscilla, became one of the Apostle Paul’s closest friends, colleagues, and most valued fellow workers in the Gospel ministry.
🏛️ The Exile and the Friendship
Aquila and Priscilla first appear in the city of Corinth. They had recently been forced to leave Rome due to an edict issued by the Roman Emperor Claudius (c. 49 A.D.) which commanded all Jews to leave the city.
“And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla; (because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome:) and came unto them.” (Acts 18:2, KJV)
When Paul arrived in Corinth, he immediately sought them out because they shared the same trade: tentmaking (or leatherworking). Paul lodged with them and worked with them, forming a powerful, enduring friendship and partnership built on shared labor and shared faith.
“And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers.” (Acts 18:3, KJV)
✝️ A Foundational Ministry
Aquila and Priscilla were truly itinerant missionaries. After their time in Corinth, they accompanied Paul to Ephesus and established a church there. Their most notable action in Ephesus was their patient instruction of the eloquent but theologically incomplete preacher, Apollos:
“And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus… 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.” (Acts 18:24, 26, KJV)
They corrected Apollos’s understanding, teaching him the full truth of the Gospel, after which he became a powerful force for Christ.
Later, the couple returned to Rome, where they hosted a church in their house (Romans 16:3-5, KJV), and then once again reappeared in Ephesus (2 Timothy 4:19, KJV).
🤝 The Ultimate Sacrifice
Paul held Aquila and Priscilla in the highest esteem, referring to them as his “helpers” (Romans 16:3, KJV). He honored them with one of the most powerful expressions of gratitude in his letters, indicating the danger they faced for his sake:
“Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus: Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles.” (Romans 16:3-4, KJV)
Their willingness to risk death for Paul’s life makes them exemplars of courageous loyalty and radical Christian partnership. Aquila and Priscilla’s combined life and work represent the best of the early church ministry—a powerful partnership in marriage, ministry, and missions.