### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek name **Akýlas** `{{G207}}` refers to an Israelite man named Aquila. It appears **6 times** in **6 unique verses**. In every instance, he is mentioned alongside his wife, Priscilla, highlighting their partnership in the early church.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Aquila is first introduced as a `{{G2453}}` **Jew** from Pontus who had recently come from Italy with his `{{G1135}}` **wife** `{{G4252}}` **Priscilla** because of a command for all Jews to depart from Rome [[Acts 18:2]]. He and Priscilla traveled with the apostle Paul, sailing with him to Syria after Paul took his leave of the `{{G80}}` **brethren** [[Acts 18:18]]. Together, they heard a man speaking `{{G3955}}` **boldly** in the `{{G4864}}` **synagogue** and `{{G4355}}` **took** him in to `{{G1620}}` **expound** to him the `{{G3598}}` **way** of `{{G2316}}` **God** more perfectly [[Acts 18:26]]. Paul later referred to Aquila and Priscilla as his `{{G4904}}` **helpers** in `{{G5547}}` **Christ** `{{G2424}}` **Jesus** [[Romans 16:3]] and noted that they hosted a `{{G1577}}` **church** in their `{{G3624}}` **house** [[1 Corinthians 16:19]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several key people and concepts are associated with the ministry of `{{G207}}` **Akýlas**:
* `{{G4252}}` **Priscilla**: The `{{G1135}}` **wife** of Aquila. She is described as "Priscilla (i.e. little Prisca), a Christian woman" and is always mentioned alongside her husband ([[Acts 18:2]], [[Romans 16:3]]).
* `{{G4904}}` **synergós** (helpers): Paul uses this term, meaning "a co-laborer, i.e. coadjutor," to describe Aquila and Priscilla's role in his ministry in `{{G5547}}` **Christ** `{{G2424}}` **Jesus** [[Romans 16:3]].
* `{{G1577}}` **ekklēsía** (church): Aquila and Priscilla hosted a religious congregation in their home. The word signifies "a calling out, i.e. (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation" [[1 Corinthians 16:19]].
* `{{G1620}}` **ektíthēmi** (expounded): This describes the action of Aquila and Priscilla teaching someone about the way of God. It means "to expose; figuratively, to declare" [[Acts 18:26]].
* `{{G3624}}` **oîkos** (house): This term for a "dwelling" or "family" is significant as the location of the church that met with Aquila and Priscilla ([[1 Corinthians 16:19]], [[2 Timothy 4:19]]).
### Theological Significance
The role of `{{G207}}` **Akýlas** highlights several important themes in the early church:
* **Partnership in Ministry:** Aquila is never mentioned without his wife Priscilla. They worked as a unit, traveling, teaching, and supporting the apostolic mission together ([[Acts 18:18]], [[Acts 18:26]], [[Romans 16:3]]).
* **The House Church:** By hosting a `{{G1577}}` **church** in their `{{G3624}}` **house**, Aquila and Priscilla exemplify the crucial role of the home as a center for worship, fellowship, and ministry in the early Christian community [[1 Corinthians 16:19]].
* **Discipleship and Instruction:** Aquila, with Priscilla, demonstrated spiritual discernment and a commitment to sound doctrine by taking someone aside to `{{G1620}}` **expound** the `{{G3598}}` **way** of `{{G2316}}` **God** more perfectly [[Acts 18:26]].
* **Support for Apostolic Work:** Paul's description of Aquila as one of his `{{G4904}}` **helpers** in `{{G5547}}` **Christ** `{{G2424}}` **Jesus** shows his direct and valuable contribution to the broader mission of spreading the gospel [[Romans 16:3]].
### Summary
In summary, **Akýlas** `{{G207}}` is portrayed as a steadfast believer and a foundational member of the early church. His story, inseparable from that of his wife Priscilla, demonstrates the vital impact of lay members. Through their hospitality, their willingness to teach and clarify the faith, and their role as dedicated `{{G4904}}` **helpers** to the apostles, they model a life of active and collaborative service in Christ.
TRV