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If ever there was an example of a couple after God’s own heart we have it in Aquila and Priscilla. If you have never pieced together this couple’s story in scripture you will be surprised as you do so now.
In the Bible, we first meet Aquila and Priscilla in Acts 18 in the Jewish quarter of the Greek city of Corinth. They were early believers in Christ who supported the Apostle Paul in their home for over a year and a half. Paul worked along-side them in their tent making business.
The Bible doesn’t specifically say, but it’s likely that the devoted couple began to teach others as well (1 Corinthians 16:19). After all, they were living with a master teacher and evangelist! And, Paul invited them to accompany him on his missionary journey to Ephesus (Acts 18:19).
Aquila and Priscilla’s devoted work with Paul for the spread of the gospel inspired the term “tent-maker.” This often refers to a minister of the gospel or missionary who receives little or no pay for ministry work, but supports themself by using their skills in the marketplace rather than proceeds from the local congregation.
But, Aquila and Priscilla could also have inspired the term, “joined at the hip!” They were so obviously a team after God’s own heart. Every time we see their names, they are linked together (2 Timothy 4:19, Romans 16:3-4). The Bible has nothing but positive comments to make about them as individuals and as a couple. We can learn from Aquila and Priscilla today, to work as a team and choose to actively serve God together.
Aquila and Priscilla worked together to host churches in their homes. They also worked as a team when they talked to and enlightened the great preacher, Apollos, giving him more accurate information about Jesus. The implications are obvious. Working as a team can produce a highly effective ministry. Because two are involved, more can be accomplished. And, as the wise King Solomon pointed out in Ecclesiastes, “Two are better than one” (4:9).
Aquila and Priscilla were a couple who accomplished effective ministry behind the scenes. Their tools were hospitality, friendship, and person-to-person teaching. They were not public speakers, but private evangelists. Priscilla and Aquila give us a challenging model of what a couple can do together in the service of Christ.
And here’s an added plus: Working as a team doesn’t mean you are both always doing exactly the same thing at the same time. Each person in a couple has different spiritual-gifts and personalities. Maybe one of you is serving in the kitchen while the other is setting up chairs, or teaching the Bible study, or overseeing childcare. Or while one is off with a group or mentoring one-on-one, the other holds down the fort at home.
Sometimes you’ll work together—hosting, greeting, serving in a food line, attending a meeting, cleaning up in the kitchen. And other times you’ll divide and conquer, each setting out in a different direction, always looking forward to reuniting at the end of the day to share God’s blessings and hear about how He used each of you.
Aquila and Priscilla were a phenomenal husband-wife team, exhibiting the picture of equality and uniqueness. They show us exactly what a couple after God’s own heart looks like. They beautifully modeled teamwork and service. Everywhere they went, whether to the nearby Jewish synagogue or helping plant and serve in local churches, people were blessed. Through their examples, this dynamic duo provide many lessons for husbands and wives about love for one another, love for God, and love for His people.
Question: How do you and your spouse operate as a team? Celebrate and encourage these moments and traits this Valentines Day. Is there an area you need to sit down and discuss where this teamwork is lacking – make a date to discuss it together in the near future.
This devotional is a small excerpt from our recently released book, A Couple After God’s Own Heart. You will find great encouragement in God’s truth about growing closer as a couple. And, what a great Valentines Day gift that would be!
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Jim and Elizabeth George are bestselling authors and national speakers dedicated to helping people live a life after God’s own heart. Together, they have written over 150 books with more than 14 million copies sold around the world. For over 35 years, the teachings and steadfast example of Elizabeth and Jim have helped countless men and women:
Jim and Elizabeth George are bestselling authors and national speakers dedicated to helping people live a life after God’s own heart. Together, they have written over 150 books with more than 14 million copies sold around the world. For over 35 years, the teachings and steadfast example of Elizabeth and Jim have helped countless men and women:
How did men and women in the Bible accomplish great things for God? There wasn’t any secret formula or bestselling book on success for them. In fact, they were ordinary people like you and me. What made them effective was their willingness to obey God—one decision at a time.
