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Giving from Humble Means (Aquila and Priscilla)

There he met a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had ordered all Jews to leave Rome. Paul went to see them, and because he was a tentmaker as they were, he stayed and worked with them.

Acts 18:2,3

READ Acts 18:2-3.

Aquila and Priscilla did not have much to give. They had just moved to Antioch from Italy. Perhaps they just finished up renovations on the new home. I can imagine the conversation when Aquila came home after meeting the famous evangelist, Paul. Aquila probably shared every detail - that he was a Jew just like them, a tentmaker just like them, and a nomad just like them. Surely, he expected Priscilla to jump at the idea of letting the preacher stay with them. And perhaps she did. 

But if Priscilla were anything like me, it probably took a little more convincing. She probably asked how long he was going to stay? And where would he sleep? Maybe she reminded Aquila that he would have to help with cooking extra meals and clean up. If anything like me, she probably was embarrassed to have her home exposed to visitors so soon after moving. Were her curtains up? Had she planted flowers in the front yard yet? Were the dishes and cookware still packed in boxes? If she responded with these questions and concerns, no woman on earth would blame her for second-guessing the decision to let Paul stay.

Whether or not she hesitated, we do not know. But we do know that soon after meeting Aquila, Paul moved in and that was the beginning of the couple supporting the apostle in ministry for some time. So much so that later on, when Paul moved to Ephesus, Aquila and Priscilla went with him. He left them there and no doubt they helped to plant the church to which a whole book of the Bible is dedicated. The start of the book of Ephesians describes the church as one grounded in faith and love, two qualities that two of its founding members, Aquila and Priscilla, did not lack.

So what about you? What do you and your spouse have to give? Perhaps it is so small or insignificant that you’re embarrassed. Well, today, we encourage you - give it anyway. Only eternity will be time enough to tell you of the impact of your gift, no matter how small. 

Thought Questions

  • Throughout the Bible, we find stories of individuals who give what they have, no matter how small. What are some things that you hesitate to share? How can you step out of your comfort zone to give anyway? 
  • What is the connection between giving and humility? What is the connection between humility and trusting God?

Life Lessons

  • Moses was a stuttering exile.  David was a shepherd boy. Jesus’ chosen disciples were mainly fishermen and a tax collector. God takes delight in using the most unlikely people for His glory (1 Samuel 16:7).

Further Study 

Read 2 Corinthians 12:9. Over and over again, God shows us that He is all we need. Is it possible that He allows us to feel insufficient in order to build our trust in Him? Discuss with your spouse something that God is calling you to do, but you feel inadequate doing it. Pray to God for strength to move forward and trust God to make up the difference.