Romans 16:3
Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus,
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Romans 16:3
Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus,
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
It's striking that Paul mentions Prisca first, before her husband Aquila. This is unusual for the time and likely indicates that Prisca was exceptionally active and recognized in their shared ministry within the Christian community.
Paul is concluding his letter to the Roman believers, and the final chapter is filled with personal greetings to individuals and groups within the church. He's sending specific messages of love and encouragement, highlighting people who have been significant in his ministry and in the life of the church, and this includes a remarkable couple who played a vital role in spreading the gospel.
Why does Paul mention Prisca before Aquila? It might reveal more about their roles in the early church than you think!
When we read "Greet Prisca and Aquila," it's easy to see them as just two more names in a long list. But Paul's choice to put Prisca's name first is significant.
A Shift in Prominence
Many scholars believe Prisca (or Priscilla, a diminutive of Prisca) was the more prominent figure. This wasn't typical in the ancient world, where men's roles were usually highlighted. However, the New Testament doesn't shy away from showing women in leadership and partnership.
Partners in Every Sense
They weren't just a couple; they were 'fellow workers.' This phrase means they actively partnered with Paul in spreading the gospel. We see this throughout their story: they worked alongside Paul in Corinth, later in Ephesus where they even instructed a powerful speaker named Apollos, and they hosted a church in their own home. Their home became a hub for Christian fellowship and teaching, showing their deep commitment and active participation.
Imagine being forced to leave your home, only to rebuild your life and ministry elsewhere... again and again. This was the reality for Prisca and Aquila.
Prisca and Aquila's story is one of incredible resilience. They faced significant upheaval, yet their faith and commitment never wavered.
Driven by Imperial Edicts
We first meet them in Corinth because Emperor Claudius had expelled all Jews from Rome. They lost their home and livelihood, forced to start over. Paul, also a tentmaker, lived and worked with them, forming a deep bond.
Relocation and Rebuilding
Later, they moved to Ephesus with Paul, where they became instrumental in teaching. Then, after Claudius's death, they felt it was safe to return to Rome, re-establishing their home as a church. Even later, Paul sends them greetings from Ephesus again, showing they continued to move and serve as needed.
Understand the original words
aspazomai · Greek Verb
A common greeting and sign of Christian affection and fellowship in the early church, emphasizing the unity and love shared by members of the body of Christ.
synergos · Greek Noun
Those who labor together in the work of the Gospel, emphasizing shared commitment, suffering, and purpose in advancing the Kingdom of God.
The journey of Prisca and Aquila from Rome to Corinth, then Ephesus, and back to Rome highlights the dynamic nature of early Christian communities and the significant roles laity, including married couples, played in spreading the gospel and supporting apostles like Paul.
c. AD 41
Claudius Expels Jews from Rome
Emperor Claudius issues an edict banishing Jews from Rome due to disturbances. This forces Aquila and Priscilla, who are Jewish artisans, to leave the city and relocate.
c. AD 41-43
Aquila and Priscilla Settle in Corinth
Aquila and Priscilla arrive in Corinth, a major Roman province in Greece. Here, they meet the Apostle Paul, who shares their trade of tentmaking.
c. AD 43-45
Paul Converts Aquila and Priscilla
While in Corinth, Paul ministers to Aquila and Priscilla, leading to their conversion to Christianity. They become significant co-workers with him.
c. AD 45
Relocation to Ephesus
Aquila and Priscilla accompany Paul from Corinth to Ephesus, a vital city in Asia Minor. They play a role in teaching Apollos the deeper truths of Christianity.
This passage introduces Prisca and Aquila, detailing their Jewish heritage, their expulsion from Rome, and their meeting with Paul in Corinth, providing essential background for their relationship with the apostle.
Acts 18:26Here we see Prisca and Aquila actively instructing Apollos in the way of God, highlighting their role as teachers and 'fellow workers' alongside Paul, not just in tent-making, but in spiritual matters.
1 Corinthians 16:19This verse shows them continuing their ministry by hosting a church in their home, demonstrating their commitment to the spread of the gospel and their importance to the early church communities.
2 Timothy 4:19This later mention of Prisca and Aquila, still in service and likely at Ephesus, shows their enduring faithfulness and continued partnership with Paul in his final days.
ellicottRomans 16:3: "Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus:"
(3) Priscilla. —The correct reading here is Prisca, of which form Priscilla is the diminutive. It is rather remarkable that the wife should be mentioned first. Perhaps it may be inferred that she was the more active and conspicuous of the two. Aquila was a Jew of Pontus, whom St. Paul had found with his wife at Corinth (Acts 18:1). They had there been converted by him, and afterwards appear in his company at Ephesus (Acts 18:…
barnesRomans 16:3: "Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus:"
Greet Priscilla and Aquila - Salute; implying the apostle's kind remembrance of them, and his wishes for their welfare. Priscilla - Priscilla was the wife of Aquila. They are mentioned in Acts 18:2, Acts 18:26; 1 Corinthians 16:19. Paul at first found them at Corinth. Aquila was a Jew, born in Pontus, who had resided at Rome, and who had left Rome, and come to Corinth, when Claudius expelled the Jews from Rome; see the notes…
It's striking that Paul mentions Prisca first, before her husband Aquila. This is unusual for the time and likely indicates that Prisca was exceptionally active and recognized in their shared ministry within the Christian community.
Paul is concluding his letter to the Roman believers, and the final chapter is filled with personal greetings to individuals and groups within the church. He's sending specific messages of love and encouragement, highlighting people who have been significant in his ministry and in the life of the church, and this includes a remarkable couple who played a vital role in spreading the gospel.
Paul is concluding his letter to the Roman believers, and the final chapter is filled with personal greetings to individuals and groups within the church. He's sending specific messages of love and encouragement, highlighting people who have been significant in his ministry and in the life of the church, and this includes a remarkable couple who played a vital role in spreading the gospel.
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Steadfast in Service
Through these constant shifts, they remained 'fellow workers in Christ Jesus.' Their ministry wasn't tied to one location but to the broader mission of spreading the gospel. Their lives show us that God can use us powerfully, even when our circumstances are unstable.
c. AD 57-59
Paul Writes 1 Corinthians from Ephesus
While Paul is in Ephesus, he writes his first letter to the church in Corinth. Aquila and Priscilla, still in Ephesus, send their greetings to the Corinthian believers.
c. AD 59-62— this verse
Return to Rome
Following Claudius' death and the repeal of his edict, Aquila and Priscilla return to Rome. They establish a house church there, as indicated by Paul's letter.
c. AD 64-68
Potential Return to Ephesus
By the time Paul writes his second letter to Timothy, Aquila and Priscilla may have returned to Ephesus, suggesting their ministry spanned multiple significant cities.
"Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus," — It's striking that Paul mentions Prisca first, before her husband Aquila. This is unusual for the time and likely indicates that Prisca was exceptionally active and recognized in their shared ministr…