The Untold Stories Of Women And The ChurchExemplo

Priscilla

You’ve probably heard a few stories involving the men of church history. Names like Peter, Paul, Augustine, Thomas Aquinas, and Martin Luther are familiar, and with good reason. God used men like them in awesome ways to shape the church into what it is today. 

Ask someone to name a few influential women in church history, though, and those answers might not come so quickly. You might be able to namedrop Joan of Arc, but even that might be a stretch. The women of church history are not as well-publicized as their male counterparts. But their stories are no less inspirational, and their lives can teach us so much. By examining how God worked through their various gifts, we’re encouraged that God can work through our gifts as well.

And if we’re talking about influential women of the church, there’s no better woman to start with than Priscilla.

Priscilla is mentioned by name only a few times in the Bible. A handful of verses are all that give us a glimpse into her character. But those verses? They definitely leave an impression.

Priscilla and her husband Aquila were two of the first Christian missionaries in the field, working together as tentmakers. They befriended the Apostle Paul and gave him a place to stay. They even, as referenced in the book of Romans, risked their necks for Paul.

But the most striking story involving Priscilla and her husband happened when the couple was in the ancient city of Ephesus (located in modern-day Turkey). There, they encountered Apollos, an educated man with a great passion for God who was preaching in the synagogue. But his knowledge of baptism was lacking. So Priscilla and Aquila invited Apollos to their home and explained the whole Gospel to him. And Apollos went on to become one of the most important evangelists of the early church.

What can we, as 21st century Christians, take away from this first-century example? How can Priscilla’s story encourage us in our faith today?

God gave Priscilla the ability to teach the Word. She dedicated her life to missionary work. And when she saw the opportunity to disciple a younger believer, she didn’t hesitate. Similarly, if God’s given you an understanding of the Word and the desire to teach it, look for chances to do it. You could lead a small group, answer questions friends or family might have about religion, or pursue missionary work of your own.

As we continue in this Bible Plan, think about what gifts God has given you. As we’ll see in the coming days, He can use any gift for His good purpose.

Pray: God, thank You for using ordinary people like us for extraordinary things. Reveal to me what gifts You’ve given me, and help me use those gifts for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, amen.