Morning Devotionals

by Don Emmitte

 

March 28th, 2008

 

"The Lesser Known Disciples (Part 2)"

After this, Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. There he met a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had ordered all the Jews to leave Rome. Paul went to see them, and because he was a tentmaker as they were, he stayed and worked with them. Every Sabbath he reasoned in the synagogue, trying to persuade Jews and Greeks. (Acts 18:1-4 NIV).

Today we look at two other disciples. Aquila and Priscilla are always mentioned together as they were husband and wife. Her name is actually mentioned first in four out of the six times found in the New Testament. Many have drawn the conclusion that meant she was of a higher social status and was more able than her husband; however, it is more likely that she simply had the more dominant personality of the two.  I know that in my life Mary is rarely mentioned before me in any introductions. However, it would be a grave mistake to think that she is any less capable than I. Without her I know I could not manage at all. I am sure it was the same for Aquila and Priscilla.

Driven from Rome, Aquila sought refuge in Corinth, where Paul, on his second missionary journey, meets him because they have the same trade of tent making (cf. Acts 18:3). There they labored together in their trade. It is undoubtedly at that time that Paul’s influence led them to a relationship with Christ. Not only did they become Christians, but they also became fast and devoted friends of Paul, and he fully reciprocated their affection for him (cf. Romans 16:3,4). They accompanied him when he left Corinth to go to Ephesus and remained there while he went on his journey into Syria. When he wrote the first letter to the church at Corinth they were still at Ephesus and their house there was used as a Christian assembly-place (cf. 1 Corinthians 16:19).

Ephesus became one of the most influential churches of the early age. All of this took place because they were willing to open their hearts and home to the Gospel. I am convinced that God wants more of these dedicated people in today’s world. The most effective evangelism is often done in our own neighborhood. Just the other day, as I was walking my dog, I stopped to talk with one of our neighbors. It was no more than a casual conversational moment. However, as I stayed a bit, he mentioned to me that he noticed I had begun a ministry at the church. He said that he sure wished he could talk with me about some issues he was facing with his teenage daughters. He said he was a little embarrassed to call, but since we were talking, he wondered if I could spend a little time with him. I wonder what might have happened if I would have merely kept walking rather than stop.

Aquila and Priscilla were willing to stop long enough to meet people where they were… how about you? How big a hurry have you been in that you may have missed God’s moment? Slow down and look for those moments. You will certainly be up to the task!