December 8

December 8

Paul -- Journey #2 (Corinth, Ephesus, Antioch) -- The story of Aquila & Priscilla.

Today's Readings:

Reading 1: Acts 18

Reading 2: 1 Corinthians 16:19

Reading 3: Romans 16:3-5

Throughout Paul's Second missionary journey from Antioch, there have been those who believe, and those who oppose his message. Today's readings are no different, but we focus on one couple in Corinth - Priscilla and Aquila. Here we have an example of a couple working together in God's Kingdom. They make tents to support themselves (like a general contractor would today) but they also host a church in their home.

The key thing to notice is that they are both  called co-workers with Paul, i.e. leaders in the early Church and part of his missionary team. It was revolutionary for Jesus to have female disciples (such as Mary and Martha) and women were the first apostles (witnesses of the resurrection sent to tell others about Jesus' victory over death). Now we see Paul working alongside a married couple to plant and strengthen a church in Corinth. Clearly God's plan is for men and women to lead together in the church; not an idea cultivated by Jewish religious tradition, but certainly one which has roots in many Old Testament examples (such as Ruth, Esther, Deborah, Miriam, and others).

It is also noticeable in today's chapter that Paul tried to reach out firstly to the Jews (his own countrymen) but they mostly rejected him so he goes to the Gentiles instead.

Later in the chapter, Paul takes Priscilla and Aquila with him to Ephesus before going on to Jerusalem and back to Antioch, from where he begins his third journey in Acts 18:23.

Have a great day!

Mark.