Aquila and Priscilla

Hospitable New Testament couple

A Jewish tent-making couple with whom Paul stayed while in Corinth (Acts 18:1–3). They later moved to Ephesus, where they befriended Apollos—an eloquent speaker and teacher of religious matters—who had not yet been fully instructed in the truth of Jesus’ life, death, resurrection, or the reality of the Holy Spirit.

Their story is recorded in Acts 18; Romans 16:3–5; 1 Corinthians 16:19; and 2 Timothy 4:19.

Lessons from Their Lives

• Generous Hearts and an Open Home. They had generous hearts and an open home—Paul lived and worked with them, and Apollos was invited into their home for private instruction (Acts 18:3, 26). The home is one of the most effective and non-threatening environments for influencing others and investing in their spiritual growth. Do I practice hospitality?

• Careful Listening and Graceful Correction. They listened carefully to teaching and recognized that Apollos lacked a full understanding of the gospel. Rather than criticizing him, avoiding him, or confronting him publicly, they approached him privately. With patience and grace, they “explained to him the way of God more adequately” (Acts 18:26). Our manner of response greatly influences the outcome. How do I respond to teaching that does not fully align with Scripture?

• Gospel-Centered Partnership. They served as a team, always mentioned together in Scripture—never individually. They modeled gospel-centered partnership in marriage. If married, do you minister alongside your spouse, or do you go it alone? For married believers, serving together provides moral and spiritual protection. Their faithful ministry impacted many lives, so much that Paul called them “fellow workers” who “risked their lives” for him (Rom 16:3–4).

See also: Apollos, Apologetics, Hospitality.