With everything we compete against today, it is so easy to disqualify ourselves or to allow others to disqualify us from our calling. As I studied the life of Priscilla, I could not help but ask myself: “What right do I have to disqualify what only God can qualify?” As Priscilla was revealed to me, I found several biblical intellectuals who name her as the first woman pastor in the early Church. Just think about how easily it would have been, in that day and time, for Priscilla to count herself out of this monumental assignment. Or how she could have, based on her gender and marital status alone, allowed others to disqualify her God-given qualifications.
It is interesting that we are not told where Priscilla is from. Her ethnicity, although presumed Jewish, or her religious heritage is not given in scripture. Even her name is a common Roman name. It is in the book of Acts that the apostle Paul makes Priscilla known to us. Here the scriptures describe how Paul first meets Priscilla and Aquila in Corinth.
“There he met a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife, Priscilla, because [the Roman Emperor] Claudius had issued an edict that all the Jews were to leave Rome. Paul went to see them, and because he was of the same trade, he stayed with them; and they worked together for they were tent-makers.” Acts 18:2-3 AMP
Passages such as Romans 16:3, which start as “Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus,” tell us Paul considered them to be his equals. His designation of Priscilla and Aquila as “fellow workers in Christ Jesus,” was terminology often used to describe other respected leaders in ministry. In verse 4 of chapter 16, Paul indicates that he and the Gentile churches were indebted to the couple for their work. High praise indeed.
Now let’s refocus a little more closely on Priscilla.
At the very first mention of Priscilla in the Bible, we are given immediate information that she is the wife of Aquila. I believe this makes her story even more powerful than most. As the mandate of ministry leadership manifests in her life, she isn’t single or widowed, she’s married. Priscilla is this unique woman who walked in the confidence of her calling while married.
Scripture provides a clear picture of this couple’s relationship. Priscilla is found walking in true unity with Aquila, placing herself under the covering of her husband, while still fulfilling God’s calling over her own life. Priscilla labors alongside her husband at the gospel work. Together, they were consistently busy for the Lord wherever they were. A rare gem. Even with so little accolades to who she was or where she came from, many believe, she was the first woman in the Church to preach the truth of Jesus Christ openly.
And then the Bible gives us this stunning picture of Priscilla’s gifting. In Acts 18:26, the Bible gives us this encounter in Ephesus between Priscilla and Aquila and a disciple named Apollos.
“And he began to speak boldly and fearlessly in the synagogue. But when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained more accurately to him the way of God [and the full story of the life of Christ].” AMP
Note Priscilla’s name is listed first in the passage. This is significant since the cultural pattern was, in such listings, to name the husband first. But there is something even more significant at play. Priscilla is found gracefully co-teaching a man, completely unheard of in that day. This further supports why we are led to believe she was considered to have held a pastoral role in the Church.
Throughout the remainder of the Bible, Priscilla continues to be mentioned equally with her husband, if not mentioned first. This reveals they were a true team and that barriers in leading the Church were being broken.
Proverbs 31:30 says:
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. NIV
When Priscilla spoke, she spoke with reverence for the Lord, with authority and confidence, and she was considered to be an expert on the teachings of Jesus. She bloomed wherever she was planted and faithfully served the Lord. Priscilla became a light God moved around to spiritually dark areas in order to illuminate the darkness with the truth of Jesus Christ.
“Paul stayed for a while longer, and then told the brothers and sisters goodbye and sailed for Syria; and he was accompanied by Priscilla and Aquila.” Acts 18:18 AMP
The churches of Asia send you their greetings. Aquila and Priscilla, together with the church [that meets] in their house, send you their warm greetings in the Lord. 1 Corinthians 16:19 AMP
Give my greetings to Priscilla and Aquila, and to the household of Onesiphorus. 2 Timothy 4:19 AMP
Without question, Priscilla proclaimed the Good News. She spoke of God’s love from her mouth and then demonstrated it with her actions. Just like Priscilla, many women throughout church history have paved the way to teaching the Gospel. Yet, their part in this area has not been free from debate. Priscilla submitted to God’s calling and crossed traditional boundaries broadening women’s roles in ministry. Will you follow in her footsteps and dare to submit your giftings and talents to the mandate of God’s calling on your life?
Acts 2:17-18 says:
”In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy.” NIV
Regardless of gender, no person, called and gifted by God, should deny themselves or be denied by others any role in ministry, including Church leadership.
Don’t overestimate your inadequacies and underestimate your God-given spiritual gifts! Perhaps the expectations you have self-imposed, or allowed others to appoint in your life, really aren’t deal breakers! Nothing in our life happens by chance! God promises in His Word He can and will do something outside of your natural abilities if you allow Him. You may feel unsettled about yourself because you perceive yourself as lacking any real qualifications to teach the Gospel, or by the potential limits you see in front of you, but God is never unsettled about those He chooses. Step out BOLD woman of God and conquer!
Written by Stacha Ashburn, founder of “I AM” Code Sisterhood.
Please note all scripture was taken from the AMP – Amplified Bible or NIV – New International Version
Amplified Bible (AMP) Copyright © 2015 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, CA 90631. All rights reserved.
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