# Aquila ## Name(s) and Meaning - **Names:** Aquila. - **Meaning:** "Eagle" in Latin. - **Significance:** The name may symbolize strength and vision, characteristics valued among early Christians and indicating his influential role in the early Church. ## Lifespan/Timeline - **Lifespan:** Although exact dates are not provided, Aquila lived during the first century AD. - **Historical Context:** Aquila lived during the time of the early Christian Church, a period marked by the spread of Christianity throughout the Roman Empire, including cities such as Corinth, Ephesus, and Rome. ## Roles/Titles - **Roles:** Tentmaker, fellow worker in Christ, teacher of the faith. - **Significance:** Aquila, along with his wife Priscilla, was instrumental in the early Christian Church. He worked closely with the Apostle Paul, providing both physical support through his trade as a tentmaker and spiritual support by helping to teach and spread the Gospel. ## Tags - `#biblical-figures` - `#roles-fellowworker` - `#roles-teacher` - `#timelines-newtestament` ## Cross-References - Introduced with Priscilla in [[Acts/Acts Chapter 18|Acts Chapter 18]]. - Mentioned in [[Romans/Romans Chapter 16|Romans Chapter 16]]. - Referenced in [[1Corinthians/1 Corinthians Chapter 16|1 Corinthians Chapter 16]]. - Appears in [[2Timothy/2 Timothy Chapter 4|2 Timothy Chapter 4]]. ## Key References: Aquila ### Primary Passages - **Aquila and Priscilla in Corinth:** [[Acts/Acts Chapter 18|Acts Chapter 18]]—Aquila is introduced as a Jewish tentmaker from Pontus who, along with his wife Priscilla, had recently come from Italy due to Claudius' expulsion of Jews from Rome. They meet Paul in Corinth and work together. - **Aquila and Priscilla and Apollos:** [[Acts/Acts Chapter 18:24-26|Acts Chapter 18:24-26]]—Aquila and Priscilla privately explain "the way of God more accurately" to Apollos in Ephesus. ### Mentions in Genealogies - Aquila is not mentioned in any genealogical lists within the biblical texts. ### New Testament References - **Greetings in Romans:** [[Romans/Romans Chapter 16:3-4|Romans Chapter 16:3-4]]—Paul sends greetings to Priscilla and Aquila, highlighting their role as his "fellow workers" in Christ Jesus and noting that they risked their lives for him. - **Greetings in 1 Corinthians:** [[1 Corinthians/1 Corinthians Chapter 16:19|1 Corinthians Chapter 16:19]]—Paul conveys greetings from Aquila and Priscilla, indicating they have a church meeting in their house. - **Mention in 2 Timothy:** [[2 Timothy/2 Timothy Chapter 4:19|2 Timothy Chapter 4:19]]—Paul sends greetings to Priscilla and Aquila, showing their continued involvement in the early church. ### Prophetic/Typological References - Aquila does not have any direct prophetic or typological references in the biblical texts. ### Tags - `#key-references` - `#new-testament` - `#early-church` - `#fellow-workers` - `#aquila-and-priscilla` ## Relationships: Aquila ### Family Relationships - **Spouse:** Priscilla, also known as Prisca, who is frequently mentioned alongside Aquila throughout the New Testament ([[Acts/Acts Chapter 18|Acts Chapter 18]], [[Romans/Romans Chapter 16|Romans Chapter 16]]). ### Allies/Friends - **Paul the Apostle:** Aquila and Priscilla were close associates of Paul. They worked together as tentmakers in Corinth and traveled with him to Ephesus. Paul speaks highly of them, indicating a deep friendship and partnership in the ministry ([[Acts/Acts Chapter 18|Acts Chapter 18]], [[Romans/Romans Chapter 16|Romans Chapter 16]], [[1 Corinthians/1 Corinthians Chapter 16|1 Corinthians Chapter 16]]). ### Adversaries/Conflicts - There is no direct mention of adversaries or conflicts involving Aquila in the biblical texts. However, living in the early Christian community often involved facing opposition and persecution, which Aquila and Priscilla would have shared with other believers. ### Spiritual Relationships - **God:** Aquila's relationship with God is evident through his active participation in the early Christian church. He, along with Priscilla, played a crucial role in instructing Apollos more accurately in the way of God, showing their dedication and understanding of the faith ([[Acts/Acts Chapter 18|Acts Chapter 18]]). - **Early Church:** Aquila and Priscilla hosted a church in their home, indicating their commitment to the early Christian movement and their role as leaders within the community ([[Romans/Romans Chapter 16|Romans Chapter 16]], [[1 Corinthians/1 Corinthians Chapter 16|1 Corinthians Chapter 16]]). ### Tags - `#relationships` - `#family` - `#allies` - `#relationship-with-God` - `#earlychurchleaders` - `#hospitality` ## Significance: