Lessons From Aquila and Priscilla in the Bible

When Paul arrived in Corinth at the beginning of Acts 18, he had already endured significant hardship in his mission to preach the gospel to the gentiles.

He had faced persecution, imprisonment and even stoning. In nearly every city he visited, there were those who sought to silence him.

So as he entered Corinth, Paul had no idea that he was about to meet two individuals who would become faithful friends and invaluable helpers to his work: Aquila and Priscilla. These two would stand by him through trials and become key supporters in his mission to spread the gospel.

Who were Aquila and Priscilla in the Bible? 

Aquila and Priscilla, a married couple originally from Rome, had already faced challenges of their own by the time Paul met them in Corinth.

Despite those challenges, they proved themselves to be ready and willing servants of the Church.  

What can we learn from Aquila and Priscilla? 

1. Hospitality.

In Romans 12, Paul outlines a series of character traits that are essential for a Christian to develop. Among familiar virtues like love, diligence and patience, there is one trait that might not immediately come to mind: hospitality (verse 4). Paul places it right alongside other foundational traits, highlighting its importance.

Even though they were still adjusting to their new life in Corinth, they did not hesitate to invite Paul to live in their home (Acts 18:2-3). Not only did they offer him a place to stay, but they also shared a common occupation, tentmaking, and worked alongside him during his time in the city.

This was not even the full extent of their hospitality. 

Later after they had apparently followed Paul to Ephesus, Aquila and Priscilla evidently hosted the Ephesian congregation in their home each week for Sabbath services (1 Corinthians 16:19).

While we don’t know all the details, it seems the local brethren were in need of a place to meet on the Sabbath, and Aquila and Priscilla responded to that need, opening their home to serve the Church. They were deeply committed to serving God’s people through hospitality.  

While hospitality may not come naturally to all of us, Scripture reveals just how important this trait truly is. 

God expects us to show hospitality to others, and He also extends hospitality to us. For a study of God’s hospitality, read “The Lord Is My Shepherd—and My Host!”

2. The importance of knowledge.

We know that the Bible is the one true source of the most important knowledge we could ever hope to acquire. Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 3:16-17, “Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

When Apollos arrived in Ephesus and spoke boldly in the synagogue, Aquila and Priscilla quickly recognized that his knowledge was limited; he “knew only the baptism of John” (Acts 18:24-25). Rather than confronting him publicly, they tactfully took him aside and explained “the way of God more accurately” (verse 26).

Their approach demonstrates wisdom and discretion in handling doctrinal misunderstandings.

Possessing a mature and thorough knowledge of Scripture enables us to teach, guide and kindly admonish one another, just as Aquila and Priscilla helped Apollos. As a couple, they were an excellent example of Colossians 3:16 in action: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another.” 

For additional help in increasing your knowledge of Scripture, read “How to Study the Bible.” 

3. Courage. 

Aquila and Priscilla lived in a time that was very difficult for the Church. 

Due to intensifying persecution, Aquila and Priscilla had to leave their home in Italy—and likely everything they had ever known—to establish a new home in an unfamiliar place. They trusted that God would take care of them. 

Even after fleeing persecution, Aquila and Priscilla continued to demonstrate remarkable courage. Though the exact details are unknown, Paul writes in Romans 16:3-4 that they “risked their own necks” to save his life. As Paul became increasingly well-known for preaching the gospel, he attracted strong opposition, and so did those who stood by him.

Just as Aquila and Priscilla had the courage to support Paul, with God’s help we can also develop the courage necessary to confront challenges. Openly supporting Paul meant again becoming a potential target of persecution, yet Aquila and Priscilla didn’t allow fear to prevent them from holding fast to their beliefs or from supporting the work of the Church. They knew that the work was more important than any opposition they might face or any persecution they might suffer. 

As followers of Christ, we understand that we will face difficult challenges in this life. At times, simply considering what those trials might demand of us can feel overwhelming—even terrifying.

Yet, in both calm and crisis, God’s Word offers comfort and strength. Verses like Deuteronomy 31:6 remind us to stand firm and courageous, knowing that God will never leave us or forsake us.

To learn more about the challenges and opposition we can expect to face as Christians, see “What Does the Bible Say About Persecution?”

Just as Aquila and Priscilla had the courage to support Paul, with God’s help we can also develop the courage necessary to confront challenges. His guidance helps us endure trials and do what is right, even when it’s more difficult than we could ever imagine.  

For additional examples of those who demonstrated courage in the Bible, read “Be Strong and of Good Courage.” 

4. Unity. 

Each time Aquila and Priscilla are mentioned in Scripture, their unity is strikingly evident. Their partnership reflects the ideal described in Genesis 2:24—a husband and wife becoming one in marriage. Aquila and Priscilla exemplified this oneness—not only in their relationship but in their shared commitment to God’s work. Their story highlights the strength and impact that can come from a harmonious, godly marriage.

In everything they did—from hosting Paul in their home to providing a safe haven for their congregation, to encouraging fellow believers—Aquila and Priscilla consistently presented a united front. Their connection allowed them to be truly effective servants and Paul’s “fellow workers in Christ” (Romans 16:3). 

Aquila and Priscilla presented a truly powerful example of what can be accomplished through a marriage characterized by unity of purpose. Their example is one that we can strive to emulate in our own marriages. 

However, this unity doesn’t have to be limited to marriage. For instance, Ephesians 4:3-6 paints a beautiful picture of what unity can produce within the membership of God’s Church. Unity can bring us a sense of peace in a world rife with tension and unrest. 

Just like Aquila and Priscilla, we are most effective when we are unified (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12). 

To learn more about the importance of unity among God’s people, read “Acts of Unity.” 

Learn from the shining example of Priscilla and Aquila

Although Paul faced a series of challenges and trials throughout his ministry, he was blessed to have a few faithful friends and fellow servants he could rely on—Aquila and Priscilla among them.

Although they are mentioned only a handful of times in Scripture, these brief glimpses reveal their inspiring example and the strength of their character. Their lives shine as a testimony to what a converted and dedicated married couple can accomplish when serving God together. 

May we strive to learn from their example and apply the lessons of Priscilla and Aquila to our lives.

Date Posted: July 21, 2025