Scripture Reading: Acts 18:1-4, Acts 18:18-28, Romans 16:3-4, 1 Corinthians 16:19
Growing up, one of my favorite games at camp was “telephone.” We would gather in a circle, the instructor would give the first person a phrase and, person by person, we would whisper it in the ear of the next. With puzzled looks and laughs, each person would carry it on until the last child would repeat back the phrase they received. Most of the time, it sounded nothing like the original statement (or vaguely, if we were lucky!). I remember one time the first person in the game was given the proverb, “A friend loves at all times” (Proverbs 17:17). The end result? The final person heard…“dentist.”
Clearly a few things were lost along the way.
As we study the people of the New Testament, we hear stories of ordinary people turned heroes of the faith, who cradled the message of the gospel to pass on to others. They declared it on large platforms to the thousands and in the intimacy of one other on quaint dirt roads. No matter the way, the message was delivered with accuracy and love. Priscilla and Aquila—the tentmaking couple of our reading today, understood the assignment of carrying the good news with precise accuracy.
I want to highlight something key about their brief but valuable mention in the Scriptures.
Acts 18:26 tells us that they heard a man, Apollos, preaching the good news and were compelled to explain the fullness of God to him more accurately. They were committed to sharing the gospel in its entirety and to lead others to do the same. They knew that in order to make disciples as Jesus had commanded, they held a holy responsibility to ensure that those who proclaimed it knew it well.
Just like in the childhood game of telephone, a passed on message may be heard differently than intended by the receiver. While the delivery may have been carried accurately, sometimes the hearer misses details, doesn’t hear the entire message, or has pre-existing filters on that will omit vital truths. The Word of God is inerrant and yet, with much grief, we see this distortion in culture today too.
We can do our part by being receptive to the wisdom of seasoned believers. We can share the love and truth of Jesus with others around us. Like Prisicilla and Aquila, we can disciple others who are hungry and eager to learn.
You and I are evidence that discipleship works. We stand here now, two thousand years later, knowing the truth of Christ because of the combined work in discipleship of the apostles and the early church. Priscilla and Aquila understood the sacredness of discipleship. And we, too, must recognize that being a disciple isn’t totally about us but includes continuing the health, vitality, and multiplication of the Church.
Written by Sarah Wood
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45 thoughts on "Priscilla and Aquila"
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Father help me to support and be supported in Your word through others. In Jesus name, Amen
I guess instead of telling Appollos directly, God wanted there to be interactions between the early Christians and opportunity for them to come together and share their knowledge and experiences!
I want to do a better job of continuing to spread the truth of Jesus to those around me. I am so thankful that my daughter has received and accepted Jesus into her heart, but I pray that I can be a good example of what it means to be a Christian woman. I know that I make mistakes every day. I pray even in my humanness she can choose to follow him.
My take aways is that Paul was supported by the companionship of Aquila and Priscilia. No man is an island. This partnership and fellowship proved to financially beneficial as well as spiritually. We can have success sharing the Gospel as a team, joint venture.
Prisca’s name is sometimes mentioned first before husband’s. Some Bible scholars point this out that Priscilla was that she was the most gifted of the two.
Be not unequally yoked with unbelievers works well with business relations as well as romantic relationships.
Adding my amen to all the prayers listed by our sisters here! I saw the map with the wildfires today across Canada. Shocking and scary and affecting the air quality across the miles. Joining in prayers for rain (we are getting lots in the SE after a long dry spell). Praying for safety for those being evacuated and those fighting the fires! <3
Today’s emphasis is often overlooked. Preach the Gospel with accuracy. Accuracy: very subtle detail but so crucial. Accuracy is about precision. The power of the Holy Spirit that sustains the Truth through so many generations, through many speakers and writers, through many divers languages, is just evidence of God’s supernatural work, so we may not learn about “dentist” when we read ““A friend loves at all times” (Proverbs 17:17)”. What accurate preservation. Why is it so important to know the Gospel accurately? Paul warns in Galatians 1:6–9 that even if an angel preaches “another gospel,” it’s dangerous. Paul didn’t just preach grace without repentance, or love without holiness, he preached the entire message of salvation and Christian living. A distorted gospel can lead people to false assurance or legalism, missing the true grace of Christ. If we misunderstand, we can add works to grace or remove the call to repentance and confession, we rob ourselves of much more, still giving the devil a foothold. What stood out to me was the giver of correction, and the recipient of correction here. Correction was done privately, humbly, and lovingly. Receiving the correction was done with humility, even though the gift of eloquence and knowledge were already blessed. Powerful lesson today for us, “whoever heeds correction gains understanding”- Proverbs (12:1).
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@MARIA J: safe evacuation from Newfoundland severe wildfire, for affected families and fire rescue team to have strength and grace to overcome. Rain to come.
