To fully grasp the significance of Prisca and Aquila’s ministry, we must consider all of Scripture, from Genesis to Revelation, observing how God uses ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things for His glory. For instance, Moses, a Hebrew raised in Egypt by Pharaoh’s daughter, fled to Midian after killing an Egyptian in defense of his people. There, he became an ordinary man, shepherding his father-in-law’s sheep. But when Moses encountered God in the burning bush, he was called to confront Pharaoh and demand the release of the Hebrew people. Though Moses initially resisted, God overruled his objections, assuring him of His presence. Transformed by this calling, Moses became a prophet, patriarch, and leader of God’s people. Through him, God demonstrated that He uses ordinary people to achieve extraordinary purposes.

God also employs ordinary objects in extraordinary ways to reveal His power. Moses’ shepherding staff, for instance, was instrumental in convincing Pharaoh to release God’s people and later parted the Red Sea. This ordinary staff, used to deliver the Israelites from slavery, foreshadows the cross, where God’s people are freed from sin. John Calvin observed that the staff represented God’s authority and power, and when Moses raised it over the Red Sea, it was at God’s command that the waters parted—foreshadowing the ultimate deliverance through Christ. Through the ordinary, God achieves the extraordinary; the difference is His presence and power.

Jesus called ordinary men to be His disciples, like Peter, James, and John—fishermen whom He called to become “fishers of men.” After they caught nothing all night, Jesus directed Peter to cast the nets on the other side, resulting in an overwhelming catch. Jesus used this moment to symbolize their mission: bringing souls into God’s kingdom. Even today, God calls ordinary people to evangelize, becoming “fishers of men” and drawing people to Christ. These biblical accounts matter because they illustrate how God desires to use us in similar ways. The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is God Himself.

Today, we’ll explore how God used an ordinary couple, Prisca and Aquila, known as a “dynamic duo,” grounding them in the gospel and empowering them to impact His kingdom through the church. Priscilla, her more familiar name, and Aquila exemplify commitment to the gospel through their devotion, sacrifice, and legacy. Their lives show how God accomplishes the extraordinary through ordinary people.

I. Devotion to the Gospel (v. 3)

The first step to becoming an extraordinary worker in God’s kingdom is devotion to the gospel. Priscilla and Aquila demonstrated this by partnering with Paul in spreading the gospel. Paul referred to them as “fellow workers,” fully committed to a shared mission. The same term is used in 1 Corinthians 3:5-6, where Paul describes himself and Apollos as servants working toward the same goal—though it is God who gives the growth. In the Roman church, divisions arose as people followed different leaders, like Paul or Apollos, but we are to follow God alone.

Paul acknowledged a shared devotion to Christ Jesus with Priscilla and Aquila. Their identity in Christ served as the foundation of their ministry. “In Christ” refers to the spiritual union believers have with Him. Romans 6:3-4 teaches that we are baptized into Christ and thus share His identity, walking in the “newness of life.” As Galatians 2:20 says, it is no longer we who live but Christ in us. Through this transformation, we begin to look more like Christ and less like our old selves.

Paul proclaimed that he could do all things, including live a holy life, through Christ who strengthens him (Philippians 4:13). As we grow in our new identity, Christ becomes more evident to us and others. The fellowship we share in the work of evangelism strengthens our camaraderie. We should view our lives as means to share the gospel, like Phoebe and Paul. They stood firm in truth, actively shared their faith, engaged in intercession, and awaited Christ’s return, all of which unify us as we labor for the city’s welfare.

Active Partnership

After leaving Athens, Paul met Aquila in Corinth (Acts 18:1). Both Priscilla and Aquila were tentmakers who had left Rome when Emperor Claudius expelled the Jews. The Roman church later experienced division when Jewish Christians returned and found it led by Gentiles. Paul’s connection with Priscilla and Aquila was based not only on their shared trade but their faith. Through this ordinary connection, God formed a gospel partnership. When Paul asked the Roman church to greet Priscilla and Aquila, he wanted them to recognize the importance of unity in their shared mission.

Willing Heart

Priscilla and Aquila also had hearts wholly surrendered to God, ready to serve wherever needed. Romans 12:1-2 challenges believers to offer their lives as living sacrifices, allowing God to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. In Ephesus, Paul learned that the church had lost its love for God despite their doctrinal soundness. Priscilla and Aquila’s willingness to follow Paul to Ephesus reflects their devotion to the gospel. Their ministry was well-known throughout the Roman churches due to their commitment to the gospel.

True willingness to serve means having open hands, allowing God to direct our lives. When we hold our lives open to God, we enable Him to use us as blessings in our cities and bearers of truth. This takes a willingness to be used by God wherever we are, rather than holding onto excuses for not sharing the gospel. Because Priscilla and Aquila were active, willing, and devoted to the gospel, God used them to make a lasting impact. Their example shows that God can use us in extraordinary ways when we are willing and devoted.

II. Sacrificial Service (V. 4a)

Courage

A desire to promote the gospel comes with a cost. Exemplary workers like Priscilla and Aquila understood the sacrifices of discipleship, including courage, which is essential for sacrificial service. Paul noted that they “risked their necks” for him. Courage, biblically, is rooted in trusting God rather than our own strength. True courage means facing fear with faith in God’s sovereignty, as Moses encouraged the Israelites before entering the Promised Land. Courage is not the absence of fear but a trust in God’s presence amidst it.

Cost

Effective gospel ministry involves a cost. While we don’t know precisely how Priscilla and Aquila risked their lives, we do know the trials Paul faced—imprisonments, beatings, hunger, and threats. Priscilla and Aquila willingly risked their lives to support him. This sacrificial heart reflects Jesus’s words: “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). They were also willing to risk their reputation by confronting Apollos, who needed further teaching on the gospel. Priscilla and Aquila’s courage and willingness exemplify Christ’s call to take up the cross and follow Him.

III. Lasting Legacy (V. 4b)

Remembrance

God transformed an ordinary couple like Priscilla and Aquila into extraordinary workers who left a lasting legacy. Paul, along with the Gentile churches, gave thanks for their sacrifice. Remembrance is an essential part of giving thanks, just as Jesus instituted the Lord’s Supper for believers to remember His sacrifice. Paul’s expressions of gratitude for various believers in his letters reflect the importance of recalling the sacrifices made for the gospel.

Perseverance

Perseverance lies at the heart of legacy. Priscilla and Aquila impacted countless lives with their consistent dedication, especially through hospitality, an integral part of their ministry. Hosting the church in their home, they welcomed others with kindness, reflecting God’s character. Hebrews 13:2 reminds us not to neglect hospitality, which may involve “entertaining angels unawares.” Their legacy began with simple acts of devotion and hospitality.

Priscilla’s formal name, Prisca, suggests nobility, but Paul commended her not for her status but her honorable work. Priscilla’s faithful service exemplified Galatians 6:9, which urges believers not to grow weary in doing good. Together, Prisca and Aquila created a legacy of steadfast devotion to God.

As we consider our legacy, we recognize that an ordinary life can become extraordinary through a devotion to the gospel. Living with open hands, dedicated to God’s service, transforms the ordinary into the exemplary. This is God’s desire for all His children, and it begins at the cross.

Selah:

1) In what practical ways does your life reflect your devotion to the gospel?

2) What sacrifices have you made for the sake of the gospel? What was the cost?

3) How much do you think about your own legacy? What will be the legacy you leave for your children and grandchildren?

4) What must you do to ensure that your legacy outlives you?