Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my co-workers in Christ Jesus. They risked their lives for me. Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them.
-Romans 16:3-4
Priscilla.
Wife of Aquila. Friend of Paul. Tentmaker. Church leader. Teacher.
Talk about a role model. I want to be friends with this woman! As I was reading through commentaries, though, I realized that what we know of Priscilla is mostly about her partnership with her husband. Every time we see her name, we see her husband's. Sometimes her name is presented first; sometimes Aquila's is. Their few appearances in the Bible reveal a beautiful partnership of work and ministry.
I'll admit, at first I was disappointed to see Priscilla as a woman without personal recognition. As I read on, though, I began to understand the lesson I could learn from her. As much as she is listed as the wife of Aquila, her husband also consistently stands next to her name. They are one, as far as the Bible presents them. We know and learn from them as a team.
When I look at my own marriage, I realize how often I create my own, separate dreams. I often think of our family's future, but I neglect to ask God for guidance within Reed and I's partnership. I get excited about my gifts and talents, but I rarely look at the way God has put Reed and I together for his Kingdom. I love the example that Priscilla and Aquila set for us. They did not live life separately. They influenced people with their knowledge of scripture and their hospitality. They encouraged Paul together and lead a church together. Their lives were truly intertwined.
I realize individuals within couples have personalized dreams and desires. But I want to fully live for God with my husband. Not as his sidekick or his leader, but as his partner. We can be used by God in specific ways according to our gifts, but we can also understand His unique plan for our marriage. We can be unified in work and purpose, as Priscilla and Aquila modeled.
Some couples cannot work together. I'm thankful that Reed and I quickly learned that we thrive working together. God has put us in a unique position where we are privileged to serve college students together. We are thankful for these years of our life and partnership. Realistically, though, we will not always be in this position. My prayer is that we will continue to keep Aquila and Priscilla in view. I'm hopeful that we will remain grounded in the heart God has given us as a couple and that we will continuously seek his desire for our part in the Kingdom. I'm thankful for Priscilla's giftedness and leadership as a part of one of the greatest partnerships discovered in the Bible.