@LINDAK: praying for a safe drive back and minimal back pain.
@SUSAN BURLEY: how was your 6 hour drive to Nebraska last week? did the storm happen? I am curious ^.^
Be blessed dear sisters.
Amen and Amen to those of you who resonated w/the statement about our culture gladly welcoming half-truths in a complete distortion of the Whole Truth! Even in the church, Ladies.
Father, please open blinded eyes and soften rebellious hearts to Your Truth, especially in the church!
Amen ❤️
My father’s name was Aquila. But it was my bishop grandfather who had a way to share the gospel gently and accurately. Last night was a painful night. I have a prayer that I pray for God to dull the pain with His love. Last night l realized that God did sent His love through two sweet ladies who started texting me at just the right time. I think every incision, stitch, staple and screw was hurting. They continued texting me until almost midnight until the pain meds began to do the work. The pain was dulled and I slept well. I did wake up at 4:30 to take more pain medicine. This is a new day and my sweet little grand girls have been over to bring more love before they hop on the bus. The day is starting good!! Isn’t God amazing?
Indiana Elaine, I’m praying for you to have less pain, and full recovery.
I could not access this page last night or this morning. I went over to He Reads Truth to read, but chickened out on commenting. Glad to see it up now! By the way, I really like the font size on HRT. Much easier on these old eyes!
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Thank you, SARAH WOOD, for sharing this hard truth!
“While the delivery may have been carried accurately, sometimes the hearer misses details, doesn’t hear the entire message, or has pre-existing filters on that will omit vital truths. The Word of God is inerrant and yet, with much grief, we see this distortion in culture today too.” We see this so much in our society.
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I will catch up on comments later.
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Love, hugs, and prayers! ❤
Good morning Shes, Hearing and having Truth is a matter of life and death. Praying for Larae and her young mama disciple, Maria’s family in Newfoundland, Caregivers, those living with chronic pain,Kelly’s young mama, Victor and others. Amen Kelly(NEO) and Tina. Thank you shes for your prayers as I went to my family reunion last weekend and had a minimal amount of pain. I’m traveling again this weekend and praying that the pain will not increase.
LindaK, I’m so glad you didn’t have a lot of pain for your family reunion. I pray this weekend goes well, without pain, too.
So interesting to see an example of a couple ministering to people! As Kelly pointed out, I love that they didn’t shame Apollos for his lack of knowledge. May we have the wisdom from the Holy Spirit to know how to help others grow in their faith in similar situations!
Priscilla and Aquila remind me of God’s goodness and love.
I think this is why it is so important for us to be people in the word. We have to know the Bible to know when a teaching isn’t in line with the Bible.
Plus, it helps us to be able to share God’s word accurately. I don’t want to quote a podcast but God’s word.
Praying for all!
Accuracy matters. Imagine baking a cake and using 1 tablespoon of salt instead of 1 teaspoon. Not the result we wanted. Close but not quite. We need to know Jesus and His Word – the way, the truth and the life and stick to that. Not adding in or taking away to make it more convenient for myself or others. Lord, may your Holy Spirit guide me into all truth and correct me gently when I am in error.
Prayer Request: My daughter and family are on wildfire evacuation alert in Newfoundland. Please pray for rain and their safety and of those in harms way.
Maria J, I’m praying for your daughter and her family, that they are safe from the wildfires. I’m asking God to send rain, and keep them safe.
My husband is so good at turning to the Bible when people ask him questions. He’ll say “it doesn’t matter what I think – what does the Bible say?” And then helps them see truth (and learn to mine for it) for themselves within the pages of Scripture. KELLY- I agree that I can learn from the kind and humble way P & A confronted Apollo. KIMBERLY- loved your observations. SEARCHING- I can’t see yesterday (or any other day) either. LARAE-what a precious opportunity. Praying for the truth to change both of your lives as you study together.
Good Morning She’s!
It’s so important the whole and truth of the gospel be told properly! But, on the other hand, we shouldn’t be so scared to get it right and perfect, that we shy around from sharing. We are all called to be ministers and disciples of the word. It’s funny that we know the change we have in Jesus, yet get intimidated to share that with people. As I’m writing this, one of my favorite pastors is talking of just this and offering a book called “Tell Someone!” A book of practical principles to help you share the good news! He is at Harvest dot org- Greg Laurie. (I love his style of deliverance)
I was so nervous when I first started sharing the gospel, but the more you step out in faith believing that the Holy Spirit will help and guide you it becomes easier and easier! And yes, AMAZING! I mean, what is better than talking about what Jesus has done for us and can do for them!! We have to get over ourselves and let God use your personality to reach just the right people he has for you! God uses people to receive the word as he does the work in them!! Wednesdays are my favorite day because it’s jail ministry day! Whoo-hoo! Jesus may we share you with truth, love, and grace today! Give me the right words to connect with them! :)
Oh! Also, this makes me want to partner with my husband more to share together! It truly makes your marriage better and stronger when serving together for the Lord! We used to greet together, but have taken a break. I have been doing alter prayer for a couple years now, and he has decided to join me!! (Thank you God!!) I am looking forward to the first one, but he has been doing overtime at work for the last two Sundays and this week, so it has delayed this happening! But I know it will bring us closer! (The random work of the reply button happened!)
