Acts 18:2

And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla; (because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome:) and came unto them.

And {G2532} found {G2147} a certain {G5100} Jew {G2453} named {G3686} Aquila {G207}, born {G1085} in Pontus {G4193}, lately {G4373} come {G2064} from {G575} Italy {G2482}, with {G2532} his {G846} wife {G1135} Priscilla {G4252};(because that {G1223} Claudius {G2804} had commanded {G1299} all {G3956} Jews {G2453} to depart {G5563} from {G1537} Rome {G4516}:) and came {G4334} unto them {G846}.

where he met a Jewish man named Aquila, originally from Pontus but having recently come with his wife Priscilla from Italy, because Claudius had issued a decree expelling all the Jews from Rome. Sha’ul went to see them;

There he found a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla because Claudius had ordered all the Jews to leave Rome. Paul went to visit them,

And he found a certain Jew named Aquila, a man of Pontus by race, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to depart from Rome: and he came unto them;

Acts 18:2 introduces two pivotal figures in early Christian history, Aquila and his wife Priscilla, highlighting their unexpected arrival in Corinth due to a significant historical event.

Historical and Cultural Context

This verse provides crucial historical context for Paul's ministry in Corinth. Aquila, a Jew born in Pontus (a region in modern-day Turkey), and his wife Priscilla, had recently arrived from Italy. Their relocation was not voluntary but a direct consequence of an edict issued by the Roman Emperor Claudius. This decree, likely around A.D. 49-50, commanded "all Jews to depart from Rome." Historians like Suetonius corroborate this expulsion, noting that the Jews were causing disturbances due to "Chrestus" (likely a mispronunciation or misunderstanding of "Christ"), indicating the early spread of Christianity even within the Jewish community in Rome and the tensions it caused.

Paul’s encounter with Aquila and Priscilla immediately after arriving in Corinth (Acts 18:1) was a divinely orchestrated meeting, setting the stage for a powerful partnership in ministry.

Key Themes

  • Divine Providence: The verse powerfully illustrates how God uses even political decrees and forced displacements to align His purposes. Claudius's edict, intended to quell unrest, inadvertently brought key individuals together to advance the Gospel.
  • Fellowship and Partnership: The meeting of Paul, Aquila, and Priscilla marks the beginning of a deep and enduring friendship and ministry partnership. Their shared trade as tentmakers (mentioned in Acts 18:3) likely facilitated their initial connection and provided a means for Paul to support himself while ministering.
  • Persecution and Displacement: The expulsion of Jews from Rome underscores the challenges and dislocations faced by many in the early church, particularly Jewish believers, who often experienced persecution from both Roman authorities and sometimes from their own countrymen.

Linguistic Insights

While this verse doesn't contain complex Greek terms, the mention of "Pontus" highlights the widespread dispersion of Jewish communities throughout the Roman Empire, a result of centuries of diaspora. The names "Aquila" (meaning 'eagle') and "Priscilla" (a diminutive of Prisca, meaning 'ancient' or 'venerable') are common Latin names, reflecting their Roman context despite their Jewish heritage.

Practical Application

Acts 18:2 reminds us that God is at work even in chaotic or difficult circumstances. For believers today, it encourages us to:

  • Seek God's Hand in Challenges: Even when displaced or facing hardship, look for God's hidden purposes and opportunities for connection and ministry.
  • Value Christian Fellowship: The bond between Paul, Aquila, and Priscilla demonstrates the immense value of finding like-minded believers who can offer support, shared skills, and partnership in serving God. Their home later became a church meeting place (Romans 16:5).
  • Be Open to New Connections: God often brings unexpected people into our lives who become instrumental in our spiritual journey and service.

The enduring legacy of Aquila and Priscilla, who even risked their own lives for Paul, began with this divinely orchestrated meeting in Corinth.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Romans 16:3

    Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus:

  • Romans 16:4

    Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles.

  • 2 Timothy 4:19

    Salute Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus.

  • 1 Corinthians 16:19

    ¶ The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.

  • Acts 18:26

    And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto [them], and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.

  • Acts 11:28

    And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar.

  • Acts 18:18

    ¶ And Paul [after this] tarried [there] yet a good while, and then took his leave of the brethren, and sailed thence into Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila; having shorn [his] head in Cenchrea: for he had a vow.

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