Romans 16:3-5a Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, 4 who risked their necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks but all the churches of the Gentiles give thanks as well. Greet also the church that meets at their house.
Paul mentions now a special couple, Aquila the husband and Priscilla the wife. They were Jews originally from Pontus. Paul met this couple in Corinth. They had recently returned from a trip from Rome because the Emperor Claudius had expelled all the Jews (Acts 18:2). Paul became very close to this couple. They followed him to Ephesus where he left them. There, they came in contact with Apollos, a learned man who was able to talk with and convince many Jews (Acts 18:18-28). They evidently made their home in Ephesus for some time since they were there when Paul wrote to Timothy in 2 Timothy 4:19. Paul may have been in Ephesus when he wrote 1 Corinthians because this couple was there also (1 Corinthians 16:19). As some point, they made their way back to Rome when Paul wrote this letter. It is difficult to know the sequence of some of these events.
Several things stand out in this passage in Romans. One is the shortened form of Prisca, suggesting a more intimate knowledge of the couple by this point. They are Paul’s fellow workers. They are missionaries and teachers, according to the other passages. They have devoted their lives to Jesus. Also, they risked their lives for Paul at some point. It is not known how or when, but possibly during his time in Ephesus. They had developed a reputation of service and faithfulness. By saving Paul’s life, “all the churches of the Gentiles” are grateful because they have heard the gospel. The influence of this couple was widely known, and this causes Paul to give thanks.
This couple sponsored a church in their home. This was risky in some settings in the Roman Empire. We do not know the economic status of this couple or the size of their home. This does not matter. They were faithful. They were teachers of others, such as Apollos. They sacrificially gave of their means to further the gospel.
We must never think that what we do makes no difference. We can see in these two verses the ripple effect of faithful service to the Lord. We can develop a reputation of service, honor, and love by our daily lives of devotion. We may not become famous or reach thousands of people directly, but our acts may influence thousands through others.
For older posts, click here.