Proposition: True Christians Minister to Others

Introduction: Do you minister to those around you?  Your classmates, family, friends, etc.

Interrogative: In what ways can we as Christians minister?

The N.T. lives of Aquila and Pricilla provide an excellent example of ways that we can minister to those around us.  The story of their lives show us four ways of how true Christians minister to others.

Background: Approximately 20 years after Christ’s death.

I. True Christians minister through hospitality; Acts 18:1-3

We are introduced to them as a couple who just arrived in Corinth.  They are Jews who have been expelled from Rome due to the Edict of Claudius (A.D. 49).  Paul most likely met them through their common trade, tentmaking.

A. They opened up their home to Paul

B. They provided a job for Paul

Paul stayed with them for a year and a half and founded the Church in Corinth.  When Paul left Corinth he took Aquila and Pricilla with him to Ephesus (Acts 18:18-21), and left them there.

II. True Christians minister through discipleship; Acts 18:24-26

In Ephesus Aquila and Pricilla meet Apollos in the Synagogue

A. Apollos knew the OT Scriptures, “he was mighty in the scriptures.”

B. Apollos “spoke boldly,” he believed every word he taught.

C. He only knew of John’s Baptism

A. O.T. Saint indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

B. They discipled Apollos concerning the Gospel

Apollos bore much fruit (18:27-28).

III. True Christians minister through fellowship; I Cor 16:19

Paul returns to Ephesus (Acts 19:1).  During this two year stay (v. 10) Paul most likely wrote first Corinthians.  At the conclusion to his letter he sends the blessings of Aquila and Pricilla.

The Ephesian Church meets in their house.  It is here that we get the first glance of their true ministry.  While the Scriptures do not comment on their actual function within the church, Aquila maybe the pastor.

IV. True Christians minister through aiding fellow believers; Rom 16:3-5

We now find that Aquila and Pricilla have returned to Rome and have established another church this time in Rome (this is a different church then the one Paul is addressing).

They aided Paul in the past.

While we do not know exactly what this is in reference to, but Paul was rescued from death which all of the Gentile Churches thank them for.

A few years later we find them once again in Ephesus where Paul’s asks Timothy in his second letter, to “Salute Prisca and Aquila…” (II Timothy 4:19).  Their story ends, continuing their faithful ministry to fellow believers.

Conclusion:

True Christians Minister to Others

Restate points…

Bring to a close