In the bustling cities of the ancient world, one couple stood out for their unwavering commitment to Christ and His mission. Aquila and Priscilla, mentioned several times in the New Testament, exemplify what it means to die to self and live for Christ through a unique ministry— the Christian open home. Their story provides a powerful model for modern Christians, especially couples, seeking to invest in eternity.

The Aquila-Priscilla Model 

The Christian open home, as modelled by Aquila and Priscilla, is a ministry-focused approach to use one’s dwelling as a centre for spiritual growth, discipleship, and evangelism. It is characterised by:

• Loving hospitality: Welcoming fellow believers and newcomers alike, providing not just accommodation but a sense of belonging.
• Sound doctrinal instruction: Serving as a space for sound doctrinal instruction, Bible studies, and gentle correction when needed.
• Encouragement and motivation: Functioning as a hub for building up fellow believers and supporting their ministries.
• Evangelistic outreach: Using the home as a welcoming environment for sharing the Gospel with non-believers.
• Loyalty and steadfastness in ministry: Maintaining this ministry consistently, regardless of location or circumstances, as a lifelong calling.

This approach to home life reflects a dying to self and living for Christ: personal space, ‘me’ time, and resources are freely shared to advance God’s kingdom. It emphasizes the potential impact of investing in others through discipleship and the power of a welcoming, Christ-centred home in spreading the Gospel. Let’s consider how Aquila and Priscilla embodied each of these five aspects of the open home:

Loving Hospitality

The concept of the Christian open home begins with hospitality, a virtue highly esteemed in Scripture (1 Peter 4:9 and Hebrews 13:2). We first encounter Aquila and Priscilla in Acts 18:1-4, where they welcome Paul into their home and workplace. This act of hospitality wasn’t just a one-time occurrence but a lifestyle.

Sound Doctrinal Instruction

The Christian open home is not just about providing a place to stay; it’s about nurturing spiritual growth. Aquila and Priscilla excelled in this. In 1 Corinthians 16:19,  we learn they led Bible studies and home churches. Their dedication to sound teaching is further illustrated in Acts 18:24-26, where they took Apollos aside to explain “the way of God more adequately.” Knowing them, we might assume they invited Apollos over for dinner, perhaps, and gently corrected him in person, rather than confronting him in public.

Encouragement and Motivation

The couple’s home became a hub of encouragement and motivation for fellow believers. Acts 18:27-28 shows how their home church in Ephesus encouraged Apollos in his ministry. Paul himself attests to their encouragement in Romans 16:3-5, where we see them hosting another home church—not in Corinth or Ephesus this time, but in Rome.

When we’re mentoring and discipling a young believer, we may never know to what stature that individual could rise. Aquila and Priscilla had no idea then Apollos would become a powerful orator and sought-after evangelist. Neither did they know to what stature Paul would rise when they first welcomed him into their home and workplace. This underscores the profound impact of faithful discipleship and the open home ministry. Every person we invest in has the potential to become a significant influence for God’s kingdom. Our role is to faithfully pour into others, and leave the results in God’s hands.

Evangelistic Outreach

Aquila and Priscilla’s frequent relocations—from Corinth to Ephesus to Rome and back to Corinth—demonstrate their commitment to spreading the Gospel. Their open home was a tool for evangelism, providing a welcoming environment for sharing the Good News, no matter where they set up home.

Loyalty and Steadfastness in Ministry

Perhaps most inspiring is the couple’s enduring commitment to each other and to the Christian open home ministry. In 2 Timothy 4:19-22, Paul’s final epistle written about 20 years after first meeting them, he still refers to them as a unit, steadfast in their service to the Lord.

Unity and Oneness—That Rare, Winsome Gem

The ministry of the Christian open home then, as exemplified by Aquila and Priscilla, rests on two fundamental pillars. First, it requires the five qualities we’ve explored: hospitality, sound teaching, encouragement, evangelistic zeal, and steadfast loyalty. These form the bedrock of a home truly open for God’s work.

Second, and equally crucial, is the oneness of the couple. Scripture consistently presents Aquila and Priscilla as a unified team, never mentioning one without the other. This unity is not coincidental but essential. An open home ministry flourishes best when a couple works in perfect harmony, not only with each other but also with the Holy Spirit. Their shared vision, complementary strengths, and mutual support create a powerful synergy that amplifies their impact. In Aquila and Priscilla, we see a beautiful dance of partnership, where two become one in purpose and ministry, reflecting the divine unity of the Trinity itself. This oneness allows them to face challenges, make decisions, and minister to others with a united front, making their open home a true reflection of God’s love and grace.

Conclusion

Aquila and Priscilla challenge us to look beyond our comfort, and to stop living for ourselves. They challenge us to use our homes as instruments for God’s kingdom. To the couples of today, the call to open-home ministry is as relevant as ever. In a world increasingly marked by isolation and digital connections, our physical homes can be a beacon of Christ’s love. It doesn’t require grand gestures or perfect circumstances—just a willingness to die to self and live for Christ.

In our world today, there are too many hurting souls longing for affirmation and encouragement: too many Apolloses caught up in wrong doctrine, or lonely individuals like Paul was before he met this couple. The need for open homes—places of safety, sound teaching, and genuine care—is as pressing now as it was in the early church. Every neighbourhood has people thirsting for truth, yearning for community, or simply in need of a listening ear. An open home can be the answer to these silent cries, offering a safe haven where lives can be touched by unselfish love, truth, and the power of Christian fellowship, and transformed by Christ.

Related Reads:

• The Christian Open Home: Frequently Asked Questions