One of the more prominent women in the book of Acts is Priscilla. Her name is mentioned three times in Acts. "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 18:2). "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 18:18). “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" (Acts 18:26). Further mention is made in the New Testament (Romans 16:3; 1 Corinthians 16:19; 2 Timothy 4:19).
Priscilla's name, according to Cruden's concordance, means "ancient, old- fashioned simplicity." Little is known of Priscilla's background. She was born in Pontus. Like her husband, Aquila, she was a Jew of Asia-Minor. Both of them were friends of Paul.
Aquila and Priscilla were a team. They were harmoniously together in the Lord's service. They are never mentioned apart. Lockyer in, "All the women of the Bible", mentions several ways in which the couple was "one". (1) They were one in marital bliss. (2) They were one in the Lord (Acts 18:2). (3) They were one in secular occupation (Acts 18:3). (4) They were one in their friendship for Paul. (5) They were one in their profound knowledge of scripture (Acts 18:25-28). (6) They were one in their service of the church (Romans 16:3) (Lockyer 122-125).
One thing is striking, not only about Priscilla, but about other women of whom we read in the Acts of the Apostles: God uses simple, humble servants to do His bidding. Some of the greatest servants in the kingdom are not those with the eloquence of Apollos, but with the humble servant and hearted spirit of a Dorcas or Priscilla.
What a contrast with many women of the twenty-first century. Rather than being found on their knees in prayer like Mary, being filled with good works like Dorcas, and working side-by-side with their husbands in the service of the king, many modern mothers and women are found looking for the latest scoop on Facebook; enjoying a martini at the bridge party. They are seen running fervently all over town from one children's sporting event to another; going to the mall to find something to wear others haven't seen. (We must have something new, of course.) They spend precious little time with the Word, if at all, and prayer is said now and then if the family ever sits down for a meal together.
May God help us all go back to the great examples found in the Bible and emulate the God fearing men and women found there. We have godly women in the church today. Praying women, working women, women that are one with their mates. May their numbers increase.
May the Lord bless you and keep you!
Billy
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