### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek proper noun Ἀκύλας (Akýlas, `{{G207}}`) is transliterated into English as "Aquila." Its base definition indicates a probable derivation from the Latin word "aquila," meaning "eagle." As a personal name, its semantic range is primarily tied to the individual it denotes. However, the etymological root "eagle" carries significant symbolic weight in various ancient cultures, often representing strength, swiftness, nobility, keen sight, and even divine power or imperial authority. While these symbolic associations do not directly define the character or actions of the biblical figure Aquila, they provide an interesting backdrop to his name, perhaps hinting at a strong or discerning character, or simply reflecting a common Roman name of the era. The name itself is a common Roman cognomen, suggesting that Aquila, though a Jew, might have been a Roman citizen or had significant ties to Roman culture.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Aquila appears alongside his wife, Priscilla (or Prisca), in several key passages in the New Testament, consistently portrayed as a devoted couple engaged in Christian ministry.
* **[[Acts 18:2]]**: This is the first mention of Aquila, where he is introduced as a Jew from Pontus, having recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla because Emperor Claudius had commanded all Jews to leave Rome. In Corinth, Paul finds them, and since he shares their trade as tentmakers, he stays and works with them. This passage highlights their shared profession, their displacement due to persecution, and their initial encounter with the Apostle Paul, which formed a foundational partnership.
* **[[Acts 18:18]]**: Aquila and Priscilla accompany Paul from Corinth to Syria, demonstrating their commitment to his missionary endeavors. Their willingness to travel with Paul underscores their dedication to the spread of the Gospel.
* **[[Acts 18:26]]**: While in Ephesus, Aquila and Priscilla encounter Apollos, an eloquent and fervent preacher who accurately taught about Jesus but knew only the baptism of John. They "took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately." This act of private discipleship reveals their theological understanding, their humility in teaching, and their vital role in shaping early Christian leaders.
* **[[Romans 16:3]]**: In his letter to the Romans, Paul sends greetings to "Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus." He commends them for risking their lives for him and notes that "the church in their house" also greets the Roman believers. This verse confirms their status as trusted co-laborers with Paul, their willingness to face danger for the Gospel, and their hospitality in hosting a house church, likely after their return to Rome following Claudius's edict.
* **[[1 Corinthians 16:19]]**: Paul conveys greetings from "Aquila and Prisca, and the church in their house," specifically from Asia. This indicates they were back in Ephesus (the capital of the Roman province of Asia) at the time Paul wrote 1 Corinthians, continuing their ministry and hosting a church gathering in their home.
* **[[2 Timothy 4:19]]**: In his final letter, Paul sends a personal greeting to "Prisca and Aquila," demonstrating his enduring affection and continued connection with them, even as he faces imminent martyrdom. This final mention suggests their ongoing faithfulness and active involvement in the Christian community.
Across these occurrences, Aquila is consistently presented in partnership with Priscilla, often with Priscilla's name appearing first (e.g., [[Romans 16:3]], [[2 Timothy 4:19]]), which is notable and may suggest her prominent role in their shared ministry.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of Ἀκύλας naturally connects with several related words and concepts central to early Christian life and ministry:
* **Πρίσκιλλα / Πρίσκα (Priskilla / Priska, `{{G4252}}`)**: Aquila's wife, Priscilla (or Prisca), is inextricably linked with him in all biblical mentions. Their partnership is a prime example of a husband and wife team in ministry, and their consistent pairing underscores the significant role women played in the early church.
* **Σκηνόποιος (Skēnopoios, `{{G4635}}`)**: This term, meaning "tentmaker" or "leather worker," describes the shared trade of Aquila, Priscilla, and Paul ([[Acts 18:3]]). This common profession provided them a means of support, enabling them to engage in ministry without being financially burdensome to the communities they served.
* **Συνεργός (Synergos, `{{G4904}}`)**: Paul refers to Aquila and Priscilla as his "fellow workers" or "co-laborers" ([[Romans 16:3]]). This term emphasizes their active participation and partnership in the apostolic mission, highlighting that ministry was a collaborative effort.
