Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, who risked their necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks but all the churches of the Gentiles give thanks as well.
English Standard Version (ESV)
It's striking that Paul mentions Prisca before her husband Aquila, which suggests she was the more prominent or active partner in their ministry. This couple wasn't just passively supportive; they were "fellow-workers" who had actively risked their lives for Paul and played a key role in teaching others, even someone as influential as Apollos.
Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, who risked their necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks but all the churches of the Gentiles give thanks as well.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is wrapping up his letter to the Romans with a series of personal greetings to individuals and groups within the church. In this section, he asks the Roman believers to greet a couple named Prisca and Aquila, whom he highlights as his dedicated partners in ministry. This couple, previously encountered by Paul and featured in the book of Acts, had a significant role in spreading the gospel, even to the point of risking their lives for him.
Paul calls Prisca and Aquila his 'fellow workers.' What did this practically mean in the early church, and why does it matter for us today?
When Paul refers to Prisca and Aquila as his "fellow workers" (Greek: synergous), he’s not just giving them a friendly title. This term points to their active participation and partnership in the gospel ministry.
A Shared Ministry
This partnership highlights that ministry isn't just for designated leaders but for all believers who join forces for the sake of the gospel.
Ask a follow-up
It's striking that Paul mentions Prisca before her husband Aquila. What does this tell us about her role and the place of women in the early church?
The order in which Paul names Prisca and Aquila—Prisca first—is significant and offers a glimpse into the valuable roles women played in the early Christian movement.
A Prominent Partner
This example challenges modern assumptions about gender roles in ministry and highlights the essential contributions of women like Prisca.
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 Aquila and Priscilla from Rome to Corinth, then Ephesus, and back to Rome highlights the dynamic nature of early Christian communities and the constant movement of believers who often established 'house churches' wherever they settled.
c. AD 41-54
Claudius Expels Jews from Rome
Emperor Claudius issues an edict forcing Jews to leave Rome, an event that likely led Aquila and Priscilla to relocate to Corinth.
c. AD 50-52
Paul Meets Aquila and Priscilla in Corinth
Paul, a tentmaker like them, encounters Aquila and Priscilla in Corinth, where they become believers and Paul's close companions.
c. AD 52-53
Paul, Aquila, and Priscilla Travel to Ephesus
Paul, Aquila, and Priscilla journey together to Ephesus. Aquila and Priscilla establish a church in their home there.
c. AD 53-55
Aquila and Priscilla Instruct Apollos
While Paul is away, Aquila and Priscilla play a vital role in further instructing the eloquent Apollos in the way of the Lord in Ephesus.
c. AD 57
Aquila and Priscilla Send Greetings from Ephesus
From Ephesus, Aquila and Priscilla send greetings to the Corinthian church, indicating they are still based there.
c. AD 57-58— this verse
Aquila and Priscilla Return to Rome
Following Claudius's death and the repeal of his edict, Aquila and Priscilla return to Rome, establishing a house church there.
c. AD 64-67
Aquila and Priscilla Possibly Return to Ephesus
Later in Paul's ministry, Aquila and Priscilla may have returned to Ephesus, as suggested by a reference in one of Paul's final letters.
This passage introduces Priscilla and Aquila, detailing their expulsion from Rome and their initial encounter with Paul in Corinth, setting the stage for their future ministry alongside him.
Acts 18:18-19Here, Priscilla and Aquila are shown accompanying Paul to Ephesus, where they played a crucial role in instructing Apollos, highlighting their active participation in ministry.
1 Corinthians 16:19This verse shows them continuing their ministry in Ephesus, even hosting a church in their home, underscoring their dedication and hospitality within the early church.
2 Timothy 4:19This later mention shows them still active and serving alongside Paul, indicating their enduring commitment and partnership in the gospel, even 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 before her husband Aquila, which suggests she was the more prominent or active partner in their ministry. This couple wasn't just passively supportive; they were "fellow-workers" who had actively risked their lives for Paul and played a key role in teaching others, even someone as influential as Apollos.
Paul is wrapping up his letter to the Romans with a series of personal greetings to individuals and groups within the church. In this section, he asks the Roman believers to greet a couple named Prisca and Aquila, whom he highlights as his dedicated partners in ministry. This couple, previously encountered by Paul and featured in the book of Acts, had a significant role in spreading the gospel, even to the point of risking their lives for him.
Paul is wrapping up his letter to the Romans with a series of personal greetings to individuals and groups within the church. In this section, he asks the Roman believers to greet a couple named Prisca and Aquila, whom he highlights as his dedicated partners in ministry. This couple, previously encountered by Paul and featured in the book of Acts, had a significant role in spreading the gospel, even to the point of risking their lives for him.
"Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, who risked their necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks but all the churches of the Gentiles give thanks as well." — It's striking that Paul mentions Prisca before her husband Aquila, which suggests she was the more prominent or active partner in their ministry. This couple wasn't just passively supportive; they we…
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Last reviewed October 2026