“PAUL’S FRIENDS – PRISCILLA & AQUILA”

"Doing Life with Jesus”
Today’s Lesson - “Paul’s Friends – Priscilla & Aquila”

Video Story/Resource:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YxfzYYQ51gc (Saddleback Kids Slapstick Theatre – Aquila & Priscilla)

Paul Teaches in Athens
Acts 18:1-11,18, NLT
Then Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. 2 There he became acquainted with a Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, who had recently arrived from Italy with his wife, Priscilla. They had left Italy when Claudius Caesar deported all Jews from Rome. 3 Paul lived and worked with them, for they were tentmakers just as he was.

4 Each Sabbath found Paul at the synagogue, trying to convince the Jews and Greeks alike. 5 And after Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul spent all his time preaching the word. He testified to the Jews that Jesus was the Messiah. 6 But when they opposed and insulted him, Paul shook the dust from his clothes and said, “Your blood is upon your own heads—I am innocent. From now on I will go preach to the Gentiles.”

7 Then he left and went to the home of Titius Justus, a Gentile who worshiped God and lived next door to the synagogue. 8 Crispus, the leader of the synagogue, and everyone in his household believed in the Lord. Many others in Corinth also heard Paul, became believers, and were baptized.

9 One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision and told him, “Don’t be afraid! Speak out! Don’t be silent! 10 For I am with you, and no one will attack and harm you, for many people in this city belong to me.” 11 So Paul stayed there for the next year and a half, teaching the word of God.

…18 Paul stayed in Corinth for some time after that, then said good-bye to the brothers and sisters and went to nearby Cenchrea. There he shaved his head according to Jewish custom, marking the end of a vow. Then he set sail for Syria, taking Priscilla and Aquila with him.”

Engage:
• Priscilla and Aquila were Jews that had been living in Rome. Why did they have to leave Rome?
• Paul travelled to Corinth and met Priscilla and Aquila who had recently moved to the city. What did they have in common?
• Every Sabbath, Paul would take a break from making tents to preach in the synagogue. What was he able to do when his partners, Silas and Timothy, arrived?
• After staying in Corinth for 1.5 years, Paul decided it was time to travel to a new town. Who went with him?

Weekly verse:
Hebrews 10:24-25, NLT – “Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of Jesus’ return is drawing near.”

2022 Theme verses:
Colossians 2:6-7, NLT – “And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.”

Prayer – Dear God, thank you for good friends and for the fact that you give us people to encourage us, support us and work with us. Help us to be like Priscilla and Aquila who readily befriended Paul, opened their home to him and provided him with an opportunity to support himself. Help us to recognize people’s needs and be willing to help out as we’re able.
~ Pastor Jane