When we think of great leaders in the New Testament, names like Paul, Peter, and John come to mind. But there are others… less prominent, yet absolutely essential to the advance of the gospel. Aquila is one such man. A tentmaker by trade, a Jew by heritage, and a faithful servant in the early Church, Aquila shows us what it means to be a quiet warrior for Christ. His name appears only a handful of times, but his legacy is one of lasting impact.
Who Was Aquila?
Aquila was a Jew, originally from Pontus, a region near the Black Sea. He is first introduced in Acts 18:
“After these things Paul departed from Athens and went to Corinth. And he found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla (because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to depart from Rome); and he came to them.” (Acts 18:1–2)
This brief introduction tells us a lot. Aquila and his wife Priscilla were exiled from Rome due to the edict of Emperor Claudius, which expelled Jews around A.D. 49. Historical sources suggest this was due to disturbances over “Chrestus,” likely a Roman misspelling of Christ, indicating early Christian conflict within the Jewish community. Aquila, therefore, was likely already a believer in Jesus by the time he met Paul.
A Working Man of God
Paul and Aquila shared a common trade: tentmaking. Rather than being supported financially by the Corinthians, Paul worked alongside Aquila and Priscilla.
“So, because he was of the same trade, he stayed with them and worked; for by occupation they were tentmakers.” (Acts 18:3)
In a world where ministry is often associated with platform and prestige, Aquila shows us the nobility of a working believer. His hands were rough with labor, but his heart was soft toward the work of the gospel. He didn’t need a pulpit, he turned his home and his workshop into a mission field.
A Ministry Team with Priscilla
Aquila is always mentioned with his wife, Priscilla (also called Prisca). Their marriage was more than a union, it was a ministry team. In Acts 18, after Paul left Ephesus, Aquila and Priscilla remained and played a vital role in training Apollos:
“Now a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria… came to Ephesus; an eloquent man and mighty in the Scriptures… So he began to speak boldly in the synamagog/”>gogue. When Aquila and Priscilla heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately.” (Acts 18:24–26)
They didn’t embarrass Apollos or challenge him publicly. They took him aside, discipled him, and helped shape one of the great preachers of the early Church. This is a mark of mature ministry… quiet, respectful, and with correction grounded in Scripture.
Faithful in the Background
Aquila and Priscilla appear in multiple New Testament letters, always as steadfast co-laborers. Paul speaks of them with deep affection:
“Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, who risked their own necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles. Likewise greet the church that is in their house.” (Romans 16:3–5)
They were not just Paul’s friends, they were heroes. They risked their lives for him. Their home became a church. They were pillars of the early Christian movement without ever needing recognition.
Again in 1 Corinthians:
“The churches of Asia greet you. Aquila and Priscilla greet you heartily in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.” (1 Corinthians 16:19)
And finally, near the end of Paul’s life, he mentions them again:
“Greet Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus.” (2 Timothy 4:19)
Years later, they were still faithful. Still hosting the Church. Still standing firm in truth. They didn’t burn out or fade away—they endured.
What Aquila Teaches Us
Aquila’s life, though not filled with miracles or sermons, is filled with something rare: faithful, long-term obedience. He teaches us several key truths:
- Ministry doesn’t require a stage. Aquila ministered through work, hospitality, and quiet influence. He was not an apostle, but he was essential.
- Marriage is a mission field. He and Priscilla served together. Their unity in the Lord made their home a powerful base for the gospel.
- Truth matters. They loved doctrine enough to correct Apollos, not out of pride, but out of a desire for accuracy and fruitfulness.
- Hospitality is holy. They opened their home repeatedly… for Paul, for churches, for teaching. Their table was their pulpit.
- Faithfulness lasts. From Corinth to Ephesus to Rome and back again, Aquila was consistent. He didn’t fade from the pages of Scripture in disgrace or defeat. He endured to the end.
My Final Thoughts
Aquila reminds us that the kingdom of God is not built on celebrity Christians. It is built on faithful ones. He didn’t write Scripture. He didn’t plant churches. He didn’t perform miracles. But he showed up, stayed humble, supported the work, trained others, risked his life, opened his home, and stayed faithful.
In a noisy world, God still delights in quiet servants. The ones who teach the Word at their table. Who support missionaries with their income. Who disciple the hungry in back rooms, not back stages.
Aquila is proof that you don’t need a spotlight to shine. All you need is a heart surrendered to Christ and hands ready to serve.
“God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister.” (Hebrews 6:10)
