“Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus.” – Romans 16:3
Priscilla and Aquila’s faith and dedication set a powerful example for all Christians. Their lives show us how we can serve the Lord with what we have, helping others in the work of the gospel. Let’s look at their story and see how their example can encourage us to be “helpers in Jesus” today.
1. Sacrificing & Hospitality
“The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.” – 1 Corinthians 16:19
Priscilla and Aquila were willing to give what they had to support the church and help others come to know the Lord. By opening their home, they welcomed the church where believers could gather, worship, and grow. This wasn’t just about hospitality; it was a sacrifice of their resources for the sake of the gospel.
The Bible encourages us to practice this kind of hospitality. Romans 12:13 says, “Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality,” while 1 Peter 4:9 adds, “Use hospitality one to another without grudging.”
Today, hospitality can take many forms. We may not host a church in our home, but we can use what we have to serve others. Perhaps we can give someone a ride to church, invite a neighbor over for dinner, or open our home for church fellowship.
When we give what we have to the Lord, whether it’s our home, our time, or our resources, we are helping others to come to the Lord. Just like Priscilla and Aquila, our acts of generosity and hospitality can open doors for people to know Jesus and grow in faith.
2. Mentoring and Teaching Others
“And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.” – Acts 18:26
Priscilla and Aquila didn’t keep their understanding of God’s Word to themselves. When they encountered Apollos, a man with a powerful preaching gift but an incomplete understanding of the gospel, they took him aside and taught him “the way of God more perfectly.” They invested time and effort to help Apollos grow in the faith.
Today, we can follow this example by helping others grow spiritually. This might mean volunteering to teach a Sunday school class, working in the nursery, or taking time to disciple a new believer. It could even be sharing what we’ve learned in our personal Bible study to encourage others. Investing time to strengthen the faith of others is a powerful way to serve the Lord and to help strengthen His church.
3. Supporting Pastors and Church Leaders
“Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus: Who have for my life laid down their own necks.” – Romans 16:3-4
Paul speaks of Priscilla and Aquila as helpers who “laid down their own necks” for him. They were willing to take risks for Paul’s sake, showing their love and commitment to him and his mission.
Today, we can show our support for our pastor and church leaders in many ways. We can pray regularly for their strength and guidance, knowing that they carry a heavy responsibility. We might offer
encouragement, help with ministry tasks, or volunteer to assist in areas that ease their workload. Simple acts like these go a long way in showing our pastors and leaders that they are not alone in the work. Our support helps them stay strong and continue the work God has called them to do.
4. Being Willing to Relocate or Adapt for the Gospel
“After these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth; And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla.” – Acts 18:1-2
Priscilla and Aquila demonstrated a willingness to adapt to whatever God called them to do. Originally from Rome, they had to leave due to persecution, then moved to Corinth, Ephesus, and back to Rome. They remained open to God’s leading, moving wherever the gospel needed them.
In today’s world, we may not always be called to relocate, but God often asks us to step out of our comfort zones in different ways. This might mean serving in a ministry we didn’t plan for or helping in an area that stretches us. Some may even feel led to support new ministries or church plants. Being flexible and open to God’s call, even when it disrupts our plans, shows our dedication to His work, just like Priscilla and Aquila demonstrated.
5. Showing Courage and Commitment in Difficult Times
“Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles.” – Romans 16:4
The Bible doesn’t record all the details, but Paul mentions that Priscilla and Aquila risked their lives for his sake. Their courage and commitment to the gospel were evident, as they stood by Paul and the church even in times of danger.
Today, courage may look a little different, but it’s still needed. Standing for our faith might mean we face criticism or rejection. It could mean sacrificing personal gain or comfort to stay faithful. It takes courage to share the gospel in a world that often rejects it. Yet, by staying true to God, we honor His name and demonstrate that we are unashamed of the gospel.
Priscilla and Aquila were simple, hardworking people who lived their lives as helpers in the work of the gospel. They used what they had, gave of themselves, and stayed faithful to the end. As we remember their example, we can be inspired to find ways we, too, can be “helpers in Jesus,” supporting the church, serving others, and giving our all to the Lord
