Disrupted but Dedicated
SCRIPTURE
DEVOTIONAL
Priscilla and Aquilla were Jewish followers of Jesus who were forced from Rome because of political unrest related to disputes over Jesus. They resettled in Corinth, where they met Paul, partnered with him in ministry, worked with him as fellow tentmakers, and stayed with him. Later they traveled with Paul to Ephesus and God used their repeated displacement to spread the gospel to new places. They were dedicated gospel partners; Paul later said that they risked their lives for him.
In the midst of a chaotic and changing world, Priscilla and Aquilla didn’t shrink back. Despite the cultural differences between Rome, Corinth, and Ephesus (think NYC/ DC, Las Vegas, and Philadelphia) they used their trade to engage their neighbors in a complex world. They leaned into creating new community with the people around them and discipled Apollos.
Hospitality and relational presence (belonging to the community) are powerful tools to support the work of God’s expanding kingdom. Opening our homes, sharing meals, or simply listening with care and compassion to those around us models God’s love in tangible ways. Just as Priscilla, and Aquilla engaged Apollos, we can use our homes, work, and our active belonging to the community to teach, encourage, and bless those around us.
Rather than withdrawing, Priscilla and Aquila opened their homes and lives, They partnered with Paul in work and ministry, modeling hospitality and shared mission. Later, they explained the way of God more fully to Apollos in their home. They didn’t embarrass or dismiss him, they engaged him and he received their teaching and went on to be a powerful evangelist and encourager of the early church.
God’s mission and often moves forward through everyday people who engage their neighbor with the love of God with caring and authentic relationships. Priscilla and Aquila show us that we are not disqualified from taking part in God’s mission just because our lives are disrupted in some way. Rather, disruption can actually position us for how to join Jesus in his work.
PRAYER
Dear Jesus, show me how through all the chaos and disruption in my own life, you might be positioning me for new ways to engage my neighbors. When my world is swirling, help me not only see that your love is constant, the anchor in my storm, but help me see who else I can throw a lifesaver to, who is caught in their own storm. Amen.
