My friend and I were having one of those classic, two-hour conversations that happens in your car long after the coffee shop closes. Through a series of events, God chose to make us companions and accountability partners during this current stage of life, and because we’re so different, we can usually offer a good counterbalance to whatever headspace the other is in. It goes something like this:
“Don’t believe that narrative. That’s a lie straight from the enemy.”
Tonight, it was me who needed those words. Next week, it could be her. Often it’s both of us, and we end up serving words of truth back and forth like a round of tennis. As I’m sure you’ve experienced, these sorts of pep talks can be an hour-by-hour exchange, as we navigate the way of Jesus together with those around us.
Aquila and Priscilla are one of the Bible’s power couples. When they offer Apollos constructive feedback on how he can explain God “more accurately,” we see what it looks like for believers to hold each other accountable without taking offense (Acts 18:26). Instead of being reactionary and letting his ego get the better of him, Apollos receives their correction and continues arguing his case for the Messiah. Because Aquila and Priscilla were obedient in exercising their gifts, Apollos became even more effective for the kingdom.
It’s such a great story, right? Whether or not his pride was hurt, it doesn’t interfere with the ministry Apollos is leading. His response is a beautiful illustration of Proverbs 10, which says, “The one who follows instruction is on the path to life, but the one who rejects correction goes astray” (v.17).
In Romans, Paul warns us against seeing ourselves as more important than others, because every part of the Body of Christ has a unique role (Romans 12:3–8). Each gift we possess is equally valuable, yet these gifts are also strengthened and nourished by others. When we sharpen and correct, we help each other flourish.
It’s interesting how it wasn’t enough for Apollos simply to be “competent” with Scripture (Acts 18:24). Notice how the text doesn’t say he was teaching inaccurately. Apollos was already familiar with the way of the Lord and was bold in sharing it. But his knowledge was somewhat limited. According to Acts, he “knew only John’s baptism” (v.25), so Aquila and Priscilla believed it was their responsibility to take him aside and fill in the gaps.
Competency is never a stopping point in the kingdom of God because He is always calling us into a deeper relationship with Him and one another. Through the Body of Christ, He partners with us to encourage each other more, teach each other more, and hold each other more accountable. We can count this as an honor. When we are obedient in exercising our spiritual gifts—especially when they stretch us outside of our comfort zones—we are grown and blessed as both the gift-bearer and the recipient.
Where can you speak truth in love? Who can you receive truth from in humility? Whether in the workplace or a car parked outside a coffee shop, there is life waiting for you. There is more.
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30 thoughts on "Priscilla & Aquila"
It is encouraging to read about Aquila and Priscilla. Their occupation; tentmakers. Their life-breath; teaching others about Christ. Husband and wife, together – nice!
I have fond memories as a young child, gathering in a room of wall-to-wall people sitting or standing wherever they could find a spot, Bibles open…reading and studying the Word of God together. There was a leader, “Uncle Harold,” but, the pages of everyone’s Bibles were turning equally to check references, to make connections, to follow new thoughts Everyone was hungry for the Word. Everyone was actively involved.
Most Sundays mom would make a nice meal, and we would have different families come for dinner. We might talk together about the sermon or, if the family was having struggles…they might share. Sunday nights we would return to church for Bible sword drills, or testimonial services.
Later, as an at-home-mom, I was able to be a part of Bible Study Fellowship. The children and I were a part of a large group of women who shared together first in small groups what they had studied through the week, and then in a large gathering worshiped together and had an overview for the next week’s study.
Fast forward to the recent present: My occupation is elementary teacher, and from August to May much of my life-breath is spent ministering to my public school children and their families. I have known God provided the job and believe it is a calling on my life The underlying goal is always that children and families will see Jesus. For families who already know Jesus as Lord, it is a blessing. For families dwelling in darkness I pray it is a glimpse of His Light.
Normally in the summer I get to have people into my home for meals, go visit others who are shut-in, read more, and dig deeper and for longer periods of time into the Word than I have the luxury for during the school year.
