February 13, 2012
The Lord be with you
On the LC-MS liturgical calendar today is the Commemoration of Aquila, Priscilla, and Apollos. It is also recognized by the Orthodox congregations for Aquilla and Priscilla (sorry Apollos). Aquila and his wife, Priscilla (Prisca), were Jewish contemporaries of St. Paul that traveled widely. Because of persecution in Rome, they went to Corinth where they met the apostle Paul, who joined them in their trade of tent-making (Acts 18:1-3). In turn, they joined Paul in his mission of proclaiming the Christian Gospel. The couple later traveled with Paul from Corinth to Ephesus (Acts 18:18), where the two of them established a home that served as hospitality headquarters for new converts to Christianity. Apollos was one of their numerous Jewish pupils in the faith. An eloquent man, Apollos, “being fervent in spirit … spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus” (Acts 18:25). He later traveled from Corinth to the province of Achaia, “showing by the Scriptures that the Christ was Jesus” (Acts 18:28). What is meant by “Scriptures” is the Old Testament. Aquila, Priscilla, and Apollos are all remembered and honored for their great missionary zeal. They are also honored for living their faith. Apollos didn’t just learn from Aquila and Priscilla, he shared what he learned. Aquila and Priscilla didn’t just learn from Paul, but put their faith into action in reference to new converts.
Prayer: Triune God, whose very name is holy, teach us to be faithful hearers and learners of Your Word, fervent in the Spirit as Apollos was, that we may teach it correctly against those who have been led astray into falsehood and error and that we might follow the example of Aquila and Priscilla for the good of the Church You established here and entrusted into our humble care; for You, O Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, live and reign, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Blessings in Christ,
Pastor Rickert
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