The following is a transcript of my Embracing Your Priscilla podcast from June 3, 2021
When my husband answered the call to ministry almost 30 years ago, many asked me if I would preach too. I’d been leading children’s worship since before I could drive and served as the front man for the Christian band we traveled with. Because I did all the talking, most assumed I’d go into pastoral ministry too. Like Priscilla and Aquila, in Christian circles my name generally found its way in front of my husband’s. Yet I never felt called to fill the pulpit full time.
I lead most of the small groups in our church, and Steve knows I have a plan for every holiday and special event. Each Pentecost I take the pulpit, and I have full reign over every part of our church’s worship service outside the sermon. It’s been suggested by some that since I don’t get paid for what I do it’s not as important. Others have encouraged me to document the hours I spend so I can be added to the payroll. And while I don’t have a problem with the worker getting her wages, that’s not where God has called me.
Hi, I’m Lynne Modranski, and you’re listening to Weekly Words of Encouragement
I want to share scripture today from Acts 18:1-3
After this, Paul left Athens and went to Corinth.
2 There he met a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus,
who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla,
because Claudius had ordered all Jews to leave Rome.
Paul went to see them, 3 and because he was a tentmaker as they were,
he stayed and worked with them.
Priscilla and Aquilla . . . We know so little about this famous couple. With only six mentions in scripture, and each time together, the notoriety Priscilla and her husband have gained is amazing. Still, as obscure as she seems to be, I find a lot to learn from Paul’s friend.
In a time when women were the property of their husbands and fathers, Luke gives Priscilla preference each time he references the couple. Something about this follower of Christ made her stand out. And I can’t help but think she embraced it.
The struggle of being a leader in a supporting role can be daunting until we study the life of Priscilla. Scholars agree this woman taught and led in the churches in Corinth and Ephesus. Yet unlike her fellow workers Phoebe and Lydia, Priscilla’s name is always securely attached to her husband’s. Even Tryphena and Tryphosa had identities outside their spouses; so while some may blame the male driven culture on the constant coupling, I believe it to be more.
Priscilla flourished as the person God made her to be. She could be a leader and a submissive wife at the same time. Priscilla may have been an important teacher in the church, but Aquila remained the spiritual leader of the home and probably played a prominent role in the early days of ‘The Way.’
This woman of God gives me courage to be all I can be in Christ. She demonstrates the beauty of balancing the roles of wife and leader. She reminds me I don’t have to back down from my calling or be afraid of sometimes overshadowing my husband. Priscilla helps me see that being my husband’s helpmate doesn’t lessen my value. She makes me want to embrace my inner Priscilla.
Today’s devotion is part of a series I’m starting called “Embracing Your Priscilla.” I believe there are a lot of ladies out there like me who have determined it’s not impossible to be a submissive wife and a leader at the same time, and I’d like to offer some encouragement. In fact, I think it’s such an important message you’ll hear this devotion on NoteSpire Music Radio too. If we want to build the kingdom of God we have to be the people God has created us to be. So if you’re a Priscilla, rock it. Share this message with the world with the hashtag #IAMAPriscilla – And click over to LynneModranski.com and send me a message. I look forward to hearing from you. God bless you and have a beautiful day! Thanks for reading the Embracing Your Priscilla Podcast Page!
Before you go, be sure to read more devotions especially for women
or Purchase “A Reflection of the Beauty of God,” short meditations
to help women remember they are created in the image of their Savior