But life is different right now for all of us. Some people would welcome coming together for a meal, whether inside the house or out. Others might feel offended that you would even consider such a thing. Some are so lonely, they practically drag you in. Others need the safety of a phone call, card, or wave through a window. I think key words right now are grace and flexibility.
As things were, they are not presently. It doesn’t have to be bad, just different. We can find ways to be Aquila and Priscilla’s where we are, for Jesus, in today’s circumstances. It is more important than ever to be reaching out with the message of the gospel.
What does it look like for me? It has been changing week by week, day by day. Grace and flexibility. Things are different then what I am used to, but what if that is what it takes for someone’s heart to be open to Jesus? We chose whether to glorify God in the today. We can still move mountains together for Him.
What does/will it look like for you?
It feels daunting but, what if we don’t let it?
What if instead we armor up, stand firmly-side by side for the kingdom of God and march forward in His love. Together battling evil – not people. Bending down to help the wounded and weary as we march toward Home.
I was reading in Revelation last night where it talked about 10,000 x 10,000 worshiping before the King. Someday we get to be a part of that multitude! Let’s help our brothers and sisters stand and march Home too. True healing, Life, is only found in Jesus.
Thank you Angie … I receive your petition Amen- it doesn’t have to be bad… just different…Grace and flexibility.. it’s perfectly imperfect and we adapt. Armor up for the same victory
Lord I pray that you continue to show me who those friends are.
I love how you called Priscilla & Aquila a “power couple” for God. Look how they picked up & traveled with Paul to Ephesus, relocating there to share the gospel. I had the blessing of visiting Ephesus (& other ruins in Turkey) last year. It was amazing to be where great pioneers of the faith had lived & worked for the Lord so many centuries ago! I love how the Lord used a husband-wife team to witness & encourage others, like Apollo, to grow in faith. There have been times that God used my husband & I to minister to others together, & it has strengthened our faith & our relationship.
Father God, thank you for the SRT community who pray for each other, encourage one another, and share their stories to declare Your power and love. These women (and men) are unique in Your image. I ask that You will empower each of them through the Holy Spirit to demonstrate Your love and impart Your wisdom to build Your Church. I pray You will let us see more of Your love and grace to us today. In Jesus’s name. Let it be, amen.
Angie, your post made me chuckle! Surely the wrinkles in my brain are leaking as I look in the mirror each day lol I shall appreciate my wrinkles now as a sign of brain expansion lol
I’m in the higher risk category in this season of Covid so I have been mostly housebound since March. At first it was a bit maddening and I pushed against the goad. I’ve come to appreciate this time however because it’s given me the opportunity to listen to and watch a variety of Bible teachers and preachers. Not a day goes by that I don’t learn something new or have my conscience pricked by fresh conviction. The Bible is truly alive and relevant in all seasons, at all time. Bible teachers are welcomed inside my home daily and yet I can maintain physical distancing. I am not neglecting the gathering together of Christian fellowship for they gather in my home, bringing new insight and tender encouragement for such a time as this. I thank God for the technology and the teaching, the faithful sharing of their gifts. What a blessing!
Lord I pray that you bless me with this time
STEPHANIE C. thank you for affirming that I am understanding who the James’ are correctly. I also did not realize that the book of Jude was written by Jesus’s brother Judas. I’m going to try to reread it today with that knowledge. It will give me a different perspective. Thank you! Those were new wrinkles for me.
I tell my students every year that as you learn something new, you get a new wrinkle in your brain. As your knowledge gets deeper, so do the wrinkles. I tell them I want them to be the wrinkliest-brained 4th graders to start school next year. One time, and I love children, a sweet boy raised his hand to share a “light-bulb” moment he had. His words were something like, “Now I get it! That is why you have wrinkles on your face. Once you get too many to fit on your brain, they come out on your face!” I laughed, and agreed with him that must be what happens.
So Stephanie C…I may have one more wrinkle on my face now but, I’ll gladly take lots and lots more if I’m learning truth about the Word of God. Thank you!