Since beginning full-time work as an evangelist, Jonathan has preached at the Oakwood Road church in Charleston, WV. jondchaffin@gmail.com

Throughout the years of Biblical history God has used various people from many races, ethnicities, and genders. But, one thing they all have in common is that God used them to accomplish His purpose and teach a lesson that we might learn how to better serve Him. Essentially, even today, He is using people in the same manner to carry out His will.

One person that we do not know a whole lot about is a woman mentioned only a few times in the Bible, her name is Priscilla. Although she is not what we would consider a major character in New Testament times she plays a very pivotal role in implementing God's word. What lessons could possibly be learned from someone who we know very little about?

We first hear of Priscilla in Acts 18. She and her husband, Aquila, were Jews who had been living in Rome, but under Emperor Claudius they were forced to move elsewhere. We find that they were in Corinth and this is where they met the apostle Paul. Paul had come to Corinth after leaving Athens and became acquainted with them. Paul thought highly of them, he makes the statement concerning them, "… my fellow-workers in Christ Jesus" (Rom. 16:3) and then said, "Who for my life laid down their own necks…" (Rom. 16:4). He mentions Priscilla and Aquila on other occasions (2 Tim. 4:19; 1 Cor. 16:19), and tells others to "salute" them. But, what is it about Priscilla that exemplifies a Christian?

First and foremost was her devotion to serve God. The example that she set before others was that Christ could be seen living in her (Gal. 2:20; Rom. 8:10). There are many quality characteristics that a Christian should exhibit. One of those is to be hospitable. The apostle Peter describes how one should extend hospitality, "using hospitality one to another without murmuring" (1 Pet. 4:9). Priscilla and her husband extended hospitality to Paul (Acts 18:3) while he was in Corinth, not only laboring in the gospel, but also he worked with them as a tentmaker so he could support himself. Are we hospitable toward our fellow-laborers in the gospel?

Another characteristic a Christian should exhibit is to see that truth, and all of it, is taught. Later in the 18^th chapter she is found in the synagogue listening to Apollos teach, and she and her husband did not hesitate to take note and take action. While observing that he was preaching concerning the baptism of John (Acts 18:25), they noticed there was something that he was missing in his teaching. Priscilla was instrumental in explaining "the way of God" (Acts 18:26). Being knowledgeable about the way of the Lord, they took Apollos and talked to him privately. Verse 26 states that he was taught "more accurately" implying there was something lacking in his teaching. He was not declaring the "whole counsel of God" (Acts 20:27). Priscilla recognized that his teaching was not for salvation, and they explained to him how one can receive salvation through Christ. We are quick to point out the error in and of denominationalism, however, when error is taught within the Lord's church, it is often times overlooked for the sake of the person teaching it. God did not allow sin in the camp of Israel and punished them for allowing it (Josh. 7:11-13). Error is error regardless of who is teaching it, and it needs to be exposed with the truth of God's Word. Priscilla was more concerned with the salvation of souls, in this case Apollos, instead of allowing his hearers to be misinformed.

There is nothing more detrimental to a person's soul than allowing him to believe something about his salvation which is not in line with God's way. Multiple warnings are given to God's people throughout the Bible with regard to teaching error. What is our attitude toward error (sin) in the Lord's church? The example of Priscilla gives the proper attitude we should have. John wrote, "If any man see his brother sinning a sin not unto death, he shall ask, and God will give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: not concerning this do I say that he should make request" (1 John 5:16). Priscilla took it one step further and explained to Apollos why he was wrong in what he was teaching. She was not intimidated by his character. He is described as an eloquent man and well versed in the Scriptures.

Another characteristic that is seen from Priscilla is that she was using her talents as a servant of God. She was using what God had given her to further the will and purpose of God. Jesus enlightens us about our talents in the parable of the talents (Matt. 25:14-30). These talents Jesus talks about were not and are not limited to men only. Many women are used throughout Biblical history to instruct others in God's ways. She used her knowledge of God's word to help others. I believe one of the most important factors is she acknowledged the need of one to grow. The apostle Peter states, "But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord…" (2 Pet. 3:18). Here was Apollos who knew the Scriptures but did not have a complete understanding of them. He was taught correctly and benefitted from it as well as those whom he continued to teach from that point on (Acts 18:27-28). Do we completely understand the need for growth as Christians? I wonder and fear that many Christians are at a stopping point in their spiritual lives and therefore hinder their worship to God and the spread of the Gospel. Priscilla was not going to be guilty of that and neither should we!

Still another characteristic is implied in her conduct - she recognized the limits that God placed on her in teaching. She did not dominate her husband or Apollos in helping teach him. She did not cross the boundaries that God placed upon her, being a woman in subjection to man (1 Cor. 11:3; 1 Tim. 2:12). God gives us this example to illustrate that women have an imperative role in spreading the gospel, but within the boundaries that God has placed.

What Is the Lesson for Us?

God gives us the resources and the ability to impart the gospel of salvation to the lost and to edify fellow Christians to give them a better understanding of God's word in order to reach maturity as Christians. The benefit is the furtherance of the Gospel in the saving of souls and using the talent God has given us to His glory. Priscilla, although little is known about her, demonstrates quality characteristics of a child of God. May we heed her example to help others reach their full aptitude as we strive to serve the Almighty faithfully.