The Courageous Zeal of Priscilla

“Great zeal is often quiet zeal,” opined my favorite author, anonymous. Or to paraphrase John Wesley, “It’s not the noise of zeal that God values, but the sincerity of it.”

The word “zeal” conjures up images of dramatic actions, fiery sermons, and courageous confrontations against the enemy. We think of David slaying the giant Goliath. Elijah challenged the false prophets of Baal, calling down fire from heaven. Or Peter, Paul, and the other apostles preaching the Word despite fierce opposition “with all boldness.”

Scripture, however, reminds us that many of God’s servants quietly went about their work with faithful devotion, total commitment, and steady resolve, but with little fanfare or notoriety. No songs are written about them. No movies have been made of their lives. No books extolling their virtues. For the casual Bible student, their names are reserved for Bible trivia. This is the kind of zeal we see in Priscilla, a zeal that is often overlooked but no less powerful.  You may remember her more quickly with her husband, Aquila.

They are always identified as a couple in scripture. Interestingly, Priscilla’s name is mentioned first four times out of the six. Her name initially appears in Acts 18. She and her husband were tentmakers who were displaced from Rome to Corinth when Claudius Caesar issued an edict expelling all the Jews. Instead of becoming bitter and retreating into self-pity, they turned this negative upheaval in life into a positive one.

Priscilla’s zeal manifested itself in hospitality, as they opened their hearts and home to the apostle Paul when he arrived in Corinth. However, she went beyond hosting a well-known evangelist; Priscilla opened her home to the brethren. 1 Corinthians 16:19 records that the church met in their house. Some of the Corinthian Christians had left an immoral, pagan, idolatrous lifestyle (1 Cor. 6:9-11), but that didn’t deter Priscilla from welcoming the brethren into her home. Her hospitality was a beacon of hope and acceptance for these believers.

Priscilla’s zeal is further demonstrated when she and Aquilla hear an eloquent man, Apollos, who “spoke boldly in the synagogue,” but lacked a complete understanding of the gospel. Priscilla, along with her husband, privately explained to Apollos “the way of God more accurately.” Priscilla, like so many wives of preachers, pastors, and Bible teachers today, was an active and effective partner in ministry, discipleship, and evangelistic outreach.

This encounter with Apollos illustrates several aspects of her spiritual passion. She possessed discernment, recognizing where Apollos fell short and needed further teaching. She cared about the importance and purity of the gospel message. Neither Priscilla nor Acquila was arrogant or accusatory in this study. They approached it privately, humbly, and kindly.

Later in Romans 16:3-4, Paul refers to Priscilla and Aquila as “my fellow workers in Jesus Christ.” They were more than just members, attenders, or Christians in name only. Priscilla and Aquila were workers. This word speaks to being a helper, a companion, and a laborer. She went beyond supporting ministry; she embellished and embodied it.

Furthermore, Paul recalled that at some point, Priscilla and Aquila “risked their own necks” for his life. We don’t know what the occasion or situation involved. But apparently it was serious and life-threatening. It demanded faith, fortitude, and courage, three essential components of zeal. Their courage in the face of danger is a testament to the power of quiet zeal.

Throughout Priscilla’s life, she and her husband sacrificed safety for service. They gave up comfort for ministry to advance the cause of Christ. Their passionate commitment moved them from the shadows of fear to an open stand for their faith and the fellowship of Believers.

When you piece together all six passages, you realize that Priscilla and Aquila lived a nomadic life. First, as residents of Rome, then Corinth, then Ephesus, back to Rome, and finally, Ephesus. Understanding that traveling and moving were unlike our day of moving vans and modern convenience, moving must have been challenging and difficult. Prisiclla didn’t enjoy the luxury of a settled, forever home, but was constantly setting up housekeeping again and again.

Yet, Priscilla served without griping or grumbling. Her home became a place of warmth, welcoming the saints, radiating friendship and fellowship with an open door and an open heart. What a blessing she was to her husband. What a perfect partner with whom he could serve the Lord. Her selflessness is a shining example of how to serve without seeking recognition. Indeed, as the wise man said, Aquila found “a good thing” when he married Priscilla.

Priscilla, the faithful wife, diligent worker, gracious host, humble teacher, courageous Christian, is an excellent example to women today. Her actions, though seemingly small, had a significant impact. You don’t need a title, position, or prominent platform to be zealous. To strengthen the church. To honor Christ. To make a difference. To leave a lasting legacy. Priscilla’s life is a testament to the fact that every action, no matter how small, can make a difference.

To all our sisters in Christ, consider these two quotes by unknown authors: “The church often rests on the shoulders of women whose names few know but God remembers.” And, “Zeal does not need a stage; only a heart willing to obey.”

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman