Priscilla
The Teacher Who Helped Shape Leaders in the Early Church
Name Information
- Meaning: Diminutive of Prisca, meaning 'ancient' or 'venerable' (Latin)
- Language of Origin: Latin
- Gender Usage: Feminine
Priscilla, alongside her husband Aquila, was a bold and knowledgeable disciple who helped disciple Apollos and strengthen the early church. Her name often appears before her husband’s, suggesting she took a leading role in teaching. She and Aquila hosted churches in their home and risked their lives for Paul. Her legacy shows how God uses faithful women in theology, discipleship, and hospitality.
⏰ 1st century AD
Roles
- Teacher
- Disciple-maker
- Church Host
Relationships
- Husband: Aquila
- Disciple: Apollos
- Co-worker: Paul
Story
Met Paul in Corinth and partnered in work and ministry.
Traveled with Paul to Ephesus and stayed to teach there.
Quietly corrected Apollos in private to help him grow in Gospel truth.
Mentioned with honor in multiple letters from Paul.
Continued faithful ministry through years of travel and suffering.
Spiritual Significance
- Worked as a tentmaker alongside Paul.
- Taught Apollos the Gospel more accurately, along with Aquila.
- Hosted and nurtured churches in their home (Corinth, Ephesus, Rome).
- Risked her life for Paul (Romans 16:4).
- One of the most prominent women leaders in the early church.
Christ Connection
Priscilla’s teaching pointed others to Jesus as the true fulfillment of the Scriptures.
Her work in discipling Apollos helped prepare a key Gospel leader.
She models Christlike courage, wisdom, and sacrificial love.
What We Can Learn
- Women can and should be strong theological voices in the church.
- Discipleship is most effective in relationship and humility.
- Faithful hospitality can be a powerful ministry.
- Married couples can serve the kingdom powerfully in unity.
Memory Verses
They risked their necks for my life...
— Romans 16:4
Key Passages
- Acts 18:1–3
- Acts 18:18–28
- Romans 16:3–5
- 1 Corinthians 16:19
- 2 Timothy 4:19
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