It's striking that Paul mentions Prisca first, not her husband Aquila. This suggests she might have been the more prominent or active partner in their shared ministry and service within the early church.
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. Greet also the church in their house. Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in Asia.
English Standard Version (ESV)
In the closing chapter of his letter, Paul shifts from theological arguments to personal greetings, offering a warm farewell to the Roman believers. He begins by commending Phoebe, a deaconess who likely delivered the letter, and then offers a series of personal salutations to individuals and house churches. This section reveals the interconnectedness of the early Christian communities and highlights the vital role of both prominent leaders and everyday believers in spreading the faith.
Ever wonder about the dynamics of Paul's closest companions? Prisca and Aquila weren't just husband and wife; they were a powerhouse team in the early church.
Paul’s salutation in Romans 16:3, "Greet Prisca and Aquila my fellow workers in Christ Jesus," highlights their significant partnership. While Luke, the author of Acts, sometimes mentions Aquila first, Paul here, and in Acts 18:26, places Prisca's name before Aquila's. This isn't accidental! Many scholars believe it suggests Prisca was perhaps more prominent or actively involved in their ministry. They were a team, sharing their skills and faith, as evidenced by their joint effort in teaching Apollos in Ephesus (Acts 18:26). Their story reminds us that ministry can flourish through the combined strengths of a couple, working side-by-side.
Imagine being uprooted and resettled multiple times due to political turmoil. Prisca and Aquila faced this, yet their faith remained a constant.
The history of Prisca and Aquila is marked by significant geographical shifts, often dictated by Roman emperors. They were originally from Pontus (modern-day Turkey) but had settled in Rome, only to be expelled by Emperor Claudius's decree against Jews (Acts 18:2). This forced them to Corinth, where Paul met them and lived with them, sharing in their tent-making trade. Later, they moved with Paul to Ephesus and eventually returned to Rome, as Paul notes in this very chapter. Their journey, from Rome to Corinth, to Ephesus, and back to Rome, shows incredible resilience. They weren't just passive travelers; they established house churches wherever they went, demonstrating their commitment to Christ even amidst instability.
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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.
aparchē · Greek Noun
One who has turned from sin and the world to faith in Jesus Christ, receiving the Holy Spirit and entering into a new life of obedience to Him.
The mention of Prisca and Aquila highlights their significant, mobile ministry as tentmakers and church planters who partnered with Paul across multiple cities, demonstrating the dynamic and often itinerant nature of early Christian leadership.
c. AD 41
Claudius Expels Jews from Rome
Emperor Claudius issues an edict forcing Jews to leave Rome, likely due to disturbances related to the spread of Christianity. Aquila and Priscilla, both Jewish, are displaced and move to Corinth.
c. AD 50
Paul Meets Aquila and Priscilla in Corinth
The Apostle Paul arrives in Corinth and meets Aquila and Priscilla, who share his trade of tentmaking. He stays and ministers with them, and they likely become believers during this time.
c. AD 51-52
Paul and Partners Travel to Ephesus
Paul, accompanied by Aquila and Priscilla, leaves Corinth and travels to Ephesus. They stay there for an extended period, and Aquila and Priscilla become key figures in the Ephesian church, even instructing others like Apollos.
c. AD 54
Death of Claudius
The death of Emperor Claudius lifts the ban on Jews in Rome. This likely provides the opportunity for Aquila and Priscilla to return to their home city.
c. AD 57— this verse
Prisca and Aquila Establish a Church in Rome
By the time Paul writes his letter to the Romans, Aquila and Priscilla have returned to Rome and established a house church. They are recognized for their significant contributions to the Christian cause and their partnership with Paul.
c. AD 67
Prisca and Aquila in Ephesus
Later, Paul's second letter to Timothy suggests that Prisca and Aquila may have returned to Ephesus again, continuing their ministry.
This passage introduces Priscilla and Aquila, recounting how Paul met them in Corinth and how they became involved in his ministry, providing context for their role as 'fellow workers'.
1 Corinthians 16:19This verse shows Priscilla and Aquila extending greetings from their house church, highlighting their continued involvement in the spread of the gospel and their hospitality to believers.
Acts 18:26This passage details Priscilla and Aquila taking Apollos aside to explain the way of God more accurately, demonstrating their active role in teaching and discipleship alongside Paul.
2 Timothy 4:19This later mention of Priscilla and Aquila shows they are still active in ministry, even returning to Ephesus, underscoring their enduring commitment and resilience in serving Christ.
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, not her husband Aquila. This suggests she might have been the more prominent or active partner in their shared ministry and service within the early church.
In the closing chapter of his letter, Paul shifts from theological arguments to personal greetings, offering a warm farewell to the Roman believers. He begins by commending Phoebe, a deaconess who likely delivered the letter, and then offers a series of personal salutations to individuals and house churches. This section reveals the interconnectedness of the early Christian communities and highlights the vital role of both prominent leaders and everyday believers in spreading the faith.
In the closing chapter of his letter, Paul shifts from theological arguments to personal greetings, offering a warm farewell to the Roman believers. He begins by commending Phoebe, a deaconess who likely delivered the letter, and then offers a series of personal salutations to individuals and house churches. This section reveals the interconnectedness of the early Christian communities and highlights the vital role of both prominent leaders and everyday believers in spreading the faith.
"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. Greet also the church in their house. Greet my beloved…" — It's striking that Paul mentions Prisca first, not her husband Aquila. This suggests she might have been the more prominent or active partner in their shared ministry and service within the early chu…
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Last reviewed October 2026
