“After this Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. 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 [Paul] went to see them, and because he was of the same trade he stayed with them and worked, for they were tentmakers by trade. And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath…
“After this, Paul stayed many days longer and then took leave of the brothers and set sail for Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila… They came to Ephesus, and he left them there, but he himself went into the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews… When they asked him to stay for a longer period, he declined. But on taking leave of them he said, ‘I will return to you if God wills,’ and he set sail from Ephesus.
“A Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was an eloquent man, competent in the Scriptures. He had been instructed in the way of the Lord. And being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John. He began to speak boldly in the synagogue, but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately.” Acts 18:1-4,18-19,24-26
“Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, who risked their necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks but all the churches of the Gentiles give thanks as well. Greet also the church in their house.” Romans 16:3-5a
Against the backdrop of unforeseen and likely unwanted circumstances, Priscilla and Aquila burn bright with the love of Christ. Displaced by Roman authority to Corinth, they became well acquainted with Paul there and joined in on Christ’s mission. Industrious as nomad tent-makers, and flexible by faith, they made the most of every place the Lord planted them. In Ephesus they came alongside and nurtured Apollos, who then embarked on effective ministry building churches. They made disciples while hosting a church in their home, and likely participated in saving Paul’s life during a riot in the city. Their life on fire for the gospel and hearty Christian love encouraged and supported churches throughout area. (Acts 18:27-28; 19:28-31; 1 Corinthians 3:5-6; 16:19)
When we come to Christ, we do not know how and where He will use us. Once the Lord Jesus sets our souls on fire, and we cooperate with His Spirit by opening our home, voice, and schedule, there is no limit to what He can do. He plants, moves, uses as He intends to build His kingdom.
God calls some to home or local ministry, some to wider, even world-wide influence. Different life seasons may dictate location and method. How available are we for the portion of divine work to be done? Where has He placed us at present? It’s our responsibility to surrender and obey, and His to cause growth. (1 Corinthians 3:7-13)
Have we self-imposed parameters around where and how we’ll serve? Might the Lord broaden our boundaries to expand His work, develop vision, faith, or skills, demote our pride, or teach greater trust? Where have we, out of fear, stubbornness, insecurity, or selfish insistence, limited needed, effective ministry to others?
Lord, ignite me by Your Spirit for Your will and mission, that I burn bright for Your glory.
As the rain and snow 