Aquila ### Theological Importance - **Partnership in Ministry:** Aquila, along with his wife Priscilla, plays a significant role in the early Christian church by partnering with the Apostle Paul in tentmaking and ministry. They are pivotal in the nurturing and teaching of new converts, including Apollos, showcasing the importance of discipleship and community in the spread of the Gospel ([[Acts/Acts Chapter 18|Acts Chapter 18]], [[1Corinthians/1Corinthians Chapter 16|1 Corinthians Chapter 16]]). - **Exemplars of Hospitality:** Their willingness to host a church in their home underscores the theme of hospitality as a service to God and His people ([[Romans/Romans Chapter 16|Romans Chapter 16]]). ### Historical Context - **Supporters of Paul:** Aquila’s impact on biblical history is seen in his close association with Paul, aiding in his missionary journeys and church planting efforts. Their presence in Corinth, Ephesus, and Rome highlights the mobility and interconnectedness of early Christian communities ([[Acts/Acts Chapter 18|Acts Chapter 18]], [[Romans/Romans Chapter 16|Romans Chapter 16]]). - **Persecution and Migration:** Originating from Pontus but residing in Rome, Aquila and Priscilla were expelled by Emperor Claudius, illustrating the challenges faced by early Christians and the spread of Christianity through forced migrations ([[Acts/Acts Chapter 18|Acts Chapter 18]]). ### Symbolism and Typology - **Unity in Marriage and Ministry:** Aquila and Priscilla are often mentioned together, symbolizing the ideal of Christian partnership in marriage and ministry. This unity serves as a typology for the cooperation within the Body of Christ ([[Romans/Romans Chapter 16|Romans Chapter 16]], [[2Timothy/2Timothy Chapter 4|2 Timothy Chapter 4]]). - **Builders of Faith:** As tentmakers, their profession can symbolically parallel their role in building and establishing the early church, constructing a spiritual foundation for future generations ([[Acts/Acts Chapter 18|Acts Chapter 18]]). ### Tags - `#significance` - `#theological-themes` - `#hospitality` - `#biblical-history` - `#typology` - `#discipleship` - `#church-planting` - `#early-christian-community` ## Character Study: Aquila ### Strengths and Virtues - **Hospitality:** Aquila, along with his wife Priscilla, opened their home to Paul, providing him with a place to stay and work. Their hospitality is a testament to their willingness to support God's work ([[Acts/Acts Chapter 18|Acts Chapter 18]]). - **Partnership in Ministry:** Aquila worked closely with his wife Priscilla in teaching Apollos, an eloquent speaker, more accurately about the way of God. This act demonstrates their commitment to spreading accurate teaching and their unity in ministry ([[Acts/Acts Chapter 18|Acts Chapter 18]]). - **Courageous:** Aquila and Priscilla risked their lives for Paul, showing great courage and dedication to the mission of the early Church ([[Romans/Romans Chapter 16|Romans Chapter 16]]). ### Weaknesses and Failures - The Bible does not explicitly list any specific weaknesses or failures of Aquila, which suggests that he was a faithful servant of God. However, like all humans, he would have had personal struggles and challenges, although they are not detailed in scripture. ### Lessons Learned - **The Importance of Hospitality and Support for God's Work:** Aquila's life exemplifies how opening one's home and resources to God's servants can further the gospel and strengthen the Church ([[Acts/Acts Chapter 18|Acts Chapter 18]]). - **Teaching and Correcting with Love:** By instructing Apollos, Aquila and Priscilla demonstrated the importance of correcting others lovingly and accurately in their understanding of the faith ([[Acts/Acts Chapter 18|Acts Chapter 18]]). - **Unity in Marriage and Ministry:** Aquila's partnership with Priscilla shows the strength and effectiveness of a united marriage in serving Christ and the Church ([[1Corinthians/1 Corinthians Chapter 16|1 Corinthians Chapter 16]]). ### Tags - `#strengths-hospitality` - `#strengths-ministry` - `#strengths-courage` - `#lessons-hospitality` - `#lessons-teaching` - `#lessons-unity` ## Themes and Symbolism: Aquila ### Key Themes - **Christian Fellowship and Partnership:** Aquila, along with his wife Priscilla, exemplifies the theme of partnership in ministry. Their collaboration with Paul highlights the importance of community and shared mission in the early church ([[Acts/Acts Chapter 18|Acts Chapter 18]], [[Romans/Romans Chapter 16|Romans Chapter 16]]). - **Hospitality and Service:** Aquila and Priscilla demonstrate hospitality and service to the church