Priscilla
femaleNew TestamentMeaning: “Ancient; venerable”
A tentmaker and teacher who, with her husband Aquila, hosted a church, instructed Apollos more accurately, and labored alongside the apostle Paul.
Biography
Priscilla (also called Prisca), together with her husband Aquila, was one of the most valued co-workers of the apostle Paul — a teacher, host, and fellow tentmaker who served the early church across several cities.
Co-workers with Paul
Jewish believers expelled from Rome, Priscilla and Aquila met Paul in Corinth, shared his trade of tentmaking, and worked alongside him (Acts 18:2–3). Paul calls them "my helpers in Christ Jesus: who have for my life laid down their own necks" (Romans 16:3–4). Notably, Priscilla is often named first, suggesting a prominent role.
Teaching Apollos
When the eloquent Apollos preached in Ephesus knowing only the baptism of John, Priscilla and Aquila "took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly" (Acts 18:26) — a quiet example of a woman instructing a gifted teacher in sound doctrine. A church met in their home (1 Corinthians 16:19).
Life Timeline
Meets Paul in Corinth and works with him as a tentmaker
Instructs Apollos in the way of God more perfectly
Family Tree
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Themes & lessons from Priscilla
Biblical themes that run through the passages where Priscilla 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 Priscilla
Who was Priscilla in the Bible?
A tentmaker and teacher who, with her husband Aquila, hosted a church, instructed Apollos more accurately, and labored alongside the apostle Paul.
What does the name Priscilla mean?
The name Priscilla means “Ancient; venerable”.
What did Priscilla do in the Bible?
Priscilla served as tentmaker, teacher.
Where does Priscilla appear in the Bible?
Priscilla is mentioned 6 times across 4 books: Acts, Romans, 1 Corinthians, 2 Timothy.
What can we learn from Priscilla?
The story of Priscilla touches on themes of priscilla, aquila and priscilla, ephesus, missionaries, all christians should be as — explore each to study the lessons drawn from Priscilla's life.
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