Priscilla, Relentless in Sharing Christ in Word and Deed

“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 18:26 (NIV)

Over the years I have been privileged to spend time with couples serving on the mission field and in various ministries. Watching couples working together, loving and serving the people in places where God placed them, has been a joy. I have been blessed to observe how each couple’s individual spiritual gifts, talents, and knowledge blended so well.

Spending time with the wives made me aware of how relentless they were not only as a godly wife, but also in knowing God’s Word and sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. That in spite of the challenges, they understood how valuable hospitality is to evangelism.

In the book of Acts, the Bible tells of a couple who made the most of their strengths to provide an effective ministry. When their names are mentioned in the Bible, they are always mentioned together. As believers, Aquila and Priscilla were expelled from Rome. They met Paul in Corinth on his second missionary journey. Their home was a movable tent and their means of support like that of Paul’s—tent making (Acts 18:2-4, 18). They opened their home to Paul, probably telling him about the church in Rome as they gained spiritual wisdom from him.

Even though Priscilla is always mentioned with her husband, I believe her life gives women, married or single, insight into several areas in which we are to be relentless. She was relentless in work habits. Wherever they moved, Priscilla contributed to their support. I picture her cheerfully sewing the canvas as “working unto the Lord.”

Priscilla was relentless in showing hospitality. Wherever they were, her movable home was a warm place for fellowship and worship. In Ephesus they met Apollos who had knowledge of the Scriptures. However, when they heard Apollos speak, they realized his knowledge was limited. Apollos was invited into their home where he heard the complete gospel (Acts 18:24-26). Years later, back in Rome, they hosted one of the house churches.

Priscilla was relentless in studying the Word and sharing about Jesus. Despite how elegant a speaker Apollos was as he taught about Jesus, he knew only what John the Baptist had taught about the need to repent. Because of relentless study of the Word, Priscilla and Aquila taught Apollos about Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, and the reality of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

As believers in Jesus, we need to be relentless in studying God’s Word and be ready to instruct, correct, mentor, and share the Lord’s work with other believers. As we pray for our missionaries and fellow believers, let us remember to ask the Lord to provide wisdom and abundant opportunities to show hospitality and share the gospel with those around us.

Pray:

Heavenly Father, please open my eyes so I can know how to join You in spreading the gospel to the uttermost parts of the earth. Be with our missionaries as they study and share Your Word. Bless their homes as they show hospitality to the people around them. In Jesus’ name, amen.