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Portrait of PriscillaPortrait · Priscilla

Early Church · New Testament

Priscilla

Teacher, Tentmaker & Partner in Ministry

Name meaning
Ancient or venerable
Name origin
Latin: Prisca, diminutive Priscilla, meaning "ancient"

Quick facts

Occupation
  • Tentmaker
  • Teacher
  • Host of a house church
Birthplace
Rome (resident, expelled under Claudius)
Modern-day location
Her birthplace is unknown; Rome, Italy, is recorded as a place where she lived.
Family
  • Wife and ministry partner of Aquila
  • Co-worker with Paul
  • Teacher of Apollos
First mention
Acts 18:2-3
Last mention
2 Timothy 4:19
Key artifacts
  • Tentmaking tools
  • Scrolls of Scripture
  • House church

Key verses

  • “and because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers.”

    Acts 18:3

  • “they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.”

    Acts 18:26

  • “Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus:”

    Romans 16:3

Biography

Early Life

Priscilla and Aquila lived in Rome until expelled by Claudius, then worked as tentmakers in Corinth where they met Paul.

Defining Biblical Moments

Priscilla and Aquila hosted Paul, instructed Apollos more accurately in the way of God, and hosted a church in their home in Ephesus and Rome, risking their lives for Paul.

Strengths

Priscilla is portrayed as skilled, theologically capable, hospitable and courageous in partnership ministry.

Weaknesses & Lessons

The narrative emphasizes her collaborative, teaching role, showing that faithful instruction can happen outside formal office through hospitality and accuracy.

Life Lessons for Today

Partnership in work, home and teaching multiplies impact; quiet, accurate instruction shapes future leaders like Apollos.

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Priscilla appears in Women of the Bible: Profiles in Courage & Faith, alongside more profiles like this one.

Page #51 in Women of the Bible: Profiles in Courage & Faith

Women of the Bible: Profiles in Courage & Faith front cover

Women whose courage shaped Scripture

Vivid profiles of the women of the Bible whose faith, wisdom, and quiet courage carried them through extraordinary moments.

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