STUDY THEME: FAMILY MEMBERS SHARING GRACE. 5-25-03

"SERVING GOD TOGETHER AS A FAMILY."

ACTS 18: 1-4, 24-28; ROM. 16:3-4; ROM. 16:5a & 1 COR. 16:19.

PLEASE OPEN YOUR BIBLE TO ACTS 18.

The lesson this Sunday is the last one in our series on the theme "Family Members Showing Grace." It focuses on a magnificent couple by the name of Aquila and Priscilla. Paul met them in Corinth on his second missionary journey when he may have led them to faith in Christ or they may have already been Christians when they came from Italy to Greece. After Paul stayed about a year and a half in Corinth he took this fine couple with him and left them at the city of Ephesus while he (Paul) made his way back to his home base in Antioch of Syria.

When Paul came back up through Turkey, as we call it today, to the city of Ephesus this wonderful couple was still serving the Lord. They had a church meeting in their house and also they had instructed a brilliant preacher by the name of Apollos and helped him in his understanding of Christian theology. This couple is one of the most underestimated pair of Christians in the New Testament.

As we come to the close of our study of the family, let’s look at the statement adopted by the Southern Baptist Convention June 14, 2000 AD concerning the family: "God has ordained the family as the foundational institution of human society. It is composed of persons related to one another by marriage, blood, or adoption. Parents are to teach their children spiritual and moral values and to lead them through consistent lifestyle example and loving discipline, to make choices based on biblical truths. Children are to honor and obey their parents.

Tom Eliff, pastor of First Southern Del City Baptist Church, wrote that the "Seven Pillars of a Kingdom Family" for family and personal life are: "Honoring God’s Authority, Respecting Human Life, Exercising Moral Purity, Serving my Church, Using Time Wisely, Practicing Biblical Stewardship, and Sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ."

God’s purpose for the home is for parents to prepare their children for service to Him. In our lesson today we will see how a Christian couple, Aquila and Priscilla, worked as a team in the early church. The lesson answers the Life Question: "How can my family serve God together? We will study the Biblical Truth: Believers can Serve God Together as a Family. The Life Impact is to help us regularly serve God with our family members.

On his first missionary journey with Barnabas, Paul’s evangelistic effort was confined to Asia Minor. On his second missionary journey, Paul extended his evangelistic outreach from Asia Minor to Greece. He preached in Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea and Athens before arriving in the city of Corinth. Acts 18: 1-22 chronicles the events of the last part of the second missionary journey.

Corinth at this time was the political capitol of Southern Greece and the residence of the Roman Pro-consul. It had become a great commercial center. It has been said that Corinth at this time was the Vanity Fair of the Roman Empire, at once the London and the Paris of the first century after Christ. The masses of the people were infected by this influence. They were debauched and degraded. There were shows of all kinds, and a vulgar and ostentatious display of wealth, mingled with the most corrupt and indecent practices. All these things were affecting the people who were not wealthy, the corruption had permeated even to the slaves. It was a city of abounding immorality. It was proverbial for its debauchery.

With that dark background in mind we pass to the attitude of the Lord Himself in Acts 18: 9-10 toward this city: "I have much people in this city."

Paul’s work in Athens had been difficult. In Acts 17:16-34 he witnessed to the Greek philosophers with few positive results. He went to Corinth, which had challenges of its own. It was a seaport city and was notorious for the immoral lifestyle of its people. Paul seems to have arrived in Corinth alone. Silas and Timothy joined him only later.

The fact that Paul worked in something other than preaching and teaching shows that he may have been short of funds at the time. So he faced the daunting mission to the wicked city alone and possibly while he was low on funds. He needed work, a place to stay, and some entr=E9e to the synagogue.

The word found in Vs. 2 implies that Paul was looking for work and lodging. He found both in the house of Aquila and Priscilla. We know from several of Paul’s writings that he supported himself at times with his own work, but only here do we learn what his work was. He and Aquila had the same craft. Their occupation is specified—they were tentmakers. The tents may have been of cloth or of leather.

Although Paul had a formal education to be a teacher or rabbi, in those days a rabbi was expected also to have another way of making a living. Paul had learned how to make tents. This is probably how he and Aquila came together.

