735. ROM 16:3, ROM 16:4. PRISCILLA AND AQUILA

Rom_16:3, Rom_16:4. Priscilla and Aquila

"Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my helpers in Christ Jesus: who for my life laid down their own necks; unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles."’97Rom_16:3, Rom_16:4.

Happy is the sight, when we see persons united in the bonds of natural relationship also fellow-heirs of the grace of life. Our text regards an instance of this kind. Priscilla and Aquila, husband and wife, were both of one heart and one mind in reference to religion. They had both heard the gospel, and experienced its saving power. As Christian disciples, they were distinguished for all that holy simplicity and zeal, which was so strikingly displayed by the early followers of Jesus. To these truly excellent persons, the apostle sends his Christian salutation. He says, "Greet Priscilla," &c.

Let us,

I. Glance at their history, as recorded in the Scriptures.

And,

II. At the special references made to them in the text.

I. Glance at their history, as recorded in the Scriptures.

We first meet with them,

(1.) After having been banished from Rome’97residents at Corinth: Act_18:2. It would appear at this time that they were Jews; and as such, had been persecuted and banished from Rome. It is highly probable that they were devout persons. In this connection we observe,

(2.) That they were laboring industrious persons. Their occupation was that of tentmakers. At that period, travellers depended chiefly on these, instead of inns; and hence both itinerant merchants, pilgrims, soldiers, and shepherds were often required to dwell in tents. The Apostle Paul, though he had received a liberal education, was also of this trade. The Jews thought it desirable to dignify labor, by giving their sons some lawful active occupation.

(3.) That they received the Apostle into their family and workshop. "He abode with them, and wrought." No small honor to receive a disciple; but here was a minister, an Apostle’97yea, the chief of the Apostles’97one of the most learned and useful of the whole. It is probable that the influence of his holy life and Christian conversation and discourses converted them to Christianity. This is not stated; but, I think, may be reasonably presumed; for, doubtless, they would accompany Paul to the Synagogue, &c. Act_18:4 and Act_18:5.

(4.) We find them next accompanying the Apostle to Ephesus. Act_18:18, Act_18:19. It is clear that at this time, they were not only Christians, but well-instructed in the doctrines of the Gospel; and soon an opportunity of evidencing this was given them. The eloquent Apollos came to Ephesus, and Priscilla and Aquila heard him’97discovered his deficiency in Christian knowledge; and they took him unto them, that is, into their house, or dwelling, and expounded to him the way of God more perfectly. An account of these results is described in Act_18:24-28.

There is only one reference to them more in the Divine word, when they united with the Apostle Paul, and sent their salutation to the saints in Corinth, with whom they formerly lived and communed. See 1Co_16:19.

As this Epistle was written from Philippi, it is not unlikely that they were then residents of that city. Notice,

II. The special references made to them in the text.

1. They were fellow-helpers of the Apostle.

In how many forms and modes they did this, is not stated. Indeed, these must always vary with circumstances. The main thing is, to feel the responsibility for laboring in Christ’s cause; and then to have a heart and will to carry it out, as God may give opportunity.

Not only did they contribute to the Apostle’s personal comfort, but it is evident they worked with him spiritually. He calls them,

"Helpers in Christ Jesus." Helpers in his spiritual calling. Acting with him for the exaltation of Christ, and the salvation of souls.

2. They were self-denying and magnanimous disciples of Jesus.

They were not ease lovers. Not Christians courting flowery paths and sunny scenes. Not merely professors when the church was peaceful and prosperous; but they walked in the thorny paths of self-denial’97they hazarded their ease, property, for the Apostle’s sake, and for the gospel’s sake’97they stood fast, and firm, and prominent, in the day of peril. Ventured all for Christ. Left all to be disposed of by his providence, and relied on his efficient grace.

In this way they strengthened the Apostle, cheered him, and in this way contributed to the success of all the Gentile churches: last clause, 1Co_16:4.

3. They maintained the ordinances of religion in their own family.

1Co_16:5. Hence we read of the church that is in their house. At this time Christians had no distinct edifices for worship, so they met in private dwellings, or in rooms; and in the dwelling of Aquila and Priscilla, they had a church, that is, a Christian congregation, regularly assembling with them.

Now, at this time, they were in Rome; but it is evident from 1Co_14:10, that when they were in Philippi, they also had a church in their house. They aimed at this. They labored for this. They attained this; and it is recorded as an evidence of the heartiness and activity of their piety.

Learn,’97

1. How useful Christians may be in the ordinary walks of life.

Aquila and Priscilla had no extraordinary gifts and endowments, or sphere; but they had good common sense, real piety, and a holy zeal for Christ and his cause; and, hence, see the happy results of their efforts. All the churches of the Gentiles were indebted to them.

2. See the social character of true religion. It makes the family a church’97and the dwelling, a meetinghouse for God’s people.

3. That Christianity has spheres of usefulness for each sex, and for every believer.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS