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PRISCILLA AND AQUILA (ACTS 18:1-4,18)

REFLECTION

“Priscilla and Aquila” is the theme for our reflection. In Acts 18, we are introduced to a Christian couple who were missionaries who worked with Paul and also mentored Apollos in the preaching of the Gospel. Their names were Priscilla (wife) and Aquila (Husband)

Priscilla and Aquila provided steady support for Paul’s ministry by hosting Paul and allowing Him to work with them in their tent making business to earn a living. “After this Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. And he found a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to leave Rome. And he went to see them, and because he was of the same trade he stayed with them and worked, for they were tentmakers by trade. And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and tried to persuade Jews and Greeks.” (Acts 18:1-4) Dear friend, Paul was compelled to work because at that point in time there was famine and regular support may not be forthcoming from the missionary headquarters in Jerusalem. It was commendable on the part of Priscilla and Aquila to support Paul and enable him practice his trade to earn a living even as he continues to preach the Gospel. In other words, when times became hard, Priscilla and Aquila did not only host Paul but also offered him employment for him to make enough money to support himself. It should be noted that Priscilla and Aquila were also in a period of distress since they were forced to leave Rome to Corinth. Elsewhere, they would not have hosted Paul or allowed him to join them in their tent making business since they themselves were also experiencing economic turbulence and instability as a result of Emperor Claudius’ policy to exile all Jews from Rome at the time. Priscilla and Aquila have taught us to show compassion and be hospitable to one another even in times of distress or hardship.

We must be consistent in our support for the spread of the Gospel by helping or caring for the servants of the Lord. They would have wished that Paul was exempted from the work but Paul by his nature wouldn’t want to be a burden on them, especially in a time of economic distress, It is for this reason, he wrote to the Thessalonians, “For you remember, brothers, our labor and toil: we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God.” (1 Thessalonians 2:9). When it becomes critical, especially in a national disaster or economic crisis, the servants of the Lord may have to take up additional employment to augment the little support the Church gives them. This goes to establish the fact that pastors and other workers of the church have needs to fulfilled meanwhile the support of the Church in some areas is woefully inadequate to meet their personal and family needs. There must be a policy encouraging these affected agents of the church to work but ensure that their auxiliary employment or business does not interfere with the core business of the Church and the spread of the Gospel. Some pastors have lost focus as a result their side business or employment.

In summary, we have deliberated on the theme “Priscilla and Aquila ” We have discovered that as true believers we must avail ourselves to support the ministry and mission of God by offering steady support to His servants who preach the Gospel.

PRAYER

Almighty God, provide us the means to be hospitable and supportive in ensuring that the Gospel spreads to every corner of the earth. Amen.