One of the most important components of marriage is the partnership that husband and wife share. These two individuals are "no more twain, but one flesh", the Bible says. That means they share much more than just the same last name; now they are partners for life in all areas! No more “mine” and “yours”, from now on it’s “theirs” - their home, their car, their children, their money, their time. What about “their” ministry? While there are definite scriptural guidelines for the different roles men and women are to carry out in the service of the Lord, husband and wife can still be partners even in this field. Today we will see just how effective a godly, married couple can be as we peek at the lives of Priscilla and Aquila….

Acts 18:1-4 (KJV)
After these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth; [2] And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla; (because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome:) and came unto them. [3] And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers. [4] And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks.

Acts 18:28 (KJV)
For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publickly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ.

Nearly everyone agrees that Paul was a great Christian and a great missionary evangelist, but how much would Paul have accomplished ALONE? Every pastor and missionary credits God for people like Priscilla and Aquila! They are an excellent example of how man and wife working as a team can help further the ministry. Their hands, hearts, and homes were dedicated to the work of the Lord and they were an important part of Paul's "team". This couple made it possible for him to serve the Lord effectively, contributing much to his life. Paul's Christian friends - new and old, always encouraged him at a time when he needed it most.

Eccles. 4:9-10 (KJV)
Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. [10] For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.

Humanly speaking, there would have been no church in Corinth were it not for the devotion and service of many different people. Yes, Priscilla and Aquila were true partners - "no more twain, but one" as leaders. Their two hearts beat in solitary rhythm. Harmoniously, these two labored side by side in the service of the church. They walked in unity for they had mutually agreed to put Christ first. Ladies, this is the first and most important step in becoming a dynamic team for the Lord as a married couple! Priscilla and Aquila were one in the Lord and their lives proved it. All that they had accomplished together from the first hour of their marriage was a result of their cohesive purpose - to glorify God. With such a goal, what married couple could not survive the trials they encounter as well as pleasantly impact the lives of others around them!

Psalm 133:1 (KJV)
Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!

As God would have it, Paul found Aquila in Corinth, a man who had fled Rome due to Claudius who had commanded that all Jews were to depart that city. Scripture mentions that Aquila was found “with his wife Priscilla.” I like the sounds of that, don't you? In fact, this man is never mentioned in scripture without his wife! I appreciate the uncommon Christian example this couple provides. Aquila wasn’t a one-man band; he wasn’t dragging Priscilla along for the ride; nor are we given the impression he was muffled by her presence. Priscilla was WITH Aquila, by his side, warmly included in his life’s journey and direction.

Amos 3:3 (KJV)
Can two walk together, except they be agreed?


Scripture also states that the Apostle Paul “came unto them.” I wonder if he approached the two because he recognized that Priscilla and Aquila were in one accord? Could he detect that there was unity between them? Was it clearly evident in the way they looked at one another, spoke to one another, responded to one another, and worked together? Take a moment to think of the different couples that you know today. Who comes to your mind when you think about a marriage that is an example such as this one was? It is getting harder and harder to find Christian couples that work successfully as a team! Even in the church among God’s people it is rare to find true partners and yet, they stand out above all others, don't they? Perhaps this is how Paul was able to find Priscilla and Aquila… He spotted their oneness! Can that be said of your marriage today, dear lady?

Acts 18:3 (KJV)
And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers.

Here we find that Priscilla and Aquila were even one in occupation, they were both tentmakers. Now I know little about tent making, but I can imagine that back then it required long hours of sitting and sewing by hand for a good part of the day. That's certainly plenty of time for a husband and wife to be together! Daily they both had to do their part in order that a tent could be completed. No doubt this couple worked out the details of making tents to the extent that they had it down to a science, which means that their communication skills must have been of superior quality! Some of you are rolling your eyes right now just thinking about being with your husband for that length of time EVERY DAY, working cozily on one project. Not so with Priscilla and Aquila! They not only sewed tents together during those many hours, but spent the same amount of time sewing their hearts together, while laboring side by side.

Ephesians 5:21 (KJV)
Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.

Also a tentmaker by trade, Paul ended up living and working with this idyllic duo. Incidentally, before any married couple adds the strain of someone else living with them, they must consider the health of their own relationship! Only the strongest of marriages can hold up under such arrangement. Surely Priscilla and Aquila must have gotten along famously for Paul to work with them day in and day out, let alone reside with them! I'm sure he wouldn't have continued working with the two if they fought and bickered every day. Have you ever been in the presence of a bickering couple that just can't seem to agree on anything? Have you ever had to endure the company of a husband and wife who had little concern for one another? How long would you really be able to dwell in such a grieving atmosphere? Little work can be accomplished when moods are miserable. Sad to say, that is the condition of many marriages today! How hard are you working to promote and preserve peace in your relationship?

