Partners in Leadership

"When Priscilla and Aquila heard him (Apollos) they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately."  Acts 18:26

(Readings for the week: Acts 18:1-4, 18-28; Romans 16:3-5; 1 Corinthians 16:19; 2 Timothy 4:19.  Chapter 10 of Women of the New Testament by Phyllis J. LePeau)

Partnerships can work in many ways and take many forms.  In our readings this week, we are given a glimpse into an inspiring couple, Priscilla and Aquila.  They were Jews who had been kicked out of Rome and ran into Paul in Corinth.  They happened to be in the same business as Paul, tent makers or leather workers (depending on your translation), and so offered him a place to live & work, and spread The Word.

Since our readings give only a few details about Priscilla and Aquila, we have to extrapolate a little bit about the depth of their passion for the Gospel based on the facts that we have and the knowledge of the 1st Century Christian church and the world into which is was born. 

Some things to make note of:
* In Corinth, a bustling harbor town, there were many competing religions and philosophies (not unlike 21st Century America). 
* Priscilla is often mentioned before her husband, a literary device signaling her importance in the relationship of marriage, mission, and how Paul viewed her.
* The husband and wife team is mentioned 5 times, including Paul's last letter before his death (2 Timothy 4:19, which is not part of the study, but I think it is important).
* Priscilla (along with her husband) taught Apollos, an act outside the normal role of women in ancient Rome and still debated with great fervor in some Christian churches.

When Priscilla and Aquila meet Paul, the Christian church is just getting started.  Paul is often attacked for his teachings and even thrown in jail.  His life is threatened and the Christian church is like a tiny baby out in the big, bad world.  Without the encouragement, support, shelter, hospitality, and stability of this couple, Christianity would not be where it is today. 

Priscilla and Aquila have inspired many to work in partnership to further the Christian Faith.  There is the Church of Saints Aquila & Priscilla in Rome, Italy; The Priscilla & Aquila centre at Moore Theological College in Sydney, Australia; and the Priscilla and Aquila House, a Mission outreach center in Colorado Springs, just to name a few!

One thing that strikes me about all the characters in this story (Paul, Priscilla, Aquila, Apollos) is that they were involved.  They were not "consumers" of The Word, but active participants in the church.  They listened and learned and then took action.  They taught, they preached, they offered hospitality, opened their homes for worship services, and even risked their lives (Romans 16:3-5).  Where they served, they built strong relationships and the Christian church grew!

I would love to hear how the story of Priscilla and Aquila inspires you!  And thoughts on how we can support and encourage the leaders in the church and the community!

Faithfully Yours,
Shelly

"Kind words are like honey - sweet to the soul and healthy for the body." ~ Proverbs 16:24


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