(First century) Married converts, Saints Aquila and Priscilla were Jewish tent-makers in Corinth, Ephesus, and Rome. They hosted Saint Paul on his missionary travels (Acts 18:2,18; Romans 16:3; 2 Timothy 4:19), instructed Apollos, a major early Christian evangelist (Acts 18:26), and their home was used as a church in Rome (1 Corinthians 16:19). Details of their martyrdom have been lost, despite ancient tradition testifying of their martyrdom.

Hospitality and clear teaching were principles that Aquila and Priscilla embodied. Instructing the ignorant and advising the sinner are spiritual works of mercy (cf. Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2447). The way in which this is done can make a dramatic difference. How can we come alongside the newcomer in a way that holds him or her accountable and yet invites and instructs in a manner in which he or she will receive it?

“He began to speak boldly in the synagogue; but when Pricilla and Aquila heard him, they took him and expounded to him the way of God more accurately” (Acts 18:26).

Reflection by Brad Farmer