5 Things To Know about Prisca (Priscilla)

The New Testament Woman who stood shoulder to shoulder with Paul

There is a woman in the Christian Bible who plays an extremely important role in the christian church and yet she can be so easily overlooked. Or worse, only attributed her work in accordance to her husband…

In a world where women's voices were often silenced, one woman quietly, boldly, and brilliantly helped build the foundations of Christian faith. Her name is Priscilla. And while she did work alongside her husband Aquilla and her coworker in the faith Paul. Priscilla made an impact all her own, you just have to be paying attention.

1. She Was a Co-Worker in Christ (Not Just Someone's Wife)

Priscilla (also called Prisca) and her husband Aquila were Jewish tentmakers who had to flee Rome when political upheaval hit (Acts 18:2).They met Paul in Corinth and a friendship of some sort formed and became a full-blown partnership in ministry. Paul calls them "my co-workers in Christ Jesus" (Romans 16:3), a title he reserves for his closest people.And here's something cool: Priscilla’s name usually comes first when they’re mentioned. A woman's name coming before a man’s? Coincidence? Maybe. But more likely, it’s a little biblical nod to her leadership. In a world that expected women to be silent, Priscilla was standing shoulder to shoulder with Paul himself.

2. She Was a Teacher of Teachers

One of Priscilla’s biggest moments comes in Acts 18:26.Apollos — a brilliant, passionate speaker — shows up in Ephesus preaching about Jesus. The only problem? His theology’s a little... incomplete? We are actually not totally sure what is off about his teaching. Priscilla and Aquila take him aside and explain "the way of God more accurately." That’s all we’ve got on the teaching material.

Let’s pause there:This is a woman, teaching a man — and not just any man, but one of the brightest rising stars in the early church. She’s not correcting Apollos to show off; she’s doing it out of love for the gospel and a deep commitment to truth. And honestly, if Priscilla wasn’t leading that conversation, why was she even there? Her voice helped shape a leader who would shape others. That’s real influence.

3. Her Home Was the Church

Priscilla’s leadership didn’t stop at mentoring.Together with Aquila, she opened her home as one of the very first house churches (1 Corinthians 16:19; Romans 16:5). And back then, hosting a church wasn’t just "hospitality" — it meant spiritual leadership.

Picture it:Hymns being sung around her table.Prayers whispered over a meal.Theological debates by lamplight.Their home wasn’t just a meeting place — it was the church.

Some scholars even think Priscilla and Aquila ran one of the first "schools of theology" in Ephesus — training up leaders like Apollos.(And if I ever finish building a time machine, I’ll go double-check that for you.)

4. She Might Have Written Hebrews (Yes, Really)

Here’s a wild theory: Some scholars think Priscilla might have been the hidden author of the book of Hebrews.The writing style fits: it’s deep, theologically rich, polished Greek — and ties beautifully into the Old Testament.

So why wouldn’t she sign it?Well, if a woman had openly claimed authorship, in a patriarchal culture, it might have been dismissed out of hand. Staying anonymous could’ve been the only way to get the truth out without it being ignored.

We’ll probably never know for sure (another thing I’ll check if I get a time machine). But the very fact that it’s even possible tells you something: Women were shaping the Church even when their names didn’t make the headlines.

5. Her Legacy Outlived Her

Priscilla’s story didn’t end when she died.Early Christians honored her memory, and archaeologists have even found churches and catacombs in Rome bearing her name. Some legends say she died a martyr, though we don’t have the details. Her faithfulness carved itself into the foundation of the early Church.

Priscilla didn’t chase fame. She didn’t need a platform. She just served. And her life still stands as a quiet but undeniable reminder:Faithful women have always been at the center of God's mission. And we still are.