Acts 18:2

And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla; (because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome:) and came unto them.

Acts 18:2 (KJV)

Context

Acts 18:2 introduces Aquila and Priscilla, a Jewish couple whom Paul meets in Corinth. The verse explains that Aquila was born in Pontus, a region in Asia Minor on the southern shore of the Black Sea, and that he had recently come from Italy with his wife. The parenthetical note about Claudius provides the reason for their arrival: the Roman Emperor Claudius had commanded all Jews to leave Rome. This expulsion is commonly dated to around A.D. 49, and it scattered Jewish Christians across the empire, including this couple.

The mention of Claudius’s edict anchors the dating of Paul’s time in Corinth and highlights God’s providence in using even political upheaval to bring believers together for the spread of the gospel.

Meaning

The verse emphasizes that Aquila and Priscilla were Jewish believers who had recently arrived in Corinth. Their presence there was not accidental but part of God’s larger plan. The phrase “and came unto them” indicates that Paul sought them out, setting the stage for a close partnership in ministry and tentmaking.

Aquila and Priscilla are mentioned several times in the New Testament, always together as a couple. They were tentmakers by trade, and Paul joined them in their business. They not only supported themselves through their trade but also used their occupation as a means to support the work of the Gospel.

Biblical connections

Acts 18:2 sets the stage for the relationship between Aquila, Priscilla, and Paul. In Corinth, Paul stayed and worked with them, forming a close partnership. They later appear as faithful coworkers in Romans 16:3-4 and 2 Timothy 4:19.

Their willingness to open their home for the ministry of the Gospel demonstrates the importance of hospitality in the early Christian community. They used their home as a meeting place for believers, creating an environment for worship, teaching, and fellowship. Their home became a hub for the growth and strengthening of the early church.

Application

The example of Aquila and Priscilla reminds us of the importance of supporting the work of the Gospel in practical ways. They used their skills, resources, and hospitality to advance the cause of Christ. Their partnership with Paul and their involvement in local church communities serve as a model for believers today. We are encouraged to use our gifts and talents to serve the Lord, support others in ministry, and open our homes to build up fellow believers.

Reflection

God often works through ordinary circumstances, such as a political decree or a shared trade, to bring His people together for His purposes. Aquila and Priscilla’s faithfulness in their calling, whether in tentmaking or hospitality, reminds us that every believer has a role in the spread of the Gospel. Their example challenges us to remain faithful in the tasks God has given us, trusting that He can use even difficult situations for good.