Romans 16:4 – Prisca and Aquila – Venturers

Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, who for the sake of my soul, jeopardize their own necks, whom not only I am thanking, but all the ecclesias of the nations also.

From all we know of Prisca and Aquila, they have been deeply involved in Paul’s labors “in Christ Jesus” from the beginning. Until the end of his life, that connection remained (2Tim.4:19). That the two jeopardized their necks for his soul is reminiscent of expressions that also refer to the practice of beheading by an executioner. Whoever dares (or sticks out his neck) puts his life on the line.

It is not clear whether Paul is remembering one special event with these grateful words. What is clear is that Prisca and Aquila experienced life-threatening situations with Paul both in Corinth (Acts 18:12) and in Ephesus (Acts 19:29). Did they perhaps take him into their home at the risk of their own lives? Paul does not dwell on this, but presupposes their deeds as known. For not only he himself is thankful for Prisca and Aquila, but also “all the ecclesias of the nations.” These are ecclesias that arose through the message as Paul was allowed to herald it among the nations.

Delen: