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Lesson 9: Priscilla

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Abstract

Women such as Priscilla were important in the early spread of Christianity. Priscilla is never mentioned apart from her husband, Aquila, in the Scriptures. In Christian marriage, ideally, men and women are equal as persons, but different in function. Priscilla and Aquila welcomed Paul into their hearts and home, to live with them and work with them making tents. Paul established them in the doctrines of the faith, and they, in turn, taught others such as Apollos. Priscilla was intelligent, hospitable, and articulate. Her use of her gifts to nurture the church in its infancy is an inspiration to us today.

Study Questions

Read Acts 18.

    1. Study a map of Bible times to familiarize yourself with the travels of this couple. Locate Pontus, Rome, Corinth and Ephesus.

    2. What did Priscilla and Aquila have in common with Paul? What did they offer him? How long was he with them? How do you think they benefited from their relationship with him?

    3. What was the climate of Acts 18? How did the Jews in Corinth respond to the Gospel? The Gentiles? v. 4-8 What did the preaching of the Gospel result in for Paul? v.12-13

    4. What kind of pressure do you think may have been brought to bear on Priscilla and Aquila because of their association with Paul? What effect could this have had on their livelihood? What choice did they make? v. 18 Have you ever taken a stand for an unpopular cause because it was right? Was there any cost to you? Any blessing?

    5. Acts 18:24-28. Describe Apollos. What were his strengths? His weakness? What does this incident tell us about Priscilla and Aquila? Note their attitude and approach. What could they have done instead? What is the significance of the word they in v. 26?

    6. To see the importance of their influence briefly describe what became of Apollos. v. 27-28; 1 Cor. 1:12; 3:5-6, 22; 4:6; 16:12; Titus 3:13.

    7. Read Acts 19. Paul returned to Ephesus and probably stayed with them again. How long?

    v. 10 What was the effect of the Gospel on Ephesus? How do you think Priscilla and Aquila responded to the controversy here?

    8. Paul wrote 1 Corinthians from Ephesus. He mentions this couple in 16:19. What were they doing? How was their home being used?

    9. Romans 16:3-5. What does Paul call them here? What do you think he referred to when he said they risked their lives for me? Why should all the churches be grateful to them? What were they doing in Rome?

    10. 2 Timothy 4:19. This is Paul’s last letter. What does his mention of them tell us about them?

    11. What do you think their marriage was like? What is suggested by the fact that her name is mentioned first four times out of six? What kind of man do you think Aquila was? What was the scope of their influence? Do you and your husband have common goals for ministry?

    12. Rom 12:13; 1Tim. 3:2; 5:10; Heb 13:2; 1 Peter 4:9. What is commanded in these verses about the use of our homes? Have you given your home to God for Him to use for the advance of the Gospel?

Related Topics: Character Study, Curriculum, Women's Articles

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