Walking with the Women in the Bible: Priscilla, A Woman of Wisdom and Partnership
Welcome back to Walking with the Women in the Bible, where we explore the lives of women who were key figures in the unfolding story of God’s plan. Today, we are walking with Priscilla, a woman whose wisdom, faith, and partnership with her husband made her a significant leader in the early church. Priscilla’s life teaches us about the power of teamwork, the importance of teaching others, and the impact of serving God together in community. As we dive into Priscilla’s story, we also bring our series to a close, reflecting on the incredible women we’ve walked alongside throughout this journey.
Let’s step into Priscilla’s life and see how her story of leadership and discipleship can inspire us today.
Who Was Priscilla?
Priscilla, often mentioned alongside her husband Aquila, was a Jewish Christian who played a pivotal role in the early Christian church. She and Aquila are first introduced in Acts 18:2-3, when Paul meets them in Corinth. The couple had been forced to leave Rome due to Emperor Claudius’ edict expelling Jews from the city, and they had settled in Corinth as tentmakers, a trade they shared with Paul. This initial connection with Paul grew into a deep friendship and partnership in ministry.
Priscilla and Aquila were not only Paul’s co-workers in the gospel but also hosts of a house church (Romans 16:3-5). Together, they opened their home to others, helping to spread the message of Jesus. But perhaps Priscilla’s most well-known contribution to the early church is her role in teaching Apollos, a gifted speaker and teacher, who had only partial understanding of the gospel. In Acts 18:26, we read that Priscilla and Aquila took Apollos aside and “explained to him the way of God more accurately.” Priscilla’s leadership and teaching alongside Aquila helped shape Apollos into a more effective minister of the gospel.
Priscilla’s Triumphs and Lessons
One of Priscilla’s greatest triumphs is her role as a teacher and leader in the early church. Along with her husband, she taught Apollos, helping him better understand the message of Christ. This moment reveals Priscilla’s depth of knowledge and her ability to teach others in a way that strengthened the church. Her willingness to guide Apollos shows that leadership is not about prominence but about equipping others to serve God more fully.
Another triumph in Priscilla’s story is her partnership with Aquila. Their ministry is always mentioned together, indicating that they worked as a team. Priscilla’s equal role in their work is especially significant in a culture where women were often not seen in leadership roles. This shows us that God uses both men and women to build His church, and Priscilla’s partnership with Aquila was a powerful example of what it means to serve God in unity.
A key lesson from Priscilla’s life is the importance of discipleship and teaching others. By taking Apollos aside and helping him grow in his understanding of the gospel, Priscilla showed us that no matter where we are in our journey with Christ, we have the responsibility to teach and guide others. Her example reminds us that we can all play a role in mentoring and helping others deepen their faith.
Priscilla’s Legacy
Priscilla’s legacy is one of wisdom, leadership, and partnership in ministry. Her teaching helped shape leaders like Apollos, who went on to have a significant impact on the early church. Priscilla and Aquila’s willingness to open their home for church gatherings also shows the importance of hospitality and creating spaces where the gospel can be shared and people can grow in their faith.
Her legacy is also a reminder that women play an essential role in the life of the church. Priscilla wasn’t confined to the background—she was an active participant in teaching, leading, and supporting the growth of the early Christian community. She stands as a powerful example of how God calls women to serve in leadership alongside men.
If Priscilla were alive today, I believe she would still be leading by example, teaching others and using her gifts of hospitality and wisdom to build up the body of Christ. She would likely be involved in mentoring, equipping both men and women to better understand the Scriptures and encouraging them to live out their faith boldly.
Applying Priscilla’s Story to Our Generation
Priscilla’s story teaches us the importance of partnership in ministry. Whether in marriage, friendships, or church communities, working together as a team allows us to have a greater impact. Priscilla and Aquila’s partnership shows that God often works through the unity of believers to accomplish His purposes. In today’s world, we are reminded that we are stronger together, and our gifts are meant to complement one another.
Her example also challenges us to be proactive in teaching and mentoring others. Like Priscilla, we are called to share what we know about the gospel with those around us. Whether through formal teaching, mentoring, or simple conversations, we can all play a part in helping others grow in their faith.
Lastly, Priscilla’s story reminds us of the value of hospitality in ministry. She and Aquila opened their home for church gatherings, demonstrating that our homes can be places where ministry happens. Today, we can apply this by creating welcoming spaces in our own homes or communities, where people feel safe to learn, grow, and share their faith.
What We Can Learn from Priscilla
From Priscilla, we can mirror her commitment to teaching and discipling others. Her wisdom and willingness to help Apollos grow in his faith show us the importance of investing in others for the sake of the gospel. We can also follow her example of partnership—whether with a spouse or fellow believers—working together to serve God in unity and strength.
We can learn from her willingness to open her home and make it a place of ministry. In a world that often values independence and privacy, Priscilla’s story encourages us to embrace community and hospitality as essential parts of the Christian life.
Does Your Story Mirror Priscilla’s?
Have you ever found yourself in a position to teach or mentor someone in their faith? Like Priscilla, maybe you’ve partnered with others in ministry, using your gifts to help build up the church. How does her story inspire you to serve God alongside others and to share your knowledge of the gospel? I’d love to hear how Priscilla’s journey speaks to you and what lessons you’ve drawn from her life.
Key Verses from Priscilla’s Story:
Acts 18:2-3 – Priscilla and Aquila meet Paul and work together as tentmakers and co-laborers in Christ
Acts 18:26 – Priscilla and Aquila teach Apollos the way of God more accurately
Romans 16:3-5 – Paul’s greeting to Priscilla and Aquila, noting that they risked their lives for him and hosted a church in their home
With this final post about Priscilla, we come to the end of Walking with the Women in the Bible. I hope this series has encouraged you, inspired you, and helped you see the incredible ways God has worked through these remarkable women. Their stories remind us that faith, courage, and obedience to God’s calling are timeless lessons that continue to shape our lives today.
Thank you for joining me on this journey through the lives of the women in the Bible. I hope you’ve enjoyed the series and that it has deepened your faith and strengthened your walk with God. Stay blessed, and may the legacy of these women continue to inspire us all!