Aquila was a certain Jew. He had a Latin name. He was born in Pontus, an area in northern Asia Minor. At some point he moved to Rome. Priscilla was his wife. Her background is not given. She probably was also a Jew. The basis for this is the fact that in Vs. 16 they went to a synagogue. They had moved to Corinth from Rome when Claudius expelled the Jews from that city. Claudius was emperor in AD 40-54. We do not know if Aquila and Priscilla became Christians before or after they met Paul.

Paul launched his missionary work in Corinth in his usual way: He reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks. As often happened, the majority of the synagogue opposed Paul, and he was forced to move elsewhere and to focus on the Gentiles. Then Timothy and Silas arrived and they brought help from Philippi. Immediately that help came Paul abandoned the toil with his hands and gave himself to constant preaching in Corinth.

Paul moved next door from the synagogue to the house of a man named Justus. Crispus the ruler of the synagogue was converted and many of the Corinthians believed. (see vs. 5-8). The Lord encouraged Paul in a vision, and he stayed in Corinth for 18 months. (vv. 9-11). What is the proper Gospel for the corrupt city? The cross and the resurrection and none other.

We are not told what part Aquila and Priscilla played in the actions of Vs. 4-14. Paul may or may not have spent 18 months in their house, but they were close enough to Paul that in Vs. 18 they went with him when he left Corinth. This and other references to Aquila and Priscilla in Paul’s letters show that they continued to work together with Paul and other believers.

Paul’s friendship with Aquila and Priscilla show that the recognized the unique opportunities of a married couple in serving the Lord. Aquila and Priscilla were a family. We never read of any children, but in each reference to them both are mentioned. They lived and served together, and they served together with other believers. Thus they represent the basic principle of families working together with God’s people.

We move now from Paul’s 2^nd missionary journey to the third and longest missionary journey as recorded in Acts 18: 24 to 19:7. It lasted from the spring of AD 52 to AD 57. We now commence that portion of the Book of Acts that tells the story of Paul’s work in Ephesus, which lasted almost three years.

PLEASE MOVE DOWN TO VS. 24.

2. PLEASE READ ACTS 18: 24-28.

In Acts 18: 18-19 Paul, Priscilla and Aquila had sailed from Corinth to Ephesus where they separated and Paul reasoned with the Jews in the synagogue in Ephesus. He then sailed to Caeserea and traveled by land to Antioch in Syria to report to the church that had sent him on all three of the missionary journeys. Aquila and Priscilla carried on the witness in Ephesus until Paul returned.

We now move a year forward to read of something that had happened in Ephesus during the year that Paul was in Antioch. Apollos had come to Ephesus. Apollos was a Jew from Alexandria in Egypt. He was a learned man, mighty in the Scriptures. When Saul of Tarsus was apprehended by God, he was in his own words, "A Hebrew of the Hebrews"; But he was also Saul of Tarsus. He was at once a Hebrew and a Hellenist. The two great ideals combined in him, made him the power he was trough these Greek cities.

In this man Apollos the same two great ideals emerged. He was a Jew, but also an Alexandrian. Alexandria was the center of Greek learning and culture at this time. Apollos was learned and eloquent. The last word of the description, "mighty in the Scriptures," does not mean that he just knew them; but that he had the ability to master them, to understand them. He was gifted naturally. He had a familiarity with the Scriptures that enabled him to impart to others that which he knew. This man, therefore, by birth and training, was singularly fitted for the work in these Greek cities.

Apollos had been instructed in the way of the Lord and taught diligently or carefully the things of the Lord; the Messianic prophesy, and purpose. He was a disciple of John the Baptist but did not know the meaning of the cross. He was not acquainted with the fact of the resurrection. He was not familiar with the truth of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. John had said that he baptized with water but that the Messiah would baptize with the Holy Spirit. There were two people in Ephesus that knew much more about Jesus than he did. Apollos appears to have known nothing yet of the doctrine of justification through the blood of Jesus Christ and sanctification through the Holy Spirit.

Whatever it was that Apollos lacked, Aquila and Priscilla had to decide what to do about it. They had three options: (1) They could ignore it. (2) They could criticize the young preacher. (3) They could try to help him. They chose to seek to help him. (They invited him to their home.) While he was there, they expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly. Thus, although Apollos preached "the things about Jesus accurately," Aquila and Priscilla "explained the way of God to him more accurately."

