Most families mentioned in the Bible are dysfunctional. Aquila and Priscilla’s family are an exception. Their story in Acts 18:1-26 reveals four characteristics of a spiritually fit family:
1. Under Divine Providence (18:1-3)
Priscilla and Aquila got married during the reign of Emperor Claudius (AD 41-54). In the bigoted atmosphere of ancient Rome, when a proclamation was issued expelling Jews from Rome, Priscilla and Aquila had to flee.
When Paul met them in Greece, they were refugees. Like many refugees, they were cut off from their extended family, probably struggling with language barriers and trying to survive on low-paying or underpaid jobs.
God, however, was orchestrating circumstances for their well-being. Note the phrase “Paul went to see them” (v.2). Maybe they met while tentmaking alongside the Roman road where slaves dragged boats across the isthmus between the Gulf of Corinth and the Saronic Gulf. Paul, another tent maker, tells them about Jesus’ miraculous birth, remarkable life and ministry, cruel death, astounding resurrection, and impending second coming. Under the conviction of the Holy Spirit, they believe and are gloriously saved! This is how God works. He crosses our paths with others at the right time, in the right way, to do what only He can do.
Many families struggle. Family Action found the top five family pressures are money, health and wellness, lack of time together, pressure from work or education, and relationships. The biggest challenge is the work-family balance. One 33-year-old mom said, “You basically always feel like you’re doing a horrible job at everything.”
It wasn’t an accident or coincidence when Paul met Priscilla and Aquila – it was God’s providence. Is your family stressed, tired, burdened or rushed? Turn to Jesus. The first characteristic of a spiritually fit family is coming under God’s care and control.
2. Missional (18:18)
Priscilla and Aquila had a house and business in Corinth, but these things were not as important as doing what God wanted them to do. Taking a step of faith, they joined Paul and sailed to Syria to share the Gospel with the Ephesians. What a family! Presented with a chance to teach others about Jesus, they jumped at the opportunity.
Spiritually fit families adopt a missionary’s desire to engage others with Jesus. To be a missional family, you don’t have to go to another country – bloom where you’re planted. Testify about Jesus in your neighbourhood or town.
It’s not complicated. You pray for your neighbours and ask the Lord to give you opportunities to speak to them, walk around and talk to the people you meet. Will you be rejected or shut down when you talk about Jesus? Yes, sometimes. There’ll also be unique opportunities to see God at work, drawing people to Himself.
3. Serving (18:26)
Priscilla and Aquila’s tent-making was used as a means to serve God. Take note of the phrase “explained to him the way of God …” (v. 26). Their job was a means to an end. They were tentmakers to be teachers.
Is your family serving the Lord? God hasn’t given you a job to be a consumer. You’re blessed with an occupation to feed and clothe your family so they can serve Him. Note how Paul doesn’t make a big deal about Priscilla and Aquila’s work. Instead, he notes their role as his “co-workers” (Romans 16:3) – commending them as fellow helpers and labourers in the Lord’s work.
What do you use your income for? Priscilla and Aquila used their earnings to tell others about Jesus. No one at their funeral said, “They played a great round of golf, or they were wonderful patrons of the theatre.” They served the Lord and advanced His kingdom. Their legacy was Paul saying they “worked hand in hand with me in serving Jesus. They once put their lives on the line for me. And I’m not the only one grateful to them” Romans 16:3-4 (MSG).
4. Hospitable (18:26)
The Greek word translated as “hospitality” in the New Testament means “love of strangers.” Hospitality is more than inviting family members around for a barbecue. Hospitality is treating outsiders and insiders alike. It’s a genuine display of the love and compassion of Jesus to anyone and everyone. And it’s both commended and commanded throughout Scripture (Matthew 25:34-36, Acts 2:44-45, Titus 1:8, 1 Timothy 3:2).
Jesus and His disciples depended entirely on the hospitality of others (Matthew 10:9-10), as did Christians in the early church. Paul stayed with Priscilla and Aquila (v. 3), and they also hosted a church in their home (Romans 16:3-5, 1 Corinthians 16:19).
Sadly, a highly regarded virtue in biblical times has fallen on hard times today. In a world dominated by individualism and indulgence, many people live more for themselves than others. Christian families should be different. Our homes should be places where everyone is welcome – where even strangers find friendship and fellowship.
Aquila and Priscilla’s story teaches us to trust in God’s providence, embrace a mission-oriented mindset, serve others, and cultivate a spirit of hospitality. Their family is an example to emulate. Do you want to be a spiritually fit family? You’re on the right track if you take your lead from Aquila and Priscilla.
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Summary
What makes a spiritually fit family? The story of Aquila and Priscilla in Acts 18 highlights four key traits: trusting in God’s providence, living missionally, serving others, and practicing hospitality. Learn how Christian families can grow spiritually by following their example of faith, service, and openness to share the Gospel in everyday life.
© Scripture Union, 2024
