A Daily Purpose

Bible Study & Devotional (Day 178)

Read Today’s Passages (June 27, 2022)

🔴 “The dynamic duo – Priscilla and Aquila.”

Contributing Writer: Holly Rigos

Paul arrived in Corinth, a refuge city for persecuted Jews traveling from Rome under the rule of Emperor Claudius. He expelled all Jews from Rome, and no doubt, Jews deemed it unsafe to remain in any part of Italy.

In Acts 18:2-3, it says,

2“There he met a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla because Claudius had ordered all Jews to leave Rome.”

3“Paul went to see them, and because he was a tentmaker as they were, he stayed and worked with them.”

From the first three verses, we have learned that:

Aquila is married to Priscilla
They have a strong marriage since they traveled together into a strange land full of unknowns
Obedient to God’s Word because they were being persecuted
Workers since they were known as tentmakers
Hospitable because they allowed Paul to stay with them

Priscilla and Aquila are mentioned again in verses 18-19 when they LEAVE their home AGAIN to follow Paul’s ministry into another foreign land!

All couples could learn a thing or two if they studied how they, as a married couple and ministry, support the church, spread the gospel, support, educate, and train up young preachers and how their hospitality became a breeding ground for building the church.

Priscilla and Aquila are mentioned by name six times in the New Testament, always together as a couple (Acts 18:2-3, Acts 18-19, Acts 26; Rom 16:3-5; 1Cor 16:19; 2Tim 4:19).

They exercised leadership among the fledgling churches and were held in high esteem. Their partnership highlights one ministry model in the early church (see Rom 16:7; 1Cor 9:5). Paul calls them his “coworkers” in preaching the gospel, praises their willingness to take on risks (Rom 16:3-4), and twice reports that people meet in their home (Rom 16:5; 1Cor 16:19).

So, what does it mean to be a modern-day missionary by looking at Aquila and Priscilla in the book of Acts?

Be Ready to Move – They were diligent and wise because they heeded the warnings in their hometown to leave persecution when prompted by God. They were also willing to stay and support him when Paul was told to stay in Corinth, even after he was persecuted! However, after Paul’s ministry was complete in Corinth, they were once again willing and DID move where the Lord prompted them. Are you in a place in your heart, mind, and spirit to heed the Lord’s calling? Are you ready to move?
Be Teachable – It says that Aquila was a Jew, yet he opened his home to the CHRISTIAN Jew, Paul. It’s impossible to know if they were already believers when they were forced out of Rome or if they became Christians through their relationship with Paul. Either way, they came to know, understand, and share the gospel of Jesus Christ. They had teachable spirits and ears to hear the truth. Are you willing to learn more? Study more? To have a teachable spirit?
Be Bold – When Apollos arrived in Ephesus, the boldness of the couple was evident. Even though he was a known preacher, they were willing to take him aside in humility to teach him the FULL good news of Jesus Christ so he could spread the truth in its totality! Are you bold enough to refute false doctrine? To teach the young believers? To speak truth in the face of adversity?

The dynamic duo in marriage, in faith, and ministry.

Holly Rigos

Wife.Mom.Storyteller.Photographer.Teacher.TechDIYer.Believer.

After enduring two family members succumbing to cancer, two family friends were killed in the line of duty only then to watch my own husband battle Lymphoma in his 30s. I was at a crossroads with my faith – I could either TRUST GOD or not. I choose to TRUST and CAPTURE our legacy for God’s glory. GOD is knitting our story – I believe in the redeeming love of my Lord and Savior. To tell my story is to tell HIS. How is God knitting YOUR story?

This devotional was submitted by Holly Rigos, a loving contributor to Our Given Purpose. Edited by Torrie Slaughter the founder of Our Given Purpose® in the Commonwealth of Virginia.