“After this Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. 2 And he found a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to leave Rome. And he went to see them, 3 and because he was of the same trade he stayed with them and worked, for they were tentmakers by trade. 4 And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and tried to persuade Jews and Greeks.” (Acts 18:1–4)
As we have previously noted, following his ministry in Athens, Paul traveled approximately 50 miles (80km) southwest to Corinth. Upon his arrival, he found a Jewish couple named Aquila and Priscilla.
Aquila was a native of Pontus, which is located on the north coast of modern Turkey. His wife, Priscilla, is frequently listed before him (Acts 18:18, 19, 26; Romans 16:3; 2 Timothy 4:19). The reason for this may have come from her higher social status or perhaps her greater prominence in their tent-making business.
They had recently traveled from Italy to Corinth because the Roman Emperor Claudius (10 B.C. – 54 A.D.) commanded all Jews to leave the City of Rome. He did so because of riots allegedly instigated by Chrestus because of disputes between Jews and Christians concerning the identity of Jesus Christ.
Paul not only went to see them, but stayed with them since he was also a tentmaker by trade. Paul began working with Aquila and Priscilla in order to financially support himself.
While in Corinth, as was his practice, Paul reasoned from God’s Word every Sabbath in the synagogue seeking to persuade Jews and Gentiles of the truth of the Gospel. Soon, a church would begin.
I’ve known many pastors who work secular jobs during the week and preach in their churches on Sundays. These faithful servants give it their all.
Take time today to contact your pastor and express your appreciation for their service. You’ll never know how much they will appreciate your call, email or text.
Soli deo Gloria!
His Word Today 