Priscilla And Aquila

A Mentoring Couple

READ Acts 18:18–28

In Acts 18, we’re introduced to a married couple named Priscilla and Aquila. Paul met them in Corinth, where he lived and ministered for a year and a half. Priscilla and Aquila had previously resided in Rome, but they had been displaced when the emperor Claudius ordered all the Jews to leave the city. Paul stayed with them, and since they shared the same tent-making trade, Paul and Aquila also worked together. We can only imagine that Paul and this couple had countless conversations about Christ and the gospel during the many months they spent together in Corinth.

Aquila and Priscilla eventually moved to Ephesus, while Paul continued to travel. There, they heard a man named Apollos preaching about Jesus. Apollos was a Jew from Alexandria, Egypt. He was a gifted speaker, knowledgeable in the Scriptures, and a believer. However, Luke wrote that Apollos “knew only the baptism of John” (Acts 18:25). Gifted and passionate though he was, he still lacked some understanding about the Holy Spirit and the gospel.

Luke wrote, “When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately” (v. 26). Apparently strengthened by their guidance and mentoring, Apollos went on from there to continue teaching about Jesus, “proving from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Messiah” (v. 28). Hearing him teach in the synagogue, Aquila and Priscilla discerned God calling them to mentor Apollos in his knowledge of the faith.

Did Priscilla and Aquila invite him to stay with them for a little while, or was it just a short meeting? We cannot know how long the mentoring partnership between this couple and Apollos lasted. What is certain is that this husband and wife took hold of an opportunity to assist an aspiring and gifted preacher and evangelist.

When we hear someone say something we don’t think is theologically quite right, it’s easy to dismiss that person as not a true believer. Aquila and Priscilla show us a better way: Invite the person over and encourage them! While this might not always be possible or appropriate, it is surely a more Christlike response.

It is common to see new, passionate Christ followers like Apollos burn out in their faith. While we can hold out hope that God will continue to work in their lives, it’s possible their fizzled-out faith is a result of a lack of meaningful mentorship and accountability in their lives. They get excited about Jesus, but when discouragement or trials come, they give up because their faith hasn’t had time to mature. They are like the seed planted in rocky soil; the plant springs up quickly but fades away when trouble comes because it has no root (Matthew 13:20–21). God uses good mentors to help the seed of the gospel take root in good soil in our lives.

It’s also important to note that in mentorship, we must be humble and not presumptuous. We should be patient with the person we are seeking to help, praying for God’s abundant blessing upon their life and ministry. As Isaiah said, “A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out” (42:3). Matthew 12:20 applies this verse to Jesus, and like Jesus, we should be sensitive and nurturing of the faith of others. Good mentoring requires patience and encouragement.

Mentoring opportunities can take all sorts of forms, from formal to casual. Perhaps there is a local school with a mentoring program you could volunteer for, giving attention and care to a young person who needs a positive influence in their life. Perhaps you can simply offer support and encouragement for people you know who are new to the faith. Maybe there is a church program you can be part of where you can share your faith and heart for Jesus with others.

I still think fondly of the mentoring relationship I had in seminary. I know firsthand the important role that a relationship like this can have in developing one’s faith and gifts for God’s kingdom. As you read about Aquila and Priscilla, ask yourself two questions: First, do you need a mentor in your life? Don’t try to live out your faith alone. Seek out someone you trust, even for something as simple as going out for coffee once a month to talk about faith and life. Second, consider who God has put in your life who you could serve as a mentor for. You have your own unique story and life experiences. Your journey with Jesus can bless and encourage someone else. Don’t underestimate what God is able to do through you when you seek ways to bless and nurture the faith of those around you.