Priscilla—also called Prisca—and her husband Aquila appear repeatedly in the New Testament as a married couple deeply involved in the spread and strengthening of the early church.
Meeting Paul in Corinth
Acts 18 introduces Aquila and Priscilla in Corinth after they had left Rome. They shared Paul’s trade of tentmaking or leatherworking, and Paul stayed and worked with them while ministering in the city.
From Corinth to Ephesus
When Paul later departed Corinth, Priscilla and Aquila traveled with him as far as Ephesus. Their ministry there became particularly significant when a gifted speaker named Apollos arrived.
Helping Apollos Understand More Accurately
Apollos is described as eloquent, knowledgeable in the Scriptures, and fervent in spirit, yet his understanding was incomplete. Acts says Priscilla and Aquila took him aside and explained the way of God more accurately.
The scene is notable for its combination of truth and humility. Apollos had genuine gifts but still had something to learn, while Priscilla and Aquila corrected him privately rather than turning instruction into public humiliation.
A Church in Their Home
Paul’s letters mention a church meeting in the couple’s house. This reflects the household-based nature of many early Christian gatherings before purpose-built church buildings became common.
Trusted Coworkers
Romans 16 calls Prisca and Aquila Paul’s fellow workers in Christ Jesus and says they risked their own necks for his life. Paul expresses gratitude not only personally but on behalf of Gentile churches.
Why Priscilla Matters
Scripture gives us no standalone biography of Priscilla, yet the repeated references portray an active, knowledgeable, courageous Christian woman involved in teaching, hospitality, mission, and church life alongside her husband.
Her story reminds us that some of the most influential people in the early church were not apostles standing before crowds. They were faithful believers opening their homes, teaching carefully, working beside others, and strengthening people whom God would use elsewhere.