From Wikimedia Commons

Acts 18:18–28 ‘When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they… explained to him the way of God more adequately.’ (v26)

Disciples Priscilla and Aquila are in Ephesus when they meet Apollos. Apollos is ‘learned’ and has ‘great fervour’, but his understanding of the gospel is limited.

He needs a wider understanding (vv24–26). It is interesting here to read that Priscilla is active in helping; in fact, her name comes before Aquila’s.

It is intriguing to note that there are other female disciples who are active in leading and serving in the New Testament, including Philip’s daughters ‘who prophesied’ (Acts 21:9) and the deacon Phoebe (Rom. 16:1); a gathering of Christians is meeting in Mary’s home, the mother of John Mark (Acts 12:12).

It is also interesting that the first evangelist could be said to be the woman at the well, whose life-changing encounter with Jesus inspired her own people to know Him (John 4).

Priscilla clearly understood the gospel, and was able to share it. Whether male or female, the most important thing is to remember that in God’s kingdom, there is an equality of dignity; Galatians 3:28 tells us that there is essentially neither male nor female in God’s economy, ‘for you are all one in Christ Jesus.’

We who are believers in the Lord all need to learn more about Jesus, and then move into serving in whichever way God is leading us. Single or married, widowed or divorced, God can use us.

Let’s not let anything stop us from encouraging and sharing with those who need to know what we ourselves have learned!

prayer-to-make-icon

A Prayer To Make:
‘Lord, forgive me if I have let anything stop me from moving in Your purposes.
Help me to share Your love with those who don’t know the fullness of the good news. Amen.’

An Action To Take:
What stops you from moving forward in God’s kingdom?
Examine your doubts. Who might the Lord be asking you to reach out
to for His kingdom purposes today?

Scripture To Consider:
Judg. 4:1–24 & 5:1–31; Acts 16:6–15; Gal. 3:1–29

Micha Jazz is Director of Resources at Waverley Abbey, UK.