Today's Bible Study Lesson
“Priscilla: Called to Minister”
Aim: Research the life and ministry of Priscilla and her husband Aquila, Appreciate the ministry of those who explain the Way of God with accuracy, and Seek opportunities to use our gifts or abilities to further the Gospel.
Background: Acts 18:1-26; Romans 16:3-4; 1 Corinthians 16:19; 2 Timothy 4:19
Bible Lesson: Acts 18:1-3, 18:21, 24-26; Romans 16:3-4
Memory Verses:
“Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus: Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles.” Romans 16:3-4 KJV
Some Highlights:
- The Bible Study for today opens at a time after Paul has completed a lengthy visit in Athens sharing the Gospel and he is now in Corinth. Corinth was the capital of Greece and a bustling commercial center. It was in this city that Paul became acquainted with Aquila and his wife Priscilla who migrated from Italy when Claudius Caesar had expelled all the Jews from Rome.
- Paul not only became acquainted with Aquila and Priscilla, but lived with them and worked with them in their common trade of tent making. Their mutual partnership did not end with their trade but included their love for the spreading of the Gospel.
- Paul proclaimed the Gospel in the synagogue each Sabbath to both Jews and Gentiles. Because of his bold teaching, he met great opposition from the Jews to the extent that he redirected his efforts to that of the Gentiles.
- When Paul departed from Corinth, Priscilla and Aquila accompanied him on a voyage to Syria. The first stop along the way was Ephesus. Ephesus was the capital of Asia and was a great metropolis with the famous temple of Diana. Much wealth was associated with merchandise related to the Goddess Diana. As was his custom, Paul located a synagogue and continued sharing the Gospel to the Jews.
- Paul’s compelling message prompted some of those who heard to request that he stay with them longer. He declined their invitation, but as he departed he stated that if it be God’s Will he would return.
- A Jew named Apollos who was a native of Alexandria, a Greek, Roman, and Christian capital of Egypt, came to Ephesus. The Bible states that he was thorougly knowledgable of the Scriptures regarding the way of the Lord, perhaps from his parents instructions. He was an eloquent and gifted teacher. At the synagogue, Apollos taught with accuracy and great enthusiasm all that he knew. His teaching was limited to the Baptism of John, which was that of repentence and the preparation for the coming of the Messiah.
- When Aquila and Priscilla heard Apollos’ teaching at the synagogue, they invited him to their home and privately expanded his knowledge of the Gospel. No doubt their time with Paul had allowed them to develop a greater understanding of the Gospel which they now freely shared with Apollos. Their mentoring equipped him to be even more effective in his sharing of the Good News of Jesus Christ and the in dwelling of the Holy Spirit. Apollos became a powerful proclaimer of the Gospel and is referenced numerous times in Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians as a contributor to the spread of the Gospel.
- In Paul’s Letter to the the Romans, he sends greetings to Aquila and Priscilla, who must have at some point returned to Rome. He not only sent greetings to this couple, but he considered them “co-labors” in the Ministry of Christ. Paul further expresses gratitude to them for their service and references their willingness to risk their very lives for him. Their contributions and assistance to Paul had allowed him to share with many Gentile churches who were equally grateful for the work of Aquila and Priscilla.
Take Aways:
- We should seek opportunities to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with others and ask the Holy Spirit to empower us to effectively share with others.
- We must realize that no one knows everything about living a Christian life and the Bible and we must be open learn how to have a closer walk with the Lord on our Christian journey.
- We must regularly seek the Will of the Lord for our lives.
Bible Verses to Keep in Mind:
"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” Matthew 6:33 NKJV
“The steps of a [good] man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.” Psalm 37:23 KJV
“In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Proverbs 3:6 KJV
“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” Romans 8:14 KJV
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