What does this reveal about Aquila and Priscilla? They were mature in their own understanding and experience of the gospel. They had been with Paul long enough to learn what he believed and taught. They were committed to the Lord and to His work. They saw the potential in this gifted young man, and they wanted him to preach the full message. What Apollos said was accurate, but they were concerned about what he did not say. Therefore, for the sake of Apollos and those who heard him speak, they acted with courage and compassion by seeking to instruct the enthusiastic young preacher. Apollos was willing to let two members of the congregation who listened to him, and knew more than he did, teach him. As a result he passed on from Ephesus to Corinth. Paul later wrote to the Corinthians, "I planted, Apollos watered."

As in all their ventures, Aquila and Priscilla did this together. They were partners not only as husband and wife but also as fellow Christians. Together they joined in seeking to instruct Apollos. And Apollos listened and learned from this couple, who probably lacked the educational credentials he had. Probably, neither Aquila or Priscilla was an eloquent public speaker, yet Apollos recognized their sincerity and the truth of what they told him. He also showed himself to be a humble person who was open to be taught.

After meeting with Aquila and Priscilla, Apollos went on to be greatly used by the Lord. After serving in Ephesus, he wanted to pass into Achaia. The brothers in Ephesus wrote a letter commending him and exhorting the disciples to receive him.

In Acts 19:1 Apollos went to Corinth. "He helped them much, which had believed through grace." In addition to this ministry to believers, he mightily convinced his fellow Jews. Later references to Apollos are found in Paul’s letters. Some of the Corinthians sought to make Paul and Apollos into competitors for their allegiance, but Paul always spoke highly of Apollos.

In a very real sense, Aquila and Priscilla had a part in all that Apollos did. God used their help to equip Apollos for effective ministry.

Aquila and Priscilla were friends, helpers, teachers and mentors. Apollos was blessed to have Aquila and Priscilla as his mentors. Who has been a mentor to you? Perhaps it was a Pastor, a Sunday School teacher, or a Christian friend. I can think of a number of people who have been mentors to me. They went out of their way to help me learn and grow as a Christian. An oil field worker with very limited education was my S.S. teacher during my teen-age years. He lived the Christian life as an example to me. T.B. Lackey, Albert Lowther, Larry Adams, Mike Taylor all enriched my life while my pastor. I could go on and on with others. Some whose names I can no longer remember.

PLEASE TURN NOW TO ROMANS 16.

3. PLEASE READ ROMANS 16: 3-4.

In the six times that this couple are named in Scripture the wife Priscilla is named first five times. This could imply simply that she had a higher social rank than Aquila or that she was the more prominent of the two in the church. They probably were Christians when Paul met them, having come from Rome where a church already existed. Claudius had issued the decree in AD 49 that forced Priscilla and Aquila to leave Rome since they were Jews.

Paul wrote the Book of Romans from Corinth at the close of his third missionary journey. When he wrote Romans, Priscilla and Aquila were once again living in Rome and were among the Christians to whom Paul sent personal greetings. Paul had not been to Rome; however, he knew many of the members of that church. Romans 16 lists the names of members to whom Paul sent greetings.

Paul referred to Priscilla and Aquila as his fellow workers in Christ Jesus. Paul also used fellow worker to describe Timothy, Titus, Philemon and Epaphroditus. Paul considered Priscilla and Aquila to be among his most trustworthy helpers in the work of missions. Paul also commended them because they had risked their lives for him. We cannot be certain about the exact event that Paul was referring to, but it may have been during the time of the Ephesian riot described in Acts 19: 23-41

The power of the Good News in Ephesians converted many idol worshipers. There was a temple to the goddess Diana. The men who made and sold images of Diana lost money as a result of the power of the gospel. These idol makers blamed Paul for their loss of income. They rioted and wanted to get their hands on Paul. Nothing is said of Aquila and Priscilla in Acts 19, but they may have risked their lives for Paul at that time.

Paul’s commendation of this Christian couple indicated that he considered their contribution to the early church unsurpassed in courage and devotion. Throughout history and in the world today are many Christians who risked and gave their lives for the cause of Christ. Lottie Moon, the missionary to China for whom the Southern Baptist Christmas Offering for International Missions is named said, "I would that I had a thousand lives that I might give them for the women of China."

The influence of Priscilla and Aquila had been so widespread that Paul said all the churches of the gentiles were grateful to them. The high opinion that Paul had for this Christian couple was shared by many other churches and Christians. They impacted their world for Christ, and their influence was felt in many places. The Lord desires for families today to have a similar impact on their churches and communities.

