Priscilla and Aquila’s Shared Ministry

Acts of the Apostles

A refugee couple’s partnership with Paul and their joint teaching of Apollos offer a model of leadership that crosses gender and social boundaries.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

Displacement from Rome Displacement from Rome from "Acts of the Apostles". Exile Creates a New Meeting Refugees arrive in Corinth Priscilla and Aquila have left Rome after Claudius expels the Jewish population.

Displacement from Rome from "Acts of the Apostles". Exile Creates a New Meeting Refugees arrive in Corinth Priscilla and Aquila have left Rome after Claudius expels the Jewish population.

Exile Creates a New Meeting Refugees arrive in Corinth Priscilla and Aquila have left Rome after Claudius expels the Jewish population. Their forced relocation places them in a new city and a new setting for work. Shared labor begins They meet Paul, and all three practice tentmaking. The working relationship gives the traveling missionary a livelihood and creates the basis for sustained partnership.

Work Becomes Partnership Work Becomes Partnership from "Acts of the Apostles". A Mission Built on Daily Labor Companions share a trade Paul works alongside Priscilla and Aquila while preaching and teaching.

Work Becomes Partnership from "Acts of the Apostles". A Mission Built on Daily Labor Companions share a trade Paul works alongside Priscilla and Aquila while preaching and teaching.

A Mission Built on Daily Labor Companions share a trade Paul works alongside Priscilla and Aquila while preaching and teaching. Their connection is not limited to formal religious settings; work and public life sustain their cooperation. Hospitality supports continuity The partnership allows the mission to endure beyond one encounter. The couple’s home, labor, and judgment become part of the network through which the movement travels.

Aquila and Priscilla Teach Aquila and Priscilla Teach from "Acts of the Apostles". Instruction Is Offered Carefully A gifted teacher is approached Apollos speaks boldly but knows only John’s baptism.

Aquila and Priscilla Teach from "Acts of the Apostles". Instruction Is Offered Carefully A gifted teacher is approached Apollos speaks boldly but knows only John’s baptism.

Instruction Is Offered Carefully A gifted teacher is approached Apollos speaks boldly but knows only John’s baptism. Priscilla and Aquila take him aside and explain the way more fully rather than publicly humiliating him. Shared authority is visible Both partners participate in teaching. Their action presents learning as collaborative and shows that women can exercise theological leadership alongside men.

Apollos Goes Forward Apollos Goes Forward from "Acts of the Apostles". Teaching Strengthens Another Mission Knowledge becomes more complete Apollos receives the couple’s instruction and proceeds to Achaia.

Apollos Goes Forward from "Acts of the Apostles". Teaching Strengthens Another Mission Knowledge becomes more complete Apollos receives the couple’s instruction and proceeds to Achaia.

Teaching Strengthens Another Mission Knowledge becomes more complete Apollos receives the couple’s instruction and proceeds to Achaia. His gifts now serve the movement with a fuller understanding of its message. Partnership multiplies influence Priscilla and Aquila do not seek to monopolize leadership. Their teaching equips another witness, extending the reach of the mission through relationship rather than control.

A Lasting Example A Lasting Example from "Acts of the Apostles". Leadership Is Shared in Practice A couple serves the mission Priscilla and Aquila’s work joins household, livelihood, and theological instruction.

A Lasting Example from "Acts of the Apostles". Leadership Is Shared in Practice A couple serves the mission Priscilla and Aquila’s work joins household, livelihood, and theological instruction.

Leadership Is Shared in Practice A couple serves the mission Priscilla and Aquila’s work joins household, livelihood, and theological instruction. Their contribution is not reducible to a supporting role behind Paul. A model challenges convention Their relationship offers an example of women and men sharing ministry. The story leaves open how fully the wider church realizes that possibility, but it makes their partnership visible.

After Claudius expels Jews from Rome

During Paul’s first stay in Corinth

After Apollos begins speaking in Ephesus

After Priscilla and Aquila instruct Apollos

As Paul’s travels extend beyond Corinth