1 Corinthians 16:19
The churches of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Prisca, together with the church in their house, send you hearty greetings in the Lord.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
What’s beautiful here is that the "church" isn't just a building or a grand institution; it's literally the people gathering in a home. It shows us that community and authentic connection, not just formal structures, are the heartbeat of God's people.
Paul is wrapping up his letter to the Corinthian church, a community he poured a lot into but also had to correct significantly. This verse is part of his final greetings and practical instructions, showing how connected the early believers were across different regions. It highlights the importance of "house churches" as vital centers of community and Christian fellowship in the Roman world.
Ever feel like church is just a building or a Sunday service? Paul's letters remind us it's so much more.
In this verse, we see greetings coming not just from 'the church of Asia' but specifically from 'the church in their house.' This highlights a beautiful truth: the church, at its core, is a community of people, not a physical structure.
For Aquila and Prisca, their home was the church. This was common in the early days of Christianity. Believers gathered in homes, sharing life, faith, and the Word together. This wasn't a lesser form of church; it was the vibrant, living expression of Christ's body in their community.
Aquila and Prisca are mentioned multiple times in the New Testament, always together. What can we learn from their example?
Aquila and Prisca were a powerhouse couple in the early church. They were tentmakers by trade, just like Paul, and worked alongside him in ministry. Here, they are recognized not just as individuals but as a unit, 'together with the church in their house.'
Their partnership wasn't just about their marriage; it was about their shared commitment to the Gospel. They hosted gatherings, they taught, and they were clearly influential figures. Their 'hearty greetings' are a testament to their deep connection to the Lord and their fellow believers. They show us that ministry and life are often best lived out in partnership.
Understand the original words
aspazontai · Greek Verb
The formal expression of goodwill, love, or warm regard toward others; in the New Testament, it represents the bond of unity and peace shared between believers.
Kyriō · Greek Noun
Referring to the status of a person in relation to Christ; the primary sphere of existence for the believer, signifying authority, belonging, and salvation.
The mention of Aquila and Prisca's house church in Rome highlights the early Christian practice of forming intimate communities within domestic spaces, demonstrating their resilience and adaptability across different cities and under varying political climates.
c. AD 49
Expulsion of Jews from Rome
The Roman Emperor Claudius expelled Jews from Rome, including Aquila and Prisca, due to disturbances related to "Chrestus."
c. AD 50-52
Ministry in Corinth
Aquila and Prisca settled in Corinth, where they met Paul and worked alongside him as tentmakers.
c. AD 52-56
Relocation to Ephesus
Aquila and Prisca moved with Paul to Ephesus, a major city in the Roman province of Asia.
c. AD 56-57— this verse
Return to Rome
Aquila and Prisca returned to Rome, establishing a house church in their home that became a center for Christian community.
c. AD 64
This passage also highlights the importance of a specific couple, Priscilla and Aquila, who were foundational leaders in the early church and hosted gatherings in their home.
Colossians 4:15This verse offers another example of a specific house church greeting believers, showing that this was a common and meaningful way for the early church to communicate and express fellowship.
Philemon 1:1-2This letter begins with a greeting to a specific individual and 'the church in his house,' reinforcing the idea of the church being intimately connected to the homes of believers.
Acts 18:24-26This passage introduces Priscilla and Aquila, showing their dedication to teaching and ministry, which provides context for their significant role in leading a house church.
What’s beautiful here is that the "church" isn't just a building or a grand institution; it's literally the people gathering in a home. It shows us that community and authentic connection, not just formal structures, are the heartbeat of God's people.
Paul is wrapping up his letter to the Corinthian church, a community he poured a lot into but also had to correct significantly. This verse is part of his final greetings and practical instructions, showing how connected the early believers were across different regions. It highlights the importance of "house churches" as vital centers of community and Christian fellowship in the Roman world.
Paul is wrapping up his letter to the Corinthian church, a community he poured a lot into but also had to correct significantly. This verse is part of his final greetings and practical instructions, showing how connected the early believers were across different regions. It highlights the importance of "house churches" as vital centers of community and Christian fellowship in the Roman world.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about 1 Corinthians 16:19 is available in the Sola app.
Great Fire of Rome
A devastating fire swept through Rome, leading to persecution of Christians under Emperor Nero, during which Aquila and Prisca may have suffered martyrdom.
"The churches of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Prisca, together with the church in their house, send you hearty greetings in the Lord." — What’s beautiful here is that the "church" isn't just a building or a grand institution; it's literally the people gathering in a home. It shows us that community and authentic connection, not just…
