THE NORTHERN KENTUCKY SEARCHER
"Search the scriptures: for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. " (John 5:39)

VOLUME 6, NUMBER 40, OCTOBER 8, 2006

  PRISCILLA
Hospitable Worker in God’s Kingdom

             Wouldn’t it be wonderful if every congregation of the Lord’s church were full of “Priscillas”?   Among the zealous workers of the early church, no woman is more prominent.  We are told in Romans 16:4 that she and her husband, Aquila , merited the thanks of Paul, as well all the churches of the Gentiles.  Can you imagine the whole brotherhood being aware of you and your work for the Lord?  Question:  Are we laboring for the Lord so that even the church of which we are members is thankful for our hard work?

            We first meet Priscilla in Acts 18:2, along with Aquila .  They had recently moved to Corinth following the exile of the Jews from Rome under the emperor, Claudius.  It is unknown as to whether or not they were already Christians when Paul met them, but even if he teamed up with them only through their mutual craft of tent making, they obviously became believers quickly.  In only a few verses mentioning Priscilla and Aquila , we are told volumes about their relationship, their character, and their diligence for the church. 

            This was an inseparable couple, whose souls were knit together in all things, for they are always mentioned together.  Priscilla worked with her husband, both in business and, more importantly, in spreading the gospel.  Sometimes I fear that women today may not think of their responsibility in this respect.  How many Christian men would be more diligent workers for the Lord, if only they had the encouragement and cooperation of their wives?

 Acts 18:24 tells us of a certain Jew named Apollos, who was an eloquent man and mighty in the Scriptures.  Priscilla and Aquila heard him preach in Ephesus , but they realized he lacked a complete understanding in God’s Way.  Using the utmost discretion and avoiding unnecessary criticism, they took him aside and explained to him the things he needed to know.  How many of us today would have been able to get past the “intimidation factor” of correcting someone so scholarly and eloquent?  How many of us today would have a strong enough grasp on scripture ourselves to explain the points that were lacking in his teaching?  God’s Word tells us that they both explained the scriptures to him.  This implies that Priscilla didn’t just sit there while her husband did all the talking.  She also had a profound knowledge of the truth and an eagerness to share it.  As a result, Apollos was able to continue on with his teaching, and Acts 18:28 tells us that “he powerfully refuted the Jews in public, demonstrating by the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ.”  The command to grow in the truth is for all Christians, not just men (Hebrews 5:12 -14).  While Priscilla did not teach Apollos in public, nor did she address the assembly to correct him, she was definitely instrumental in helping him to recognize and turn from his error.

            Paul lived with Priscilla and Aquila while in Corinth , working beside them in their tent making business (Acts 18:3).  Their close friendship spanned the years, and their love for Paul was so deep that Romans 16:4 tells us they risked their own lives for him.  We can only imagine the discussions that must have taken place as they worked side by side with the great apostle.  What a treasured blessing to be so closely associated with someone so strong in the faith. 

We are told in Romans 16:5 that the church met in home of Priscilla and Aquila .   This would have required an amazing amount of extra work and time.  She was a working woman, so her time would have already been at a premium.  She was a wonderful personal worker, which also takes time and effort.  And beyond that, she opened her home for someone to actually live with them for an undetermined amount of time, plus allowed the church to meet in her home.  This woman seemed to feel that she just couldn’t do enough for the Lord!  Nowadays we always feel so rushed and harried.  Who has time for company?  It has amazed me over the years that women who were godly in so many respects would actually ignore the command to be hospitable.  This is not a command made only to those who would be elders.  Nor is it a “suggestion.”  Romans 12:13 tells us that Christians are to be “practicing hospitality.”  Priscilla would most likely be the first to tell us that everything doesn’t have to be just perfect for us to have our fellow saints over.  But we are denying ourselves and our families a true feast if we don’t follow this teaching.

            Sometimes a Christian will say, “I don’t want the responsibility of teaching the Bible to others.”  But whether we want it or not, each Christian has it.  Priscilla turned herself into a courageous and capable worker in the church.  Wouldn’t it be wonderful if every congregation were full of “Priscillas”?   Are we doing all we can to follow her example?

                                                                                    Vicky Litmer

BE YE DILIGENT

“He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand:
but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.
He that gathereth in summer is a wise man:
but he that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame.”

Proverbs 10:4-5

Let us pray that the Lord will help us do what is right, keep us diligent, and help us to turn away from the temptation to avoid our responsibilities as His children.