Priscilla and Aquila were tentmakers who had been among the Jews expelled from Rome by the Roman Emperor Claudius in the year 49. They ended up in Corinth, where Paul, the apostle, lived with them for approximately 18 months. Together with Paul they left Corinth, but they stopped at Ephesus now part of modern Turkey.
One of the things that strikes you about this first-century couple is the adaptability that they had to have in their semi-nomadic lives, first in Rome, then in Corinth, and then in Ephesus. Who knows where their travels led them after that. The following things proved true of this godly pair.
- They were prepared in terms of their knowledge of the word of God. As a result they were able to teach Apollos and aid his growth.
- They were prepared in terms of their mobility. They were clearly not mentally lashed to any one city or general location but could move when necessary. Or call “mobility” their awareness of where need was and how they could best serve it.
- They were prepared in their understanding of their gifts and how to best use them for the benefit of the Kingdom of God.
- They were prepared by a portable trade that they could take anywhere. They manufactured tents which were in wide demand around the world.
Tradition says that Priscilla was an apostle in the church. giving us some insight into her wisdom and passion for the good news and the kingdom of God. If the tradition of Priscilla’s apostleship is true, then she would have been alert for the security of each local church of which she was a part.
Another tradition says that Priscilla and Aquila died as martyrs. In other words, they were prepared for whatever direction life and God took them. What Paul wrote to the Philippians.
Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. 13 For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. Philippians 4:11-13.
Because of their preparation, every new situation they experienced was lived with certainty and contentedness.
Prayer: O God of our supply, help us to live and Priscilla and Aquila did, rising to every new occasion with the assurance that you are in it, helping us to live with a prepared spirit. In Jesus’ name. Amen.