“And (Apollos) 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” (Acts 18:26).
On Valentine’s Day, rather than concentrating on hearts, flowers, chocolate candy, and Hollywood “love,” it might serve us better to look at the lives of a Biblical couple who were themselves, no doubt, very much in love. In so doing we can gain some insight into what married love is all about and what it can do.
This couple were evidently some of Paul’s dearest friends and first met him in Corinth where they had journeyed following the expulsion of all Jews from Rome in AD 49 (Acts 18:2). The couple had a tentmaking business (the same craft as Paul’s) and they invited him to live with them (v.3), allowing him freedom to teach and evangelize (v.4).
Although the exact time is debated, it is likely that sometime during the stay in Corinth they risked their lives for Paul, for he later wrote: “Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus: Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles” (Romans 16:3,4).
When the local Jews threatened them, they traveled to Ephesus with Paul. Here they helped the dynamic Apollos to a fuller faith (see our text) and held church meetings in their home (I Corinthians 16:19). After further travels (Romans 16:3), they returned to Ephesus (II Timothy 4:19).
We don’t know all the details, but we do know that they served God effectually together for years. And perhaps this is what a truly loving Christian marriage is all about. Serving, teaching, hosting, evangelizing, discipling, working, sacrificing, praying, suffering, traveling—together, always together—for a lifetime. “If that’s not love, what is?” JDM
