Romans 16:3
Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus:
Original Language Analysis
Ἀσπάσασθε
Greet
G782
Ἀσπάσασθε
Greet
Strong's:
G782
Word #:
1 of 10
to enfold in the arms, i.e., (by implication) to salute, (figuratively) to welcome
Πρίσκιλλαν
Priscilla
G4252
Πρίσκιλλαν
Priscilla
Strong's:
G4252
Word #:
2 of 10
priscilla (i.e., little prisca), a christian woman
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
3 of 10
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Acts 18:26And 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.1 Corinthians 16:19The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.2 Timothy 4:19Salute Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus.Romans 16:9Salute Urbane, our helper in Christ, and Stachys my beloved.1 Corinthians 16:16That ye submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helpeth with us, and laboureth.
Historical Context
Priscilla and Aquila appear six times in the NT (Acts 18:2, 18, 26; Romans 16:3; 1 Corinthians 16:19; 2 Timothy 4:19). Their mobility and influence were remarkable: Rome, Corinth, Ephesus, Rome again—establishing churches, mentoring leaders (Apollos), risking their lives (v. 4). Priscilla's prominence (often named first) and teaching role (Acts 18:26—she instructed Apollos, a gifted orator) demonstrate women's active ministry in the apostolic church. Church history shows husband-wife ministry teams were common until later restrictions emerged.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the partnership of Priscilla and Aquila teach about husband-wife ministry teams and mutual submission in service?
- How does Priscilla's role in teaching Apollos (Acts 18:26) inform discussions about women teaching men in church contexts?
- What would it look like to be '<em>synergoi en Christō</em>' (co-workers in Christ) in your context—establishing churches, discipling leaders, advancing the gospel?
Analysis & Commentary
Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus—Aspasasthe Priskan kai Akylan tous synergous mou en Christō Iēsou (ἀσπάσασθε Πρίσκαν καὶ Ἀκύλαν τοὺς συνεργούς μου ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ). Aspasasthe (ἀσπάζομαι, greet) was formal greeting, often with holy kiss (v. 16). Priscilla (diminutive Prisca) and Aquila were Paul's co-workers—synergous (συνεργός, fellow workers) implies equal partnership in gospel ministry, not mere assistants. Notably, Priscilla is named first (4 of 6 NT references), suggesting prominence or initiative—unusual in patriarchal culture, indicating her leadership role.
Priscilla and Aquila were tentmakers like Paul (Acts 18:2-3), Jewish believers expelled from Rome under Claudius (AD 49). They hosted Paul in Corinth, traveled to Ephesus, taught Apollos (Acts 18:26—both Priscilla and Aquila instructed him), and later returned to Rome (Romans 16:3). Their pattern: wherever they lived, they established house churches, discipled leaders, advanced the gospel. Paul calls them en Christō Iēsou (in Christ Jesus)—their identity and ministry rooted in union with Christ.