INTRODUCTION:

 When the writer of Proverbs asked the question, “Who can find a virtuous woman?”, it was 
 not asked because there are none!
 1. No doubt, there were many virtuous women during his lifetime in Israel.
 2. The Bible is full of examples of virtuous women.
 3. Our attention in this lesson is focused on one of these women:  Priscilla.
B. Texts:  We cross paths with her six times in the New Testament.
 1. Acts 18:1-3.
 2. Acts 18:18,19.
 3. Acts 18:24-28.
 4. I Corinthians 16:19.
 5. Romans 16:3-5.
 6. II Timothy 4:19.
C. The purpose of this lesson is to see how Priscilla was a virtuous  woman and how her life can help us.
D. This means that we need to know what virtue is.
 1. A good definition is “moral courage.”
 2. It has three basic elements:  duty, determination, and courage.
 3. Proverbs 31:10-31 illustrates all of these elements in detail.
E. Let us see the virtue of Priscilla by studying--
 1. Her life.
 2. Her loveliness.
 3. Her legacy.

DISCUSSION:

I. HER LIFE.

 A. The first occasion:  Acts 18:1-3 (after AD 49).
  1. We learn that she was married to a man named Aquila from Pontus.
  2. This was a meeting with Paul.
  3. It was at Corinth.
  4. They had left Italy (Rome) during the reign of Claudius (AD 41-54) 
   due to a command he had made.
  5. She had an occupation--tentmaker--the same as her husband and Paul.
 B. The second occasion:  Acts 18:18,19 (c. AD 52-54).
  1. She and her husband went with Paul towards Syria.
  2. Paul left them at Ephesus, and he went to the synagogue.
 C. The third occasion:  Acts 18:24-28 (c. AD 52-54).
  1. They are still at Ephesus.
  2. They heard Apollos.
  3. They taught Apollos the way of God more perfectly.
 D. The fourth occasion:  I Corinthians 16:19 (c. AD 54-56).
  1. They sent their greetings to the church in Corinth.
  2. So did the church that met in their house.
  3. They were still in Ephesus at the time (16:8,19).
 E. The fifth occasion:  Romans 16:3-5 (c. AD 55-57).
  1. Paul sent his greetings to them (in this long list of faithful people).
  2. They were again at Rome (Claudius died in AD 54).
  3. He refers to them as his helpers.
  4. He says they had laid down their necks for him.
  5. Paul and the churches of the Gentiles were thankful for them.
  6. There was a church in their house.
 F. The sixth occasion:  II Timothy 4:19 (AD 67).
  1. Approximately 10 more years had passed.
  2. Timothy was at Ephesus (and so were they).
  3. Paul sends greetings to them.
  4. It is his last letter--and his last list of greetings.

II. HER LOVELINESS.

 A. She was part of a scriptural, happy, and influential marriage.
  1. She was a true help-meet.
  2. She was with Aquila in all situations.
 B. She was obedient to the Lord Jesus Christ.
  1. The gospel.
  2. Her marriage.
  3. The Great Commission.
 C. She had a career (craft--tentmaker) that she used to the glory of God.
 D. She knew the truth well enough to instruct Apollos--a very knowledgeable preacher.
 E. She  was  committed  to  the  commands of  Luke 9:23  and 14:26-33.
 F. Her labors of love provoked much thanksgiving on the part of  other faithful saints.
 G. She was so hospitable that the church was in her house both in Ephesus and Rome.
 H. She was faithful to the end--unlike other co-workers (such as Demas).

IV. HER LEGACY.

 A. To the church:  In a day when the role of woman is distorted by the world, denominationalism,
  and many in the church, Priscilla says to be content and active in Biblically defined roles--only   then will God truly use you!
 B. To preachers:  She says that we ought to have great respect, thanksgiving, and purity 
  of action toward the faithful women with whom we labor in the Lord.  She says that we must   honor women who honor Christ and see them as true partners and equals in the sight of God.
 C. To husbands:  She says that marriage is good; she says that the best marriage is between two
  faithful Christians; she says she will go wherever he goes in  God’s service;  she says that a   woman who is loyal to God is the best woman on earth; and she finds true happiness in being
  your best friend and constant companion.
 D. To fellow Christians:  She says she is willing to be a co-worker, a helper, and prove her love
  by even putting her life on the line.
 E. To the untaught:  She says the best gift she can offer you is the truth of the gospel for the 
  welfare of your soul.  She knows that gospel, and she lives that gospel for the dual purpose 
  of glorifying God and pointing you to the cross.
 F. To enemies:  She says that nothing will change her loyalty to the Christ who died for her.  
  She will endure moving, unjust laws, persecution, and hardship of any kind to honor her King   and attempt to make you a friend.
 G. To the proud:  She says that she will labor for the master and let someone else write her story.
 H. To the youthful:  She says that God’s plan for women, marriage, work, worship, and 
  evangelism is the key to the truly happy and productive life.

CONCLUSION:

 In these six brief encounters with this wonderful woman of God, we are told much.  There is no word
  from her mouth, no mention of her children, and no hint that she desired to follow the foolish principles  that would make her a woman of the ‘90’s.  She merely served God in every possible role!  How simple!
 How profound!  How needed she is today!
B. Let women of today learn from Priscilla, and let men of today look for and encourage all of the good  qualities she had.  And let us all stand up and call her blessed, for she is a virtuous woman!
 C. The life, the loveliness, and the legacy of Priscilla--let us ponder these matters.  And let us look forward
  to meeting her and thanking her for the encouragement she has just given to us.

         Skip Andrews
         3249 E. Lawrenceville Street
         Duluth, GA 30136