THE BOOK OF ROMANS Friday – October 4, 2013 – Romans 16:3-4 “Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus: Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles” There are some very interesting things to note about this couple specified by Paul as his helpers in Christ. Acts 18 mentions them first as Paul met them in Corinth. In the custom of the time, Aquila is mentioned first, joined by his wife, Priscilla. These people were Jews who had lived in Rome before Claudius ordered all Jews out of Rome. This couple were tentmakers, just as Paul was, and it is possible that their common trade is what facilitated their meeting. It appears that it is during this time that Paul makes the decision to concentrate on carrying the gospel to the Gentiles. He does so because after many Sabbaths in the Temple trying to reason with the Jews and explain the Jesus was the messiah. We find that Paul left the Temple, after telling them he was done with them in so many words, and went to the house of one Titus Justus, described as a worshipper of God. While there, Paul led him and his entire household to Jesus, and was told by God to remain in Corinth and preach, for he would be protected there. Paul remained in Corinth, presumably with Aquila and Priscilla, for a year and a half. We do not have any details about Paul’s statement that they “for my life laid down their own necks”, but I would think it very possible that it took place during this year and a half. From Corinth, Paul travelled to Ephesus, and we are told that Priscilla and Aquila traveled with him. Interestingly, she is now referred to first, apparently being the more dominant, or aggressive, of the two when it came to sharing the gospel. In fact, when Paul left them in Ephesus, a young preacher named Apollos came to town. Although scripture says he was “a very learned man, with a thorough knowledge of the scriptures”, he must have had some doctrinal problems. We are told that Priscilla and Aquila invited him to their home where they “explained to him the way of God more adequately.” These were not just a couple of tentmakers who believed in Jesus, they were strong in the faith and confident in what they knew. Paul gives them high praise here in the book of Romans. He tells the church that they risked their own lives for his sake and that not only did he (Paul) give them thanks for that, but also all the churches of the Gentiles gave thanks. I would love to know the details of that situation, but it is sufficient that the scriptures record that they were faithful followers of Christ and very good friends with Paul. My prayer for today- A man like Paul surely needed encouragement and support from fellow Christians, Lord, and it appears that Priscilla and Aquila were among the most supportive friends he had. When I think of the hundreds of thousands of people who have come to know You as a result of the words You had Paul to write, I am thankful for servants like Priscilla and Aquila who support the ministry of the gospel, even to the risk of their own lives. For these daily devotions/studies to truly apply to your life, you must first belong to God. He will welcome you because He loves you, even before you love Him. He loves you so much that He sent His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16). Scripture tells us that if you will confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus Christ, and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart, man believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth, confession is made unto salvation, (Romans 10:9-10). Won’t you confess today and ask Jesus to forgive your sins and be your Savior? He is waiting with open arms…
Posted on: Fri, 04 Oct 2013 09:46:56 +0000
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