Mishingo 18 - KBTP & KJV

He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately.-2

The season of love is a time to reflect on stories of deep, enduring affection. While many love stories focus on romance alone, the story of Priscilla and Aquila in the Bible showcases a love built on faith, purpose, and shared ministry. Their relationship was not just about companionship; it was a divine partnership that impacted the early Church.

Love in Exile: A Journey Together

Priscilla and Aquila first appear in Scripture as Jewish tentmakers who had been forced to leave Rome due to Emperor Claudius’ decree. In Acts 18:2, Paul meets them in Corinth:

“There he met a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had ordered all Jews to leave Rome. Paul went to see them.” (Acts 18:2, NIV)

Despite their displacement, they remained together, demonstrating resilience through life’s challenges. Their love was not just for each other but for the work God had set before them.

A Love That Serves

Not only were they devoted to one another, but they were also deeply committed to God’s work. When Paul arrived in Corinth, he stayed with them and worked alongside them as a tentmaker (Acts 18:3). Their hospitality and willingness to serve made them an essential part of Paul’s ministry.

“And because he was a tentmaker as they were, he stayed and worked with them.” (Acts 18:3, NIV)

Priscilla and Aquila opened their home, not only to Paul but to many believers, turning it into a hub for ministry. Their love was one that served—both each other and the Church.

A Love That Teaches

One of the most beautiful aspects of their relationship was their shared commitment to discipleship. In Acts 18:24-26, they encountered Apollos, a gifted speaker who lacked a full understanding of the gospel. Instead of criticizing him publicly, they took him aside and taught him more accurately:

“He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately.” (Acts 18:26, NIV)

Their love was not selfish—it extended to mentoring and nurturing others in the faith. They worked as a team, showing that ministry can be stronger when done together.

A Love That Risks Everything

Priscilla and Aquila were not only teachers and hosts—they were courageous. In Romans 16:3-4, Paul acknowledges them as fellow workers who risked their lives for him:

“Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my co-workers in Christ Jesus. They risked their lives for me. Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them.” (Romans 16:3-4, NIV)

Their love was sacrificial, willing to endure hardship and danger for the sake of the gospel. They stood side by side, not just in daily life, but in moments of great risk.

A Love That Builds the Church

Beyond their personal relationship, Priscilla and Aquila were dedicated to strengthening the Church. In 1 Corinthians 16:19, Paul mentions how the church met in their home:

“The churches in the province of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Priscilla greet you warmly in the Lord, and so does the church that meets at their house.” (1 Corinthians 16:19, NIV)

Their home was not just a place of rest—it was a sanctuary for believers. Together, they created an atmosphere where faith could flourish.

A Love That Lasts

The final mention of them in 2 Timothy 4:19 shows that, years later, they were still serving the Lord:

“Greet Priscilla and Aquila and the household of Onesiphorus.” (2 Timothy 4:19, NIV)

Even in later years, their love for each other and for God’s work remained steadfast.

Conclusion

Priscilla and Aquila’s story is not just about romance, it’s about a partnership that glorifies God. Their love was deeply rooted in faith, service, and mission. This Valentine’s season, may their story inspire us to pursue relationships that are built not just on emotions, but on a shared commitment to something greater.

Would you like to cultivate a love that lasts? Follow their example, serve together, grow together, and keep God at the center of your love story.

Mu Korinta

1 Shule kwa ikoku, Paulo kabhuda mu Atene, ngono kayenda ku Korinta. 2 Ikoko kashangana ne Njuta unodang'wa kuyi Akhwila wakabe ezwagwa ku Ponto. Wakabe atjamboswika edwa ku Italiya ne nkadzi uwe Purisila, ngobe Kilaudiyo wakabe adwa Bajuta bose kuti babhude mu Roma. Paulo wakayenda kunobabona, 3 ngobe wakabe ali nthumi we dzitente sa ibo, wakagala kashinga nabo. 4 Sabata limwe ne limwe wakalebeleka mu ng'umba ye mitembezelo, egwisa kugadzamoyo Bajuta ne Bagiriki.

5 Kukati Silasi na Timoti bezha bedwa ku Makedoniya, Paulo wakabe akasimisila esumikila, epa butendeki ku Bajuta kuti Mesiya ndi Jesu. 6 Koga Bajuta bakati benyanyayidza Paulo ben'gongobola, kashashamula zwiambalo zwizwe kulakidza kusadumana nabo, ngono kati ku bali, “Butjilo gwenyu ngagube mu maboko enyu! Imi andina nlandu. Kudwa ngwenu ndowoyenda kuna Bezwitjaba.” 7 Paulo kadwa ipapo kayenda ku nzi we nlume unodang'wa Tito Jusito nnamati we Ndzimu. Nzi uwe wakabe uli pejo ne ng'umba ye mitembezelo. 8 Kirisipo, ntungamili we ng'umba ye mitembezelo wakagalamoyo muna She kose ne nsha uwe ngono Bakorinta banjinji bakati behwa Paulo bakagalamoyo.

9 Gumwe busiku She kalebeleka na Paulo mu mbono eti, “Usitje koga lebeleka, usinyalale. 10 Ngobe ndinawe, ngono akuna unowokumukila kakukubadza, ngobe ndina bathu banjinji mu nzi iwoyu nkulu.” 11 Ndizo Paulo kagala ikoko gole lina gaswa ebadiya dama le Ndzimu.

