1 .Sometimes hear of "beautiful people"--this couple were
truly such.
a. We don't know about their physical
appearance.
b. But they had another kind of beauty.
cf. I Pet. 3:3-4
2. They are the type of couple the church needs--such
folks mean much to any congregation where they happen to be.
3. From six passages where they're mentioned, valuable
lessons.
a. All they accomplished was
the result of unity.
b. They are always mentioned together--one
in life, one in interest in Christ.
4. I want us to observe them over a period of several
years.
I. THEY WERE BANISHED FROM ROME; CAME TO CORINTH. Acts 18:1-3 (52-54 A.D.)
A. When they came is unknown.
1. Chronologists place Paul's visit and the
founding of church at Corinth usually about 52-54 A.D.
2. Claudius' reign--41-54 A.D.
3. "Lately" or "recently" had come
to Corinth the record says.
B. Identity: Jew, native of Pontus, lately of Rome, a
tent-maker.
C. Paul came to and abode with them. This was the
beginning of a dear, and a life-long friendship.
D. It is not known whether Christians when they
met or not.
II. THEY LEFT CORINTH FOR EPHESUS. Acts 18:18-26 (Late 55, early 56)
A. Since Paul later calls them
his helpers (Rom. 16:3), perhaps they were Christians already at
this point. This would seem to suggest so.
1.
Finding the Jewish attitude good at Ephesus, Paul intends to return after
visit to Syria, etc. Acts 18:20-21.
2.
Aquila and Priscilla maybe left to do some preparatory work.
B. Hearing Apollos, they detect shortcoming
in his preaching.
1. They had
learned well under Paul.
2. They
were able to distinguish between the baptism of John and the baptism of
Christ's great commission--many still can't today.
3. They
listened discerningly--not fooled by his eloquence.
4. Though Apollos
was "mighty in scripture", they knew some things "more perfectly"
than did Apollos.
5. Love
for souls led to helping Apollos correct his error.
a. They didn't "corner" or "nail" him
before others.
b. They took him unto them for the correction. They weren't seeking
some personal advantage.
6. What would we
have done?
III. SENT GREETING FROM EPHESUS TO CORINTH VIA PAUL'S LETTER. I Cor. 16:9. (57 A.D.)
A. Having lived there, they
knew Christians there-- were interested in them--"salute--in the Lord."
B. A church in their house
at Ephesus--implications:
1. Hospitality--home open
to Christians as had been to Paul. cf. Acts 18:2
2. Not afraid to be inconvenienced
or too concerned with the house.
3. Today, hard to get members
to open homes for Bible study or to show hospitality among members.
4. Some never show any
hospitality. cf. Rom. 12:13; I Pet. 4:9; Heb. 13:2
IV. HAVING LEFT EPHESUS, NEXT FIND THEM IN ROME. Rom. 16:3-5 (58)
A. Claudius had died in 54, poisoned
by his wife. Succeeded by Nero, 54-68 A.D.
B. Aquila & Priscilla have not
forsaken truth, not truth's servant.
1. "My helpers"
2. "Laid down own
necks for my life."
3. Gentle churches
thankful for this Jewish couple.
C. Again a church in their home. v. 5
1. Back among former friends and relations,
got right to work.
2. What other than interest in kingdom,
love of truth, could have so prompted?
V. BACK IN EPHESUS. II Tim. 4:19. (66-67 A.D.)
A. Written from prison, probably Paul's last
letter.
B. He doesn't forget his dear friends.
VI. PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS:
A. Industrious--worked at their
own trade, but not too busy to work for the Lord.
B. Extended friendship for a
humble servant of the Lord--did not become ashamed when he created tumult.
C. Church could meet in their
house.,
D. Christians everywhere they
went. ("We are Christian's everywhere or we are Christians nowhere.")
E. They knew the truth, taught
and contended for it. Jude 3.
CONCLUSION:
A. A church with such "beautiful
people" is indeed blessed.
B. Are you an Aquila or Priscilla?