Priscilla

After this, Paul left Athens and went to Corinth.  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. Paul went to see them, and because he was a tentmaker as they were, he stayed and worked with them.  Every Sabbath he reasoned in the synagogue, trying to persuade Jews and Greeks

~Acts 18:1-4

Why did Priscilla and Aquila leave Rome and come to Corinth?  What effect did this order of Claudius have on the spread of the gospel?

• Claudius had ordered all Jews to leave Rome
• a great effect; many Jews were persecuted

Paul had not only his faith but also his occupation in common with Priscilla and Aquila.  Describe the special camaraderie you have with those who share your occupation and your faith.

• When you have a friend who has the same job and beliefs as you do, it is very easy to warm up to them.  You can even speak about things in your field on a higher level than you probably could with most other people

Paul stayed on in Corinth for some time. Then he left the brothers and sisters and sailed for Syria, accompanied by Priscilla and Aquila. Before he sailed, he had his hair cut off at Cenchreae because of a vow he had taken.  They arrived at Ephesus, where Paul left Priscilla and Aquila. He himself went into the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews.

~Acts 18:18-19

Priscilla and Aquila left Corinth and went with Paul to Ephesus.  Would you be willing to move if God told you to do so to spread the truth of the gospel?  Why or why not?  Why would it be difficult or easy for you to make such a move?

• yes, if it was his will for me to do so. 
• I think it would be easy because I am a Christian with a strong faith

When they asked him to spend more time with them, he declined.  But as he left, he promised, “I will come back if it is God’s will.” Then he set sail from Ephesus.

~Acts 18:20-21

Priscilla and Aquila asked Paul to stay with them and "spend more time with them" in Ephesus.  Perhaps they wished him to stay in order to learn more from him.  But it is also possible that they were concerned for him and wished him to stay in order to give him the comfort of their home and companionship.  Read I Corinthians 16:19 to find out what Priscilla and Aquila did in Paul's absence.

• This is what I Corinthians 16:19 says:
  
  The churches in the province of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Priscilla greet you warmly in the Lord, and so does the church that meets at their house.
  
  They became leaders of a church

Meanwhile a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was a learned man, with a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures.  He had been instructed in the way of the Lord, and he spoke with great fervor and taught about Jesus accurately, though he knew only the baptism of John.  He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately.

~Acts 18:24-26

Apollos needed further instruction in the truth, and Aquila and Priscilla took on the task.  Note the way in which Priscilla and Aquila instructed him.  What wisdom can you gain from Priscilla and Aquila's example of quietly taking Apollos aside to instruct him?

• being more constructive in my criticisms

Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my co-workers in Christ Jesus.  They risked their lives for me. Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them.

  Greet also the church that meets at their house.

Greet my dear friend Epenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in the province of Asia.

~Romans 16:3-5

It appears that Priscilla and Aquila are now back in Rome; moving from Rome to Corinth to Ephesus and back again.  Priscilla moved a lot, but she obviously served wherever she lived.  How can you apply her example to your life?

• In a way, it does seem easy to apply her example to my life.  I have also moved a lot in my life and have served my church wherever I lived

What does Paul here claim that Aquila and Priscilla did for him?

• They risked their lives for him by giving him shelter

Have you ever risked your life for anyone?  Have you ever experienced hardship in order to advance the cause of the gospel?  Describe what happened.

• In either case, I don't think I have done either of those things

What have you learned about Priscilla that helps you understand why Paul entrusted her and Aquila with leading a church in their home?

• she has thoroughly stayed faithful to God's word

Note that every time Aquila and Priscilla's names appear, they appear together, sometimes one first, sometimes the other.  What sort of couple does this make you think they were?

• A loving couple that always worked together