Aquila
maleNew TestamentMeaning: “Eagle”
A Jewish tentmaker who, with his wife Priscilla, hosted Paul, taught Apollos, and risked his life for the apostle — a church meeting in their home.
Biography
Aquila was a Jewish tentmaker, originally of Pontus, who with his wife Priscilla became one of Paul's most valued co-workers. Expelled from Rome with other Jews under Claudius, the couple settled in Corinth, where Paul met them and stayed, "because he was of the same craft" (Acts 18:2–3).
Fellow-workers with Paul
Aquila and Priscilla travelled with Paul to Ephesus and laboured alongside him. Paul honored them as "my helpers in Christ Jesus: who have for my life laid down their own necks," with a church meeting in their house (Romans 16:3–5; 1 Corinthians 16:19).
Teaching Apollos
When the eloquent Apollos preached at Ephesus knowing only John's baptism, Aquila and Priscilla "took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly" (Acts 18:26) — a quiet, faithful ministry of discipling that strengthened a gifted preacher.
Life Timeline
Meets Paul in Corinth; they work together as tentmakers
With Priscilla, instructs Apollos more perfectly
Family Tree
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Themes & lessons from Aquila
Biblical themes that run through the passages where Aquila appears.
People they appear with
Places in their story
Scripture Appearances
6 verses in 4 booksActs3 verses
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 18:18
And Paul after this tarried there yet a good while, and then took his leave of the brethren, and sailed thence into Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila; having shorn his head in Cenchrea: for he had a vow.
Acts 18:26
And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.
Romans1 verse
Romans 16:3
Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus:
1 Corinthians1 verse
1 Corinthians 16:19
The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.
2 Timothy1 verse
2 Timothy 4:19
Salute Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus.
Frequently asked about Aquila
Who was Aquila in the Bible?
A Jewish tentmaker who, with his wife Priscilla, hosted Paul, taught Apollos, and risked his life for the apostle — a church meeting in their home.
What does the name Aquila mean?
The name Aquila means “Eagle”.
What did Aquila do in the Bible?
Aquila served as tentmaker.
Where does Aquila appear in the Bible?
Aquila is mentioned 6 times across 4 books: Acts, Romans, 1 Corinthians, 2 Timothy.
What can we learn from Aquila?
The story of Aquila touches on themes of priscilla, aquila and priscilla, ephesus, missionaries, all christians should be as — explore each to study the lessons drawn from Aquila's life.
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