The Bible is filled with men and women spanning a spectrum ranging from “righteously devoted” to “dreadfully depraved”. Certainly there are things to learn from both ends of the spectrum and from every spot in between – what to embrace and what to avoid. One of these stunning examples, found on the positive end of the spectrum, is Prisca, commonly known as Priscilla. We read much of her story in Acts 18. She was a courageous Christ-follower who viewed life’s inevitable changes and disappointments as God’s divine appointments. No matter where God planted her, she bloomed for His glory. Furthermore, Priscilla consistently demonstrated her godly character through hospitality, devotion, and spiritual maturity.
Her identity was found, first and foremost, in Christ which powerfully impacted her relationships and her fervor for the Gospel. Priscilla’s most recognizable relationship was that to her husband, Aquila. Every time their names appear in the Bible, they appear together. Apparently, both were equally respected in the early church. It could be said that they considered themselves as each other’s better half, working and teaching in tandem.
Togetherness, community, and family were especially important during the early church’s birth. Persecution, rejection, and expulsion from the surrounding society was common for first century believers. Overcoming hardships was done with strong faith and rich fellowship. Priscilla and Aquila exhibited these traits in their relationship to each other and their devoted friendships with Paul, Apollos, and the believers at Corinth and Ephesus.
Even though our circumstances as “Westerners” are likely less dramatic and harrowing than those of Priscilla, Aquila, Paul and other first century believers, the nature of living in a world that is under sin’s curse and follows the deceptive lies of “the prince of the power of the air” (Eph 2:2) will inevitably show itself unfriendly to us also. This has been part of the course of history and reminds us that we need each other – we are better together. The writer of Ecclesiastes describes this relational dynamic this way:
Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken. (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12)
These wise words give us four reasons we are better together. First, we are better together, because we get more accomplished corporately than we do individually. Second, there is security in numbers. Inevitably, we all stumble and fall. In those instances we are able to need support and a helping hand. Third, togetherness provides warmth in a world that is increasingly cold and apathetic. We need each other to fan the flames of spiritual passion and provide loving encouragement. Finally, we are better together by urging each other toward a stronger and deeper relationship with the Lord, who is the Third Strand that binds us together in unity!
Of course, not everyone is married like Priscilla and Aquila. Paul was likely single. However, God provides all of us with a church family that makes us better together. Don’t miss out on this special gift!
Romans 16:3-4 (ESV) – “Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, who risked their necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks but all the churches of the Gentiles give thanks as well..”