who risked their own necks for me, to whom not only do I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles.
Truth to Learn
Some of the most important ministries are behind the scenes.
Behind the Words
The word “risked” is a metaphorical translation of hupotithēmi. This is made up of hupo, meaning “under” or “beneath” and tithēmi, meaning “to place or to put.” So, literally this word means “to place underneath.” It is a word which was used of those who “placed their neck under the axe of the executioner.” The correctness of this metaphorical translation is strengthened by the fact that Paul says it is their “neck” that they “placed underneath.”
Eucharistō is the word translated “give thanks.” This is a word which we have seen before. A transliteration of this word gives us our English word Eucharist, which refers to communion or the Lord ’s Supper. Eucharistō means “to give thanks.”
Meaning Explained
From verse three we know that Paul is talking about Priscilla and Aquila, a wife and husband team who were instrumental in assisting Paul in both his secular job and his ministry. He says here that they risked their own necks for him. We don’t know exactly how they did this, for there is no direct scriptural evidence, but we do know that Paul was in physical danger on several occasions. One such time may have been there in Corinth when the Jews accused Paul of breaking the law:
While Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews made a united attack against Paul and brought him to the judgment seat, saying, "This man persuades others to worship God contrary to the law." (Acts 18:12-13)
Another time that Aquila and Priscilla may have endangered themselves to protect Paul was in Ephesus where there was a great uprising against Christians:
And the whole city was filled with confusion, and with one accord they rushed into the theater, having seized Gaius and Aristarchus, Macedonians, Paul's travel companions. Paul wanted to go in to the people but the disciples would not allow him. (Acts 19:29-30)
Paul also makes it clear that Aquila and Priscilla were a great help to some of the churches. Again, we don’t know exactly what Paul is referring to but one example of their service to the churches is found again in Ephesus where they provided scriptural training for Apollos, a preacher of the gospel:
Now a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man being mighty in the Scriptures, came to Ephesus. He had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things of the Lord, though he knew only the baptism of John. And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Aquila and Priscilla heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately. (Acts 18:24-26)
Application
Obviously, Aquila and Priscilla were used by God in the early church by assisting Paul in his ministry and by teaching correct doctrine to those who were gifted in proclaiming it. It seems that their ministry was “behind the scenes” where they worked quietly and fervently. Is this the type of ministry God has called you to? If so, do it faithfully like Aquila and Priscilla.
In God's service, for His glory,
Copyright © 2018 Will Krause. All rights reserved
