Overview of Day 339: Priscilla and Aquila (Bible in a Year)
Host Father Mike Schmitz (Ascension) reads and reflects on Acts 18; 1 Corinthians 16; and Proverbs 28:19–21 (RSV-2CE). The episode highlights key episodes from Paul’s ministry in Corinth and Ephesus — especially the roles of Priscilla and Aquila, Apollos’s correction and formation, Paul’s travel plans and collection for the Jerusalem church — and ties these to practical spiritual lessons (docility, courage, steadfastness, generosity) with a brief reflection on Proverbs.
Readings covered
- Acts 18 — Paul in Corinth; meeting Priscilla & Aquila; Crispus’s conversion; Paul’s vision and stay; trial before Gallio; Apollos in Ephesus.
- 1 Corinthians 16 — Instructions about the collection for the saints; Paul’s travel plans and pastoral instructions; greetings from house churches and coworkers; closing exhortations.
- Proverbs 28:19–21 — Blessing of labor, danger of haste to be rich, and the moral problem of showing partiality for small gain.
Key narrative points (what happens)
- Paul arrives in Corinth, meets tentmakers Aquila and Priscilla (recently expelled from Rome under Claudius), and stays with them.
- Paul preaches in the synagogue; opposition pushes him to declare he will now go to the Gentiles.
- Crispus, leader of the synagogue, and many Corinthians believe.
- Paul receives a vision: “Do not be afraid, but speak… I am with you; no man shall attack you to harm you, for I have many people in this city.” He remains in Corinth ~18 months.
- Jews bring Paul before Gallio; Gallio refuses to adjudicate religious disputes and dismisses the case. Sosthenes is beaten but Gallio ignores it.
- Paul travels with Priscilla and Aquila to Ephesus; Apollos (eloquent and scripturally knowledgeable) is instructed further by Priscilla and Aquila so he can more accurately teach about Jesus.
- 1 Corinthians 16: Paul gives practical instructions about weekly collection for Jerusalem, welcomes and supports Timothy and Apollos, and sends many greetings (including from Aquila and Prisca’s house church). He closes with pastoral exhortations and a personal salutation.
Main themes and takeaways
- Encounter transforms: Priscilla and Aquila’s exile becomes the occasion for discipleship and mission; personal encounters (as Pope Benedict noted) redirect lives more than ethical programs.
- Docility to correction: Apollos is a gifted teacher who accepts correction from Priscilla and Aquila; openness to being taught multiplies one’s effectiveness.
- Community and mentorship: The early church functions through traveling coworkers (Timothy, Silas, Apollos, Stephanus, Fortunatus, Achaicus) and house churches — personal relationships fuel mission.
- Courage and trust: Paul’s vision and his final exhortations (be watchful, stand firm, be courageous and strong, do all in love) form a pastoral core for ministry under opposition.
- Generosity and stewardship: Paul instructs a planned, regular collection (set aside on the first day of the week) — practical discipline for charity and support of the saints.
- Moral warnings from Proverbs: Diligent work bears provision; the rush to get rich and partiality for gain lead to corruption.
Notable quotes and lines
- From Acts (vision to Paul): “Do not be afraid, but speak, and do not be silent … I am with you, and no man shall attack you to harm you.”
- Paul’s closing exhortation in 1 Corinthians 16: “Be watchful. Stand firm in your faith. Be courageous. Be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.”
- Proverbs 28:21: “To show partiality is not good, but for a piece of bread a man will do wrong.” (Father Mike links this to the Jacob–Esau example and the ease of being bought off.)
Practical applications / action items
- Practice docility: welcome correction and instruction, especially from trusted brothers and sisters; don’t let pride limit growth.
- Support the needy and missionaries: adopt a habit of regular giving (Paul’s “set aside on the first day of the week” as a model).
- Protect and encourage younger ministers: receive and honor those who come to serve (Timothy example).
- Live courageously in faith: take Paul’s exhortations as daily reminders — be watchful, stand firm, be strong, and act in love.
- Examine motives: resist quick schemes to get rich and refuse partiality or bribery.
Characters and roles (quick reference)
- Paul — missionary, tentmaker, preacher; receives the vision; strengthens churches.
- Priscilla (Prisca) & Aquila — tentmakers, hosts, mentors to Apollos, house church leaders and evangelists.
- Apollos — eloquent Alexandrian convert; instructed by Priscilla & Aquila; effective preacher in Achaia.
- Timothy, Silas — coworkers and messengers between Paul and the Corinthian church.
- Crispus & Sosthenes — synagogue leaders (Crispus converted; Sosthenes later beaten during the Gallio incident).
- Gallio — proconsul who refuses to judge internal religious disputes.
- Stephanus, Fortunatus, Achaicus — coworkers who refreshed Paul’s spirit and brought greetings.
Reflection questions
- Where in your life are you resisting correction? Who are the faithful people God may be using to teach you?
- Do you have a regular practice of giving or supporting the needy and the mission of the church? Could a weekly habit help?
- In moments of fear or opposition, how can Paul’s vision (“Do not be afraid… I am with you”) shape your response?
Final pastoral note (from Father Mike)
Father Mike emphasizes the interconnectedness of the readings: encounter, mentorship, courage, and love. He prays for transformation toward resolute discipleship and encourages listeners to pray for him as he prays for them.