Husbands, wives, and children can be effective teams reaching many for Christ through their witness and service. As a married team, couples can be stronger than each would be individually. When both are Christians and committed to serving the Lord, they bring the strengths of their spiritual gifts and service to the cause of Christ. Nothing strengthens the bond between parents and children as much as serving the Lord together.

Paul wrote 1 Corinthians when he was in Ephesus. This was after he returned and launched his long ministry there. Paul's ministry in Ephesus had been highly successful. During that time, the word of God became known throughout the Roman province of Asia, Thus he sent greetings from the churches of Asia, Rev. 2-3 contains letters from the living Lord to seven of the churches of Asia. Ephesus, from which 1 Corinthians was written, was the most important city in the Roman province of Asia, now part of modern Turkey.

Aquila and Priscilla were still living in Ephesus at the time Paul wrote 1 Corinthians. Because they were known in the Corinthian church, Paul sent greetings from them and from "the church that is in their house." Later, Aquila and Priscilla went to Rome. Paul wrote the church to greet not only Aquila and Priscilla but also the church that is in their house.

These verses bring forward two issues: (1) the mobility of Aquila and Priscilla, and (2) the house churches. This couple was first at Rome: then they moved to Corinth. From there they went to Ephesus, and then they came back to Rome. In our day of rapid transportation, we wonder how a couple could have been so mobile in the first century.

The Roman Empire had a good system of roads. The government enforced law and order along the roads and sea routes. There were no national boundaries. Thus the couple may have moved often and far, but that was typical of their day. We know why they made some of their moves. They moved from Rome because of Claudius’s edict expelling the Jews. They moved to Ephesus from Corinth to provide a nucleus of a church there. They may have moved from Ephesus because of the riot. We don’t know all the reasons for their moves, but we do know that wherever they were they were faithful servants of the Lord.

In at least two of the cities, Aquila and Priscilla opened their houses as meeting places for the church. Christians did not build special buildings for churches until the third century. Prior to that time they usually met in someone’s house.

In Ephesus Paul used a rented hall as a base. One reason for house churches was the ever-present danger of persecution. Large groups made them more vulnerable. Opening one’s house for church meetings was dangerous. The family had to make sacrifices to make their house available on a regular basis. Another factor was the value of small groups for learning and fellowship.

The willingness of Priscilla and Aquila to open their home for meetings of the church indicated several things.

First, it indicated their courage. Opening their home to meetings of the church could result in danger. We saw previously that they had risked their lives for the cause of Christ. Any opposition directed toward the church would begin where the church meets. Priscilla and Aquila were willing to risk everything in service to Christ.

Second, it indicated their love for the lost. Obviously they used hospitality to build relationships and to win the lost for Christ. Christian families today can do the same. Inviting a lost couple or single person to your home for a meal can build relationships and provide opportunities for witnessing. Hosting a youth meeting where young people who need Christ are invited can make an eternal difference in the life of a young person. Home meetings provide an opportunity to share with people who might not be willing to attend a Sunday meeting at a church building.

Third, it showed a love for their fellow believers. Hosting the church meetings in their home was probably costly. Many in the early church were poor, and Priscilla and Aquila probably helped many with their physical needs as well. A greedy or selfish person would resent the price paid to help others, but I am sure that this Christian couple gave cheerfully. They worked hard at their profession of tent making to have resources to give to others. Generosity and unselfishness are the marks of spiritual Christians.

House churches are found today, especially in lands where Christians are persecuted. China has many such churches. This is the way churches are formed in Central and Eastern Europe. A Bible study begins in a home. The group grows until it can become a house church and when the house church grows larger they seek a place outside the home in which the church can meet. While many of the meetings in private homes in Shawnee are for fellowship, some include Bible study and worship. If you moved to a place with no churches, would you invite people into your home for prayer and Bible study? Would you seek to plant a new church? That is how our church began. Meeting in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Norman.

Paul could not do all of the work needed in the early church alone. He depended on others to help him establish and strengthen churches from Asia, to Greece, and to Rome. Couples such as Priscilla and Aquila were essential to the success of first-century missions. Families continue to be a vital part of twenty-first century missions. God wants to use each of us, and our families to strengthen our local church, and to impact our world for Christ. Will you let Him?

NEXT WEEK WE BEGIN A FIVE LESSON SERIES ON "THE CHURCH: GOD’S COMMUNITY OF GRACE." WE BEGIN WITH "EVANGELIZING THE LOST.

A.V. DAUGHERTY 5-25-03