by opening their home for gatherings. This reflects the early Christian practice of home churches and the value of service within the body of Christ ([[1 Corinthians/1 Corinthians Chapter 16|1 Corinthians Chapter 16]]). - **Sacrificial Commitment:** Aquila and Priscilla are noted for risking their lives for Paul’s sake, demonstrating sacrificial love and commitment to the Gospel ([[Romans/Romans Chapter 16|Romans Chapter 16]]). ### Symbolic Elements - **Tentmaking:** Aquila’s occupation as a tentmaker symbolizes the blending of daily work with ministry. It demonstrates how secular work can support and not hinder the mission of spreading the Gospel ([[Acts/Acts Chapter 18|Acts Chapter 18]]). - **Home as a Sanctuary:** Their home becomes a place of teaching and refuge, symbolizing the church as a spiritual sanctuary for believers ([[1 Corinthians/1 Corinthians Chapter 16|1 Corinthians Chapter 16]]). ### Foreshadowing/Typology - **Foreshadowing the Role of Lay Christians:** Aquila and Priscilla’s ministry work foreshadows the significant role that lay Christians would play in the spread of Christianity. Their lives demonstrate that effective ministry is not limited to formal church leaders ([[Acts/Acts Chapter 18|Acts Chapter 18]], [[Romans/Romans Chapter 16|Romans Chapter 16]]). - **Model for Mutual Ministry:** Their partnership with Paul serves as a model for mutual ministry in the church, foreshadowing the cooperative efforts needed in spreading the Gospel in diverse contexts ([[2 Timothy/2 Timothy Chapter 4|2 Timothy Chapter 4]]). ### Tags - `#themes` - `#symbolism` - `#typology` - `#foreshadowing` - `#fellowship` - `#service` - `#hospitality` - `#commitment` ## Connections: Aquila ### Parallel Figures - **Priscilla (Prisca):** Aquila's wife, with whom he shares a ministry of teaching and hospitality. They worked together closely in the early church ([[Acts/Acts Chapter 18|Acts Chapter 18]], [[Romans/Romans Chapter 16|Romans Chapter 16]]). - **Paul:** Aquila was a fellow tentmaker and co-worker with Paul in the ministry ([[Acts/Acts Chapter 18|Acts Chapter 18]]). ### Foreshadowing/Typology - **Church Workers:** Aquila's role in the early church community models the cooperative and supportive roles of laypeople in church planting and teaching, which foreshadows the diverse gifts and roles within the Body of Christ ([[1 Corinthians/1 Corinthians Chapter 12|1 Corinthians Chapter 12]]). ### Cultural/Historical Context - **Diaspora Jews:** Aquila was a Jew from Pontus who had lived in Rome before being expelled by Claudius, reflecting the broader historical movement and persecution of Jews during this period ([[Acts/Acts Chapter 18|Acts Chapter 18]]). - **Tentmaking:** His profession as a tentmaker alongside Paul illustrates the common practice of early Christian missionaries supporting themselves while spreading the gospel ([[Acts/Acts Chapter 18|Acts Chapter 18]]). ### Tags - `#parallel-figures` - `#foreshadowing-Christ` - `#historical-context` - `#early-church` - `#tentmaking` - `#diaspora-jews` ## Legacy: Aquila ### Impact on Israel/Church - **Supporter of Paul:** Aquila, along with his wife Priscilla, played a significant role in the early Christian church, providing support and companionship to Paul during his ministry ([[Acts/Acts Chapter 18|Acts Chapter 18]]). Their hospitality and partnership in ministry helped sustain the spread of the Gospel. - **Model of Christian Service:** Aquila's involvement in church planting and teaching, alongside Priscilla, contributed to the establishment of early Christian communities, exemplifying lay leadership and service ([[Romans/Romans Chapter 16|Romans Chapter 16]]). ### Mentions in Later Scripture - **Acknowledged by Paul:** Aquila is mentioned in Paul’s letters, indicating his ongoing importance in the early church. In Romans, Paul sends greetings to Aquila and Priscilla, acknowledging their work for the church ([[Romans/Romans Chapter 16|Romans Chapter 16]]). - **Mentioned in Timothy:** Aquila is referenced in Paul’s second letter to Timothy, indicating his continued faithfulness and involvement in the Christian community ([[2 Timothy/2 Timothy Chapter 4|2 Timothy Chapter 4]]). ### Spiritual Lessons - **Hospitality and Service:** Aquila’s life teaches the importance of hospitality and service within the Christian community. He and Priscilla opened their home to Paul and others, showing that every believer has a role in supporting the ministry. - **Partnership in Ministry:** The partnership between Aquila and Priscilla serves as a model for married couples in ministry, highlighting the strength and effectiveness of working