"Brief Devotions For Busy Lives" by Rev. Dr. Mary Johnson: Romans 16:3-5

 May 5

​"Give my greetings to Priscilla and Aquila, my co-workers in the ministry of Christ Jesus. In fact, they once risked their lives for me. I am thankful to them, and so are all the Gentile churches. Also give my greetings to the church that meets in their home." - Romans 16:3-5 (NLT)
 
When the apostle Paul sent a letter from Corinth to the Roman Christians, he made a special point to greet Priscilla and Aquila who were co-pastoring a church that met in their Roman home. They were Paul's close friends and like him, were missionaries and ministers. Before moving to Rome, they had lived in Corinth and had previously invited Paul to live with them there where they were tentmakers. They first met Paul, also a tentmaker, in Corinth where they had also pastored a church in their home. They were Christians before meeting Paul and helped him by offering shelter, food, hospitality, and protection. Paul thanked Aquila and Priscilla for risking their lives for him. While details of their actions are unknown, it shows the bravery, selflessness, and courage of this heroic Christian married couple. Although we hear little about them today, they were influential and revered among 1st century Christian churches. Without them, Paul may have died. Without Paul we would not have large parts of the New Testament containing his letters to the early Church.
 
Priscilla and Aquila ministered heroically behind the scenes and not for fame or gain. Their tools were hospitality, friendship, and person-to-person teaching. They were not famous public speakers, but effective evangelists. They courageously risked their lives and offered their home to the persecuted Christians in Rome for church meetings. Priscilla and Aquila offer us an inspiring example today of what a couple can do together to serve Christ. Do we view our families and homes as gifts through which God can spread the Good News of Christ? If not, pray God will show you how Jesus can use your home and life to honor and serve him.
 
Prayer: God, Thank you for the gift of my home. Show me how to use it well to share your Good News. Amen
 
Meditation For The Day: How is God welcomed in my home?
 
Brief Devotions For Busy Lives: Daily Spring Renewal Paperback – February 21, 2017, by Rev. Dr. Mary Johnson (Author)