Read Acts 18:1-4, 24-26; Romans 16:3-4

Hospitable, Humble, And Heroic

There are many individuals mentioned in the book of Acts and in the letters of Paul about whom we simply do not know very much. Take, for instance, some of the brothers and sisters Paul mentions in the last chapter of Romans: Phoebe, Epaenetus, Andronicus, Junia, Amplias, and Urbanus. Then there are others that we get to know a little better, such as Aquila and Priscilla.

When first introduced to this godly couple, we learn of their hospitality. The inspired record tells us that they were tentmakers, and as such Paul “stayed with them and worked” since he was also a tentmaker (Acts 18:3). They opened their home to a brother in Christ. I can recall several times that visiting evangelists would stay in my home when I was young. My parents were excellent hosts like Aquila and Priscilla.

We also learn of this couple’s humility even in the face of error. There was a man named Apollos who was very zealous in his teaching, but he did not have all the information he needed; “he knew only the baptism of John” (Acts 18:25). The Christian couple did not stand up in the middle of his teaching and shout him down. “When Aquila and Priscilla heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately” (Acts 18:26). What a noble example of “speaking the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15).

But there is another piece of information Paul reveals in Romans 16 about this couple. While we do not have the full details, Paul says that this husband-and-wife team “risked their own necks for my life” (Romans 16:4). Not only were they hospitable and humble, but they were also heroic to the point that in some way they saved Paul’s life and his divine mission to the Gentile world. Oh, how I would love to hear the details of that epic adventure!

Aquila and Priscilla will forever stand as excellent examples of hospitality, humility, and heroism. May we strive to be more like them in our Christian service!