Ephes. 4:3 (KJV)
Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.


Priscilla and Aquila conducted themselves in a manner glorifying to God in their daily work AND in their public treatment of one another. Indeed, if the apostle Paul retired to their home everyday is an indication their relationship was healthy enough to handle the presence of another person abiding in their home. No doubt it isn’t an easy situation for a married couple to have a single person as a boarder. But Priscilla and Aquila obviously agreed and were one in even this decision. They both felt the same way about Paul. With proper affection established between them first, this couple was then able to take suitable care of the apostle. He was a mutual friend. There was no threat here that Priscilla might fall in love with Paul, for her heart was right with God and man. Both also held Paul's work for the Lord in high esteem and joined him in serving side by side in the ministry. It wasn't that this arrangement was just another of Aquila's wild ideas that Priscilla simply endured, but rather a result of the fact that they two were one in heart and mind in all that came into their lives! This couple had the same friends, shared the same fellowships, and even had the same burden of heart! Verse 18 says that they also sailed with Paul into Syria. You can appreciate the fact that Paul, being alone, must have been in need of constant friendship and comfort, and this couple willingly provided both for him.

Are you getting a bigger picture of the depth of the oneness that Priscilla and Aquila really shared? What a team they must have been! When Paul departed from Ephesus for Jerusalem, he left these precious friends behind to carry on the witness in the synagogue.

Acts 18: 24-26 (KJV)
And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus. This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John. 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.

While Apollos may have been mighty in the scriptures, this couple knew the scriptures equally well, for they had been working with Paul - and not in vain! Now that the apostle was gone, Aquila and Priscilla were able to apply what they had learned under Paul's preaching and expound unto Apollos the way of God more perfectly, filling in some blanks for him and instructing him from the Bible. They learned together and ministered together. But did you notice something important here in this verse?? Aquila's name was mentioned first rather than Priscilla's, which is usually listed first in other scriptural references pertaining to them. My theory is that Priscilla, as a wise team player, knew when her husband should take the lead in certain matters and when it was proper for her to take a back seat.

1 Tim. 2:12 (KJV)
But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.

Ladies, if we are going to labor with our husbands as a team player, we must know what is appropriate behavior on our parts! As wives, we may have the answers, but it is your husband’s place to instruct another man! A dynamic team is made up of members who understand and accept their position with contentment - not competition! Far too many Christian wives step out in front of their husbands, choosing to function in a lead position. Not only is this a bad testimony, it hinders your effectiveness as a couple. Be wise team players, ladies! When in public settings and when ministering to others, be sure that you are not leaving your husband to look like a spiritual nincompoop!

Romans 16:3-5 (KJV)
Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my helpers in Christ Jesus: 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. Likewise greet the church that is in their house...

This dynamic couple was found unified even in what they would be willing to die for! Their lives were sold out to Christ and their home was as well! They first died to their own desires and mutually replaced them with a desire to glorify God in all ways. Because of their oneness and because of their helpfulness toward Paul, much was accomplished for the Lord through them. What a blessing to be able to have such an effect on others! These two truly were one flesh - one in the Lord, one in marital bliss, one in secular occupation, one in their friendship for Paul, one in their knowledge of scripture, and one in their service for the church. We can only give thanks for these devoted saints who fulfilled their ministries to the glory of God. May we follow in their footsteps and their unified example!

Eccles. 4:11-12 (KJV)
Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone? [12] And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

Ladies, is there a need in your marriage for some improvement in teamwork? Are the two of you as husband and wife functioning side by side in a spirit of unity? Do those around you quickly spot your oneness? Are you sharing the same friends, fellowships, and burdens, or can't you stand being around each other for very long? Do you prefer to fly solo, or are you a team player? Are you "with" your husband in ministry, or does he usually have to drag you along because of your unwillingness to serve the Lord where he is called? How effective are you as husband and wife in the church? Perhaps there is a missionary or pastor you two need to come along side of who could one day describe you endearingly as "my helpers in Christ Jesus"… I know you would be an answer to their prayers! I can truly say that in our ministry, the Lord has blessed us with some "Priscilla's and Aquila's", and we praise God for each one of these unique couples! Without such dynamic duos, a mighty work for the Lord would not be as fruitful.

God Bless,
Pam
Isaiah 60:1&2
Copyright 2000 Pamela A. Iannello
Revised 2004

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