* **Ἐκκλησία κατ’ οἶκον (Ekklēsia kat’ oikon)**: The concept of the "church in their house" ([[Romans 16:5]], [[1 Corinthians 16:19]]) is intimately tied to Aquila and Priscilla. Their home served as a vital hub for early Christian gatherings, worship, teaching, and fellowship, demonstrating the importance of hospitality and domestic spaces in the nascent church.
* **Ἀπολλώς (Apollos, `{{G625}}`)**: Aquila and Priscilla's role in instructing Apollos ([[Acts 18:26]]) is a testament to their theological acumen and commitment to discipleship. They exemplify the importance of mature believers nurturing and guiding new leaders.
* **Φυγάς (Phygas)**: Although not a direct word reference, the concept of "exile" or "refugee" is central to their story, as they were forced to leave Rome due to Claudius's edict ([[Acts 18:2]]). This highlights the persecution faced by early Christians and their resilience in continuing their ministry despite displacement.
### Theological Significance
Aquila, always in conjunction with Priscilla, embodies several profound theological principles and practical aspects of early Christian life:
* **The Power of Lay Ministry:** Aquila and Priscilla were not apostles or ordained leaders in the traditional sense, but ordinary believers who used their gifts, home, and trade for the advancement of the Gospel. They serve as a powerful example of the vital role of laypeople in the church's mission, demonstrating that every believer is called to ministry.
* **Hospitality as a Core Christian Virtue:** Their willingness to open their home to Paul and, more significantly, to host entire church gatherings, underscores the theological importance of hospitality. Their home became a sanctuary and a center for the spread of the Good News, illustrating how domestic spaces can be consecrated for divine purposes.
* **Discipleship and Mentorship:** Their patient and accurate instruction of Apollos reveals a deep commitment to theological truth and the spiritual formation of others. They exemplify the call for mature believers to invest in and equip new leaders, ensuring the continuity and purity of the Christian message.
* **Partnership in Ministry:** The consistent pairing of Aquila and Priscilla, often with Priscilla mentioned first, challenges traditional hierarchical notions and highlights the complementary and equal partnership possible in Christian service. It implicitly affirms the significant contributions of women in leadership and teaching within the early church.
* **Resilience in the Face of Persecution:** Their displacement from Rome due to persecution did not deter them from their faith or ministry. Instead, it led them to new fields of service, first in Corinth, then Ephesus, and likely back to Rome. Their journey illustrates the steadfastness required of believers in a hostile world and God's ability to use adverse circumstances for His purposes.
* **The Church as a Dynamic, Relational Community:** The "church in their house" signifies that the early church was not primarily a building but a community of believers gathered in relationship, centered on Christ. Aquila and Priscilla's home served as a microcosm of the larger body of Christ, fostering intimate fellowship and shared mission.
### Summary
Aquila (Ἀκύλας, `{{G207}}`), a name likely derived from the Latin for "eagle," stands as a significant figure in the New Testament, primarily known through his inseparable partnership with his wife, Priscilla. Introduced as a Jewish tentmaker exiled from Rome, he and Priscilla became close associates and "fellow workers" ([[Romans 16:3]]) with the Apostle Paul. Their home served as a vital center for early Christian worship and fellowship, hosting "the church in their house" in both Rome and Ephesus ([[Romans 16:5]], [[1 Corinthians 16:19]]). Beyond their hospitality, they demonstrated profound theological understanding and commitment to discipleship by "explaining the way of God more accurately" to Apollos ([[Acts 18:26]]). Aquila, always presented alongside Priscilla, embodies the essential role of dedicated lay ministers in the early church, exemplifying tireless service, unwavering hospitality, and faithful partnership in the spread of the Gospel amidst challenging circumstances. His life, inextricably linked with Priscilla's, provides a compelling model of Christian commitment and collaborative ministry.
TRV