Romans 16:3-4
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)
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It's easy to gloss over this simple greeting, but Paul's choice to list Prisca before Aquila might hint that she was particularly prominent and active in their shared ministry, even potentially outshining her husband in Christian work. This also subtly elevates the role of women in the early church, recognizing their vital contributions as "fellow-workers" alongside men.
Paul is nearing the end of his letter to the Romans and now offers personal greetings to individuals he knows and loves in the church there. He highlights Priscilla and Aquila, a married couple who had previously been forced to leave Rome, but have now returned and are actively involved in supporting Paul's ministry. Their presence in Rome includes hosting a church gathering in their home, a testament to their faith and commitment.
Ever wonder if there are Bible heroes who aren't solo acts? Paul’s greeting to Prisca and Aquila highlights a powerful partnership.
Paul’s greeting isn't just a quick hello; it's a rich commendation. He names Prisca (often called Priscilla) and Aquila together, calling them his "fellow workers."
A Dynamic Duo
This isn't just a passing mention. The Scriptures show them as a team, often mentioned side-by-side:
A Woman in the Lead?
Interestingly, Paul often mentions Prisca before Aquila. This might indicate she was particularly prominent in their shared ministry, perhaps even more so than her husband. It’s a beautiful picture of women being vital partners in the early church's mission.
Imagine being forced to leave your home, only to build a new life and ministry in a foreign land. That was Prisca and Aquila's story.
Prisca and Aquila’s lives weren't always smooth sailing. They experienced significant upheaval that tested and strengthened their faith.
Driven by Imperial Decree
They were Jewish Christians who had lived in Rome. However, Emperor Claudius issued an edict expelling Jews from the city. This forced Prisca and Aquila to leave Rome and resettle in Corinth (as seen in Acts 18:2).
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.
Priscilla and Aquila's journey—expelled from Rome, finding work and ministry in Corinth and Ephesus, and then returning to Rome—shows their resilience and deep commitment to Christ's work, even as their location shifted.
c. AD 41
Claudius Expels Jews from Rome
Emperor Claudius issued an edict banishing Jews from Rome, forcing many, including Aquila and his wife Priscilla, to leave the city.
c. AD 43-45
Aquila and Priscilla Settle in Corinth
Having left Rome, Aquila and Priscilla settled in Corinth, where they met the Apostle Paul. They were tentmakers by trade, and Paul worked alongside them.
c. AD 47-49
Paul and Couple Move to Ephesus
Paul, Aquila, and Priscilla traveled together from Corinth to Ephesus. They later stayed in Ephesus, where Aquila and Priscilla instructed Apollos in the way of the Lord.
c. AD 50— this verse
Return to Rome
After Claudius's death and the repeal of his edict, Aquila and Priscilla returned to Rome and established a church in their home.
This passage introduces Priscilla and Aquila, detailing their Jewish background and how Paul first encountered them in Corinth, laying the groundwork for their future ministry together.
Acts 18:18-26Here, we see Priscilla and Aquila actively involved in ministry alongside Paul in Ephesus, even taking the initiative to teach Apollos more accurately about the way of God, highlighting their role as 'fellow workers'.
1 Corinthians 16:19This verse shows Priscilla and Aquila's continued partnership with Paul and their hospitality, as they hosted a church in their home, mirroring the mention in Romans 16:5.
2 Timothy 4:19This later mention by Paul indicates that Priscilla and Aquila continued to be active and valuable in ministry until Paul's final days, showing their enduring commitment.
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 easy to gloss over this simple greeting, but Paul's choice to list Prisca before Aquila might hint that she was particularly prominent and active in their shared ministry, even potentially outshining her husband in Christian work. This also subtly elevates the role of women in the early church, recognizing their vital contributions as "fellow-workers" alongside men.
Paul is nearing the end of his letter to the Romans and now offers personal greetings to individuals he knows and loves in the church there. He highlights Priscilla and Aquila, a married couple who had previously been forced to leave Rome, but have now returned and are actively involved in supporting Paul's ministry. Their presence in Rome includes hosting a church gathering in their home, a testament to their faith and commitment.
Paul is nearing the end of his letter to the Romans and now offers personal greetings to individuals he knows and loves in the church there. He highlights Priscilla and Aquila, a married couple who had previously been forced to leave Rome, but have now returned and are actively involved in supporting Paul's ministry. Their presence in Rome includes hosting a church gathering in their home, a testament to their faith and commitment.
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Ministry Amidst Hardship
Instead of withdrawing, they seemed to embrace their new circumstances. They connected with Paul in Corinth and became key figures in his ministry. Later, they returned to Rome after Claudius’s death, and then possibly back to Ephesus, showing incredible resilience and commitment to spreading the gospel wherever they went.
Risking It All
Their dedication went beyond just teaching. The commentaries suggest they even "laid down their own necks" for Paul’s life, meaning they risked everything to protect him. This couple’s faith wasn’t just theoretical; it was lived out in practical service, courage, and unwavering commitment, even through personal hardship.
c. AD 64
Priscilla and Aquila Likely Back in Ephesus
Though Paul addresses them as being in Rome in Romans, later references suggest they may have returned to Ephesus by this time, possibly due to the Nero's persecution.
"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 easy to gloss over this simple greeting, but Paul's choice to list Prisca before Aquila might hint that she was particularly prominent and active in their shared ministry, even potentially out…
