Priscilla

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Priscilla, or Prisca--her proper name, is spoken of on six different occasions in the New Testament. Most likely of aristocratic Roman origin, she and her husband Aquila were dear friends and fellow tentmakers with Paul.

Priscilla and Aquila travelled with Paul to Ephesus and established a church in their home there, where Paul resided with them for two years. An eloquent Jewish scholar named Apollo came to Ephesus and spoke in the synagogue. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they saw that he was lacking portions of the gospel and took him aside to explain more fully to him the gospel of Jesus.

Priscilla and Aquila returned to Rome to continue in ministry. Preceding his death, Paul writes a letter saying farewell to his beloved friends, Priscilla at the top of the list.

In five of the six times she is mentioned, Priscilla's name is given before her husband's.

This is unusual because traditionally, the husband's name would be mentioned first. We don't know why; possibly because she had a more active role in ministry, a stronger personality, or a more noble social standing than her husband. Whatever the case, this couple is inseparable in working side by side in trade and in the church. Priscilla is thought by some scholars to be the author of the anonymously written book of Hebrews. (Acts 18, Romans 16, 1 Corinthians 16, 2 Timothy 4)

Her witness was said to have brought so many to the faith that she is described as "equal to the apostles". She suffered greatly for her faith and was eventually martyred.(John 4)