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Good morning I have a prayer request.
Thursday I will be starting a one one discipleship program with a young mom of a two year old, a baby due in March and she is in an unstable marriage
May I share the gospel accurately with truth in love.
May God give you the wisdom & scriptures to share with this mama! Praying over this request!
LaRae Taylor, I’m praying for you to be able to share the gospel with this young woman, and mentor her in the Word.
And they also were tentmakers like paul,and may well have hidden him during persecution. My son has a medical missions tent maker ministry. Have a great day.
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Lord remove any “pre-existing filters (we may have) on that will omit vital truths” Remove our filters Holy Spirit!
We know our world view begins forming early – how we are treated, the environment we’re in, what we are taught, etc – and the older we get, the harder it is to change it. Confronted with a different point of view, we might respond with But my mom (or dad) said or I was taught or I read that … Bottom line I think is if hearts and minds aren’t open at least a smidge to God’s absolute truth, people will hear what they want to hear and believe what they want to believe.
Which leads us to this heartbreaking truth from the devo “The Word of God is inerrant and yet, with much grief, we see this distortion in culture today too.”
Lord, I am thankful for those that represent You according to Your word. Praying those that don’t will be convicted in their hearts to seek truth from the source, You, and may hearts and minds be wide open to Your truth.
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KELLY (NEO) good point about not shaming/embarrassing Apollos, or anyone. “With humility, grace and love”, stand up for and share truth.
TINA ❤️ the leaping children brought a smile to my heart.
“Distortion of TRUTH is a daily occurrence in life.”
KIMBERLY ANN ❤️
CEE GEE ❤️
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On my iPad and desktop, I can’t get to yesterday’s devo or comments. Even going to the menu, I can’t get to the current plan or any other plans. I usually review the prior day devo and comments to add to my prayer list. Even so, God knows the needs of us all.
Hi! This error has been resolved. Thank you so much for your patience!
Amen❤️
Amen. May we all be so blessed to have others who will gently reveal truth when we have spoken it wrongly.
Where I see God at work in Priscilla & Aquilas story:
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God is present in the ordinary: tradespeople, tentmakers, married life.
God is sovereign over circumstances, even exile and displacement.
God works through humble, available servants, not just public figures.
God values partnership, hospitality, and courage as expressions of the gospel.
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Where might God be working through my current circumstances, relationships, or location—perhaps in ways I don’t yet see clearly?
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Priscilla and Aquila’s story reminds me that God is often most powerfully at work in the faithful, hidden obedience of His people.
Great insight, Kimberly Ann. Thank you!
P & A did not shame Apollos in front of the others, nor did they let his error go, but humbly took him aside to teach him the full truth about Jesus.
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Letting others believe incomplete truth is letting them believe a lie. To be true followers of Jesus, we need to teach ALL that He taught (with humility, grace, and love).
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Have a blessed day, Shes
Amen!!
Amen❤️
The importance of Accurately sharing the truth.
And amen. ❤️
Telephone, thst is such a good game.
Always a laugh.!
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We played it at work as a team building exercise. 25 members of church staff.
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“I can do all things” (first person)
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“I can do all things”(last person)
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Result!
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BUT GOD, right?
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Distortion of TRUTH is a daily occurrence in life. Frame of mind, circumstances and environment will have a hand to play in how we hear things..
If we are receptive and in a good space, TRUTH is heard, but if not a version of the TRUTH is heard.
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BUT GOD..
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HE, thankfully never gives up on our hearing the TRUTH, HE gives us chances, over and over until we get it, and we do finally, even if it is later rather than sooner..
The Word of God may start of as seeds for some, but maybe also start of as an OMG moment for others
As followers and believers we get to share the TRUTH to those we love, or meet along our life’s journey..
We are as believers tasked with sharing the Gospel as the early church did, in TRUTH and in the Spirit..
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WE cannot go wrong if we do all in TRUTH..
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AMEN.
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I am away with family at moment having wonderful time. My peace time is over children are leaping on the bed..
Be blessed my loves.
Giving thanks and hearty greetings for you all, my loves and fellow workers in Christ Jesus..❤️
“Distortion of TRUTH is a daily occurrence in life. Frame of mind, circumstances and environment will have a hand to play in how we hear things..
If we are receptive and in a good space, TRUTH is heard, but if not a version of the TRUTH is heard.”
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So true, Tina