Who are they?
Background: Aquila and Priscilla were Jewish Christians who likely hailed from Rome. They were tentmakers by trade, which means they worked with leather or cloth materials to make tents. They were forced to leave Rome during Emperor Claudius's expulsion of Jews from the city (Acts 18:2).
Encounter with Paul: Aquila and Priscilla first enter the biblical narrative in Corinth, where they meet the apostle Paul. Paul, also a tentmaker, stayed and worked with them, forming a partnership both in business and in ministry (Acts 18:1-3). They became close friends and co-workers in spreading the gospel.
Ministry Partnership: Aquila and Priscilla played an active role in Paul's missionary endeavors. They not only supported him financially and provided him with a place to stay but also actively participated in teaching and mentoring. Together, they instructed Apollos, a gifted preacher, about the way of God more accurately (Acts 18:24-26).
Mobility: Aquila and Priscilla traveled extensively with Paul. After their time in Corinth, they accompanied him to Ephesus (Acts 18:18-19). Later, when Paul left Ephesus, they stayed there for a while and continued their ministry (1 Corinthians 16:19). They are also mentioned in Paul's greetings to the Romans while he was in Corinth (Romans 16:3).
Contribution to the Early Church: Aquila and Priscilla were not only involved in mentoring and supporting Paul but also made a significant impact on the early Christian community. Their house served as a meeting place for believers in Ephesus (1 Corinthians 16:19), and they were esteemed by Paul and others as fellow workers and faithful servants of Christ (Romans 16:3-4).
How did their work ministry look like?
Self-Support: One way Paul used his work as a confession of his Christian beliefs was by choosing to support himself through his trade instead of relying on others for financial assistance. In several instances, Paul mentions that he worked with his own hands to provide for his needs and the needs of his companions (Acts 18:3, 1 Corinthians 4:12, 1 Thessalonians 2:9). This demonstrated his commitment to not burden the churches he ministered to and his willingness to work diligently.
Relational Influence: Through his trade as a tentmaker, Paul had opportunities to build relationships and engage with people from various backgrounds. His work allowed him to connect with individuals in different cities and communities, providing a platform to share his faith and engage in conversations about the gospel. Paul's integrity, work ethic, and interactions with others would have reflected his Christian beliefs and values.
Modeling Diligence and Responsibility: By engaging in manual labor and being diligent in his work as a tentmaker, Paul set an example for others to follow. His commitment to his trade demonstrated a sense of responsibility, discipline, and dedication. This work ethic would have communicated the importance of personal integrity and the value of hard work, aligning with the principles of the Christian faith.
Supporting Ministry and the Church: Paul's work as a tentmaker not only provided for his own needs but also allowed him to contribute to the work of ministry and support the church. By financially supporting himself, Paul could focus on preaching, teaching, and establishing Christian communities without being a burden on others. This demonstrated his commitment to the mission of spreading the gospel and the belief that the work of the church should be sustained through voluntary contributions and the support of its members.
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