³ Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, ⁴ who for my life risked their own necks, to whom not only do I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles; also greet the church that is in their house.

The last we hear of Prisca and Aquila they are in Ephesus with Timothy (2 Tim 4:19), possibly relocating frequently for their work as tent makers. That they were faithful to the work of the Lord is beyond dispute. And that they were married is clearly stated. Particularly noteworthy, though, is that they are always mentioned together as a couple. Prisca (the diminutive form of the longer Priscilla) is usually named first, though normally in ancient times the husband’s name came first when listed together.

Some today have noted that Prisca being named first indicates a diminishing of role distinction in the church, that the NT pattern is moving in a trajectory toward egalitarianism (equality in the roles of men and women). Clearly, there is no distinction when it relates to the Gospel itself and our adoption as children of God, for as Paul writes elsewhere:

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s descendants, heirs according to promise. (Gal 3:28–29)

However, Prisca and Aquila were most likely with Timothy in Ephesus when Paul taught regarding behavior in the church, “I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man …” (1 Tim 2:12, 3:15). So whatever we say about Prisca being mentioned first named, it cannot include a role reversal or role leveler as pertaining to their roles in the church. So what then do we make of the order of naming?

We can look to the relationship of Paul and Barnabas, as an example. As their partnership in ministry began, Barnabas’ name is mentioned first (e.g. Acts 13:2, 7), but as Paul took on the more prominent role, his name came to be mentioned before Barnabas’ (Acts 13:43, 46, 50, 14:4, etc.). In fact, the Gentiles identified Paul as the more prominent speaker (Acts 14:12). However, nowhere in Scripture is Paul recognized as having authority over Barnabas in any way.

So with Prisca and Aquila, the wife may have been the more prominent individual, and in the private setting she was involved in teaching (Acts 18:26). We take this to be outside the context of the public teaching in the church. Indeed, Apollos benefited from the wise and godly couple’s private tutelage.

Lord, help me to understand Your truths correctly, especially gender roles.