Priscilla

Priscilla, also known as Prisca, was a Jewish Christian and the wife of Aquila, who worked with Paul in his ministry and hosted a church in their home.

Priscilla, also referred to as Prisca, was a prominent Jewish Christian woman in the early church. She is consistently mentioned alongside her husband, Aquila, suggesting that they worked together as a team in ministry. Priscilla and Aquila were originally from Rome but had been forced to leave due to the emperor Claudius' edict expelling the Jews (Act 18:2). They settled in Corinth, where they met the apostle Paul and worked with him as tentmakers (Act 18:3). When Paul left Corinth, Priscilla and Aquila accompanied him to Ephesus (Act 18:18). In Ephesus, they encountered Apollos, a learned Jewish Christian, and instructed him more accurately in the way of God (Act 18:26). This event highlights Priscilla's knowledge of the Scriptures and her active role in teaching and discipleship. Priscilla and Aquila also hosted a church in their home, both in Ephesus (1Co 16:19) and later in Rome (Rom 16:3-5). Paul's warm greetings to the couple in his letters testify to their close friendship and partnership in the gospel ministry (Rom 16:3-4; 2Ti 4:19). Priscilla's example demonstrates the significant contributions of women in the early spread of Christianity and their active roles in the life of the church.

The wife of Aquila (Acts 18:2), who is never mentioned without her. Her name sometimes takes the precedence of his (Rom. 16:3; 2 Tim. 4:19). She took part with Aquila (q.v.) in insturcting Apollos (Acts 18:26).