together in the service of the Gospel. ### Modern Applications - Aquila’s legacy is often used to encourage laypeople to engage in ministry and support church leaders, reinforcing the idea that everyone has a meaningful role in the body of Christ. - His example of partnership with Priscilla is frequently cited in discussions on the significance of teamwork and mutual support in Christian service and mission work. ### Tags - `#legacy` - `#impact-on-israel` - `#church-history` - `#spiritual-lessons` - `#christian-service` - `#hospitality` ## Geography: Aquila ### Significant Locations - **Pontus:** The birthplace of Aquila. Although the biblical texts do not elaborate on events occurring here, it is significant as his origin ([[Acts/Acts 18 2|Acts 18:2]]). - **Rome:** Aquila, along with his wife Priscilla, was expelled from Rome due to an edict by Emperor Claudius ([[Acts/Acts 18 2|Acts 18:2]]). - **Corinth:** Aquila and Priscilla met Paul in Corinth and worked with him as tentmakers. They were instrumental in the early church there ([[Acts/Acts 18 1-3|Acts 18:1-3]]). - **Ephesus:** Aquila and Priscilla traveled with Paul to Ephesus and stayed there to continue their ministry, hosting a church in their home ([[Acts/Acts 18 18-19|Acts 18:18-19]], [[1 Corinthians/1 Corinthians 16 19|1 Corinthians 16:19]]). ### Travel and Movement - **From Rome to Corinth:** Aquila and Priscilla moved to Corinth due to the expulsion of Jews from Rome by Claudius ([[Acts/Acts 18 2|Acts 18:2]]). - **Accompanied Paul to Ephesus:** After spending time in Corinth, they traveled with Paul to Ephesus, where they continued their ministry work ([[Acts/Acts 18 18-19|Acts 18:18-19]]). - **The Return to Rome:** Eventually, Aquila and Priscilla returned to Rome, where they hosted a church in their home ([[Romans/Romans 16 3-5|Romans 16:3-5]]). ### Historical/Spiritual Context - **Corinth's Role in the Early Church:** As a significant hub for early Christianity, Corinth was where Aquila and Priscilla first met Paul, marking the start of a vital partnership in ministry. Their work here exemplifies the collaborative nature of Paul's missionary efforts ([[Acts/Acts 18 1-3|Acts 18:1-3]]). - **Ephesus as a Center for Teaching and Ministry:** In Ephesus, Aquila and Priscilla played a key role in teaching Apollos, an eloquent speaker who only knew the baptism of John. They explained the way of God more accurately to him ([[Acts/Acts 18 24-26|Acts 18:24-26]]). - **Rome's Position in the Christian World:** Their return to Rome and hosting a church in their home reflects the growth and establishment of Christian communities in the heart of the Roman Empire ([[Romans/Romans 16 3-5|Romans 16:3-5]]). ### Tags - `#geography` - `#locations-pontus` - `#locations-rome` - `#locations-corinth` - `#locations-ephesus` - `#travel` - `#earlychurch` - `#tentmakers` - `#ministrypartners` ## Additional Resources: Aquila ### Cross-Referenced Scripture - **Partnership with Paul:** Aquila's collaboration with Paul in ministry is mentioned in several passages ([[Acts/Acts Chapter 18|Acts Chapter 18]], [[Romans/Romans Chapter 16|Romans Chapter 16]], [[1 Corinthians/1 Corinthians Chapter 16|1 Corinthians Chapter 16]]). - **Paul’s Greetings:** Paul sends greetings to Aquila and his wife Priscilla, indicating their continued importance in the early church ([[Romans/Romans Chapter 16|Romans Chapter 16]], [[2 Timothy/2 Timothy Chapter 4|2 Timothy Chapter 4]]). ### Genealogical References - **Jewish Heritage:** Aquila is identified as a Jew from Pontus, which connects him to the diaspora community ([[Acts/Acts Chapter 18|Acts Chapter 18]]). ### Maps and Geographic References - **Corinth and Ephesus:** Suggest mapping Aquila’s movements with Paul, particularly his time in Corinth and later in Ephesus ([[Acts/Acts Chapter 18|Acts Chapter 18]]). - **Rome:** His presence in Rome is noted through Paul’s letter, which may be visualized with a map of early Christian communities ([[Romans/Romans Chapter 16|Romans Chapter 16]]). ### Recommended Bible Study Passages - **Acts of Service:** Study of Aquila’s role in the early Church and his support of Paul’s mission ([[Acts/Acts Chapter 18|Acts Chapter 18]]). - **Pauline Letters:** Examination of references to Aquila in Paul’s letters for insights into their relationship and shared ministry ([[Romans/Romans Chapter 16|Romans Chapter 16]], [[1 Corinthians/1 Corinthians Chapter 16|1 Corinthians Chapter 16]], [[2 Timothy/2 Timothy Chapter 4|2 Timothy Chapter 4]]). ### Tags - `#additional-resources` - `#cross-references` - `#genealogy` - `#maps` - `#early-church` - `#ministry` - `#pauline-epistles`