12 Galiyo kati ali nlauli we Akaiya, Bajuta bakashangana bakamukila Paulo, ngono bakanzhisa ku lubazhe. 13 Bakati, “Nlume iwoyu unotshindilidza bathu kunamata Ndzimu nge zila dzisingayendidzane nge nlayo.”

14 Koga kukati Paulo ali pejo ngolebeleka, Galiyo kati ku Bajuta, “Ikoku ha kwabe kuli ngekwe tjakabipa kene nlandu nkulu, kwabe kungahwika kuti ndimuhwilile Bajuta.” 15 Ngono se kuli ngekwe matama ne mazina nenge nlayo wenyu, pedzani ndebo imwi. Ndolamba kube nsumikilisi we zwithu zwakajali. 16 Ndizo kabatata mu lubazhe. 17 Ipapo bose bakashandukila Sositenesi ntungamili we ng'umba ye mitembezelo bakanloba mbeli kwe lubazhe. Koga Galiyo kasibe ne hanya.

Kubgwilila ku Antiyoki

18 Shule kwa ikoko Paulo kagala ikoko mazhuba manjinji. Ipapo kasiya zwikamu kayenda ku Siriya nge gungwa ana Purisila na Akhwila. Wakatesela mavudzi ku Kenikiriya, ngobe wakabe atuna. 19 Bakaswika ku Efeso Paulo kwaakasiya Purisila na Akhwila. Iye nge kukwe kangina mu ng'umba ye mitembezelo, ngono kalebeleka ne Bajuta. 20 Bakati benkumbila kuti agale nabo tjibakana kalamba. 21 Koga wakati eyenda, kagadzabgwe kati, “Ndowobuya akuli kuda kwe Ndzimu.” Ipapo kayenda nge gungwa kudwa ku Efeso.

22 Kati edeluka ku Sizariya, kanodumilisa gubungano kudwapo kadelukila ku Antiyoki. 23 Kukati Paulo agala tjibaka tjilefu mu Antiyoki, kamilika kudwa ipapo, ngono kayenda edwa mu bugalo gumwe engina mu gumwe mu ntuthu wose we Galatiya ne Firigiya esimisa badiyiwa bose.

Apolosi mu Efeso ne Korinta

Priscilla and Aquila: A Love Story Rooted in Faith and Purpose

24 Ipapo, Njuta unodang'wa Apolosi n'gali we Alekizanda, kazha ku Efeso. Wakabe ali nlume wakadiyika ana zibo hwulu ye hwalo. 25 Wakabe adiyiwa mu zila ya She, ngono kalebeleka akalonga meya ediya zubuyanana ngekwa Jesu nenguba akabe eziba kudubika kwa Johani koga. 26 Wakatangisa kulebeleka mu ng'umba ye mitembezelo akasimamoyo. Kukati Purisila na Akhwila benhwa, bakantola ngono bakantjenesela zila ye Ndzimu zubuyanana. 27 Apolosi kati eshako yenda ku Akaiya, zwikamu zwikankulumbidza zwikakwalila badiyiwa ikoko kun'amutjila. Kati eswika, kabe ne bhatsho hwulu kuna ibabo bakabe bakagalamoyo nge ngoni dze Ndzimu. 28 Wakanyanyayidza Bajuta kwakabangalala elebeleka mbeli kwe bathu, elakidza mu hwalo dze Ndzimu kuti Mesiya ndi Jesu.

1 After these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth; 2 And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla; (because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome:) and came unto them. 3 And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers. 4 And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks. 5 And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ. 6 And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean: from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles.

7 ¶ And he departed thence, and entered into a certain man’s house, named Justus, one that worshipped God, whose house joined hard to the synagogue. 8 And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized. 9 Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace: 10 For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city. 11 And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.

12 ¶ And when Gallio was the deputy of Achaia, the Jews made insurrection with one accord against Paul, and brought him to the judgment seat, 13 Saying, This fellow persuadeth men to worship God contrary to the law. 14 And when Paul was now about to open his mouth, Gallio said unto the Jews, If it were a matter of wrong or wicked lewdness, O ye Jews, reason would that I should bear with you: 15 But if it be a question of words and names, and of your law, look ye to it ; for I will be no judge of such matters . 16 And he drave them from the judgment seat. 17 Then all the Greeks took Sosthenes, the chief ruler of the synagogue, and beat him before the judgment seat. And Gallio cared for none of those things.

18 ¶ And Paul after this tarried there yet a good while, and then took his leave of the brethren, and sailed thence into Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila; having shorn his head in Cenchrea: for he had a vow. 19 And he came to Ephesus, and left them there: but he himself entered into the synagogue, and reasoned with the Jews. 20 When they desired him to tarry longer time with them, he consented not; 21 But bade them farewell, saying, I must by all means keep this feast that cometh in Jerusalem: but I will return again unto you, if God will. And he sailed from Ephesus. 22 And when he had landed at Cæsarea, and gone up, and saluted the church, he went down to Antioch. 23 And after he had spent some time there , he departed, and went over all the country of Galatia and Phrygia in order, strengthening all the disciples.

24 ¶ And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus. 25 This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John. 26 And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them , and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly. 27 And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him: who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through grace: 28 For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publickly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ.