Calling and purpose 11—Priscilla
Priscilla (sometimes written as Prisca) is mentioned seven times in the New Testament—in four books. By contrast, Luke is mentioned by name three times. Matthias—the disciple chosen to replace Judas—is only mentioned twice, and only in the Book of Acts.
Priscilla was an Italian Jewish (or possibly Gentile, due to her Latin name) woman, who was married to Aquila, a Jewish man. She was forced to leave Rome—by the Emperor Claudius’ decree expelling all Jews from the city. That persecution landed her in Corinth, Greece, where she met Paul.
She was a tentmaker—who worked alongside her husband and Paul. It is believed that as they worked alongside the Apostle, hearing Paul talk of the Lord, Priscilla and Aquila came to faith in Jesus.
According to pastor/author Ray Stedman, it was highly unusual in writings of that day to list women. However, we see in Romans 16 an impressive number of women mentioned, including Priscilla. Stedman says: “Women occupy a prominent place in these letters of the New Testament. Evidently, they handled very important tasks within the church, according to the gifts they had.”
Priscilla may have had the Gift of Leadership—she and Aquila were key church leaders and worked closely with other church leaders Paul, Silas, Timothy, Crispus (the official of the synagogue), Apollos, Luke, etc. Perhaps she also had the Gift of Teaching. As Stedman says: “…of the six times [Priscilla’s and Aquila’s] names are mentioned, four times Priscilla's name is put first -- which indicates that she had the gift of teaching, rather than her husband.”
Her gift mix may have included the Gift of Shepherding. After Corinth, Priscilla and her husband traveled with Paul to Ephesus—where he left them in charge of the work there. When Paul returned more than a year later—that well-pastored church was thriving. While in Ephesus, Priscilla and Aquila intersected with Apollos—teaching in a synagogue—and took it upon themselves to mentor him, correcting his understanding: “When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately” (Acts 18:26). Priscilla was a trainer and theologian and equipper of others.
Priscilla might have also had the Gift of Hospitality--the newborn Corinthian church assembled in her home. Paul also stayed with them in Corinth for one and a half to two years. Once Emperor Claudius died, Priscilla and Aquila returned to Rome, and, again, were hosts to a home church: “Greet Prisca and Aquila, who work with me in Christ Jesus, and who risked their necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles. Greet also the church in their house” (Romans 16:3-5).
Priscilla moved—under duress—from Rome to Corinth, got established enough to have a church—then moved two years later to Ephesus—again establishing a church—and then back to Rome. She was clearly willing and able with God’s help to make the best of each situation and to go where she was most needed, using her leadership, teaching, shepherding and hospitality gifts to strengthen the fledgling church.
Our calling and vocation is the same. To glorify God wherever He moves us and to use our God-given gifts to strengthen the church and those around us—where we are most needed. Included in this call is to contribute to the community through our involvements and profession.
How has your profession put you in contact with others where you are being influenced for the better or are being an influence?
Are you part of a team—at work, home, church, etc.? How can you live more interdependently?
How and where are you using your gifts?
Are you discipling/mentoring others—giving away and giving back?
And, where is God asking you to step up—to offer your resources (your home, your time, etc.) for the benefit of others?
The result of Priscilla’s and Aquila’s faithfulness: “…all the Jews and Greeks who lived in the province of Asia heard the word of the Lord” (Acts 19:10).
Ask God to use you. You have great value in His kingdom. Be open to His moving in your life. Be known for your commitment, your character, your wisdom, and your faith!
For more, read Acts 18; Romans 16:3-4; 1 Corinthians 16:19; 2 Timothy 4:19.
Additional Resources:
• Downloadable Resources--See Sample List of Interest Areas; Your Spiritual Gifts—A Study Guide; Knowing Your Unique Calling and Purpose Study Guide; Whole-Life Ministry: A Form of Worship, Grace-Giving, and Living into Your Calling.
Shirley Giles Davis, author of the God. Gifts. You. Your Unique Calling and Design workbook, is a consultant, coach, facilitator who has worked with faith-based organizations, nonprofit agencies, law enforcement leadership, and individuals for over 30 years. Shirley has been EquipConnectServe Director at First Pres Boulder since 1999. She has worked with leaders and organizations in 47 of the United States as well as having clients outside the U.S. Contact Shirley.