Greet Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus.
English Standard Version (ESV)
All verses
2 Timothy 4:19
What does 2 Timothy 4:19 mean?
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2 Timothy 4:19
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It's easy to see this as just a list of names, but Paul's inclusion of these specific households highlights the vital, often unseen, work of ordinary believers in supporting ministry. He's not just sending greetings; he's publicly acknowledging and honoring those who provided essential hospitality and companionship to him, a powerful reminder that behind every great work of faith, there are often unsung heroes.
Greet Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is concluding his final letter, offering personal greetings to various individuals and leaders within the early church. This verse follows his strong exhortations to Timothy regarding faithfulness in ministry and sound doctrine, serving as a warm, human touch at the end of deeply significant instructions. He’s signing off, as it were, by remembering the people who have supported him and the broader work of the gospel.
Paul’s final words aren't just greetings; they highlight a vital ministry he experienced. Who are these people and what made them so special?
A Foundation of Faith and Friendship
Paul opens this final letter with a prayer for grace and peace, but he closes it with a deeply personal touch, remembering those who supported him. Prisca and Aquila were a husband-and-wife team who, along with Paul, were tentmakers (Acts 18:3). They were also instrumental in the early church, even correcting a powerful preacher named Apollos in their home.
Opening Your Home
Their ministry was one of hospitality – opening their home to traveling ministers like Paul and hosting church gatherings. In a time when travel was difficult and dangerous, this was a significant sacrifice and a crucial form of support. They didn't just offer a place to stay; they offered community, safety, and spiritual encouragement.
A Legacy of Service
Paul specifically mentions their "household," indicating that their faith and service extended to their entire family or those under their care. This shows a comprehensive commitment to God and to His people.
One name stands out for a particular act of bravery. What did Onesiphorus do that earned such a special mention from Paul?
A Beacon in Dark Times
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The mention of Onesiphorus's household is preceded by a powerful prayer for God's mercy on Onesiphorus himself (2 Timothy 1:16-18). Paul recalls how Onesiphorus "often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains." In the context of Paul's imprisonment and facing potential execution, this wasn't a small thing.
Unashamed Support
To associate with a prisoner of Rome, especially one accused of sedition, was dangerous. Onesiphorus deliberately sought Paul out in Rome, a large and intimidating city, and provided him with comfort and refreshment. His actions demonstrated profound courage and loyalty when others had fallen away.
A Model of Steadfastness
Paul’s prayer for mercy and his concluding greeting to Onesiphorus's household show that true faithfulness often comes at a cost. It’s about standing with believers, especially when they are suffering, and refusing to be ashamed of Christ or His servants.
This verse highlights the intimate, relational nature of the early church. Paul, facing his own execution, sends greetings not just to prominent leaders but to specific households, commending their loyalty and service to him and the wider Christian mission.
c. AD 41
Claudius Expels Jews from Rome
Roman Emperor Claudius issues an edict banishing Jews from Rome, forcing many, including Priscilla and Aquila, to leave the city. This event scattered early Christian communities.
c. AD 50-52
Paul in Corinth
The Apostle Paul resides in Corinth for an extended period, where he meets and works with Priscilla and Aquila, who were tentmakers like himself. They become key companions in his ministry.
c. AD 52
Priscilla and Aquila Return to Rome
After Claudius's death, Priscilla and Aquila move back to Rome and establish a church in their home. Their home becomes a vital center for early Christian gatherings.
c. AD 64-68— this verse
Paul's Final Imprisonment in Rome
The Apostle Paul is imprisoned in Rome during a time of intense persecution under Emperor Nero. He writes his final known letter, 2 Timothy, from this prison.
c. AD 67
Onesiphorus Aids Paul
During Paul's final imprisonment, Onesiphorus bravely traveled to Rome and ministered to Paul, bringing him comfort and support despite the danger. This act of loyalty is specifically commended by Paul.
This passage introduces Prisca and Aquila, the same couple mentioned in 2 Timothy, highlighting their background and relationship with the Apostle Paul.
Acts 18:18It describes Paul staying with Prisca and Aquila in Corinth, showing the deep connection and shared ministry that likely led to their inclusion in his greetings.
Romans 16:3-4Paul sends greetings to Prisca and Aquila here as well, calling them his 'fellow workers' and noting that they risked their lives for him, underscoring their significant support for his ministry.
1 Corinthians 16:19This verse also mentions the church meeting in the home of Prisca and Aquila, emphasizing their role as hosts and pillars within the early Christian community.
It's easy to see this as just a list of names, but Paul's inclusion of these specific households highlights the vital, often unseen, work of ordinary believers in supporting ministry. He's not just sending greetings; he's publicly acknowledging and honoring those who provided essential hospitality and companionship to him, a powerful reminder that behind every great work of faith, there are often unsung heroes.
Paul is concluding his final letter, offering personal greetings to various individuals and leaders within the early church. This verse follows his strong exhortations to Timothy regarding faithfulness in ministry and sound doctrine, serving as a warm, human touch at the end of deeply significant instructions. He’s signing off, as it were, by remembering the people who have supported him and the broader work of the gospel.
Paul is concluding his final letter, offering personal greetings to various individuals and leaders within the early church. This verse follows his strong exhortations to Timothy regarding faithfulness in ministry and sound doctrine, serving as a warm, human touch at the end of deeply significant instructions. He’s signing off, as it were, by remembering the people who have supported him and the broader work of the gospel.
"Greet Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus." — It's easy to see this as just a list of names, but Paul's inclusion of these specific households highlights the vital, often unseen, work of ordinary believers in supporting ministry. He's not just s…
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Last reviewed October 2026