PERSON · DISCIPLE
Aquila
Aquila was a Jewish tentmaker originally from Pontus who had been expelled from Rome under the edict of Claudius and subsequently became a close co-worker of the apostle Paul (Acts 18:2–3). He and Priscilla appear across multiple Pauline letters and locations, indicating their sustained involvement in the early Gentile mission.
Acts 18:2–3
The Story
He arrives in the story of the early church as a displaced man — a Jew from Pontus who had been driven out of Rome by imperial decree. The emperor Claudius had expelled the Jewish community from the capital, and Aquila, along with his wife Priscilla, had made their way to Corinth. That expulsion, which might have looked like nothing more than political misfortune, turned out to be the hinge on which a remarkable partnership swung open.
When Paul came to Corinth, he found Aquila and Priscilla already there. Scripture notes, with quiet significance, that Paul was of the same trade — a tentmaker — and so he came to live and work with them.
2And 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. 3And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers.
Acts 18:2–3·KJV
It is a small domestic detail, but it carries weight. The great missionary of the Gentile world did not descend from some elevated platform; he sat beside Aquila, working leather or cloth, earning his bread, and the gospel moved through the texture of ordinary labor. One senses that the workshop became as much a place of formation as any synagogue.
Aquila was not a passive host. The picture Scripture gives is of a man fully invested in the mission alongside his wife. When Paul eventually left Corinth and sailed toward Syria, Aquila and Priscilla went with him as far as Ephesus.
18And 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. 19And he came to Ephesus, and left them there: but he himself entered into the synagogue, and reasoned with the Jews.
Acts 18:18–19·KJV
They stayed behind in that city while Paul pressed on — and what happened next reveals something essential about Aquila's character and spiritual maturity.
Life & Legacy
Death
ScriptureScripture does not record the death of Aquila.
Scripture does not record
Legacy
ScriptureAquila and his wife Priscilla hosted a church in their house, both in Ephesus and in Rome (1 Corinthians 16:19; Romans 16:5). Paul commended them as his fellow workers in Christ Jesus who had risked their own necks for his life (Romans 16:3–4).
Romans 16:3–5; 1 Corinthians 16:19
Character
ScriptureAquila is described as a tentmaker by trade who shared his craft with Paul (Acts 18:3). Together with Priscilla, he took Apollos aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately (Acts 18:26).
Acts 18:3; Acts 18:26
Significance
ScriptureAquila was a Jewish tentmaker originally from Pontus who had been expelled from Rome under the edict of Claudius and subsequently became a close co-worker of the apostle Paul (Acts 18:2–3). He and Priscilla appear across multiple Pauline letters and locations, indicating their sustained involvement in the early Gentile mission.
Acts 18:2–3; Romans 16:3–4; 2 Timothy 4:19
DeathScripture
Scripture does not record the death of Aquila.
Scripture does not record
LegacyScripture
Aquila and his wife Priscilla hosted a church in their house, both in Ephesus and in Rome (1 Corinthians 16:19; Romans 16:5). Paul commended them as his fellow workers in Christ Jesus who had risked their own necks for his life (Romans 16:3–4).
Romans 16:3–5; 1 Corinthians 16:19
CharacterScripture
Aquila is described as a tentmaker by trade who shared his craft with Paul (Acts 18:3). Together with Priscilla, he took Apollos aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately (Acts 18:26).
Acts 18:3; Acts 18:26
SignificanceScripture
Aquila was a Jewish tentmaker originally from Pontus who had been expelled from Rome under the edict of Claudius and subsequently became a close co-worker of the apostle Paul (Acts 18:2–3). He and Priscilla appear across multiple Pauline letters and locations, indicating their sustained involvement in the early Gentile mission.
Acts 18:2–3; Romans 16:3–4; 2 Timothy 4:19
Artist's impression