Aquila [Ăq'uĭlă]—eagle. A Jew whom Paul found at Corinth on his arrival from Athens (Acts 18:2, 18, 26; Rom. 16:3; 1 Cor. 16:19; 2 Tim. 4:19).

The Man Who Is Always Linked with His Wife

A characteristic feature of Aquila and Priscilla is that their names are always mentioned together. In the truest sense they were “no more twain but one.” They were one in their common interest in Christ, and all they accomplished together in the name of the Lord was the result of that perfect unity of spiritual nature, of purpose and of aim.

I. By occupation they were tent-makers. Perhaps it was because Paul followed the same trade that he was attracted to them when he went to Corinth from Athens.

II. By their oneness in spiritual things they were hospitable. Being in full sympathy with Paul’s message they willingly received him unto their house, and he remained with them for a year and a half. What blessed times of fellowship the three of them must have had!

III. By their faithfulness they encouraged the saints. Paul tells us that these two devoted people were willing to “lay down their own necks” for the apostle. What they did for Paul earned the gratitude of all the churches.

IV. By their spiritual insight, Apollos and many other saints were helped. They had a “church in their house” and because of their spiritual quality and knowledge of Scripture many were blessed.

A fact that cannot escape our notice is that Priscilla is usually named first in the references to Aquila and herself. Perhaps this most “noble Roman lady” became a Christian before her husband. Maybe she was a more active worker than her husband! Chrysostom says that it was Priscilla’s careful expositions of the way of God that proved so helpful to Apollos. Together, Aquila and Priscilla are a pertinent example for Christian husbands and wives.