Priscilla, along with her husband Aquila, employed Paul in their tent-making business in Corinth. As they sewed flaps, Paul instructed them in the faith. A year or so later, they sailed with Paul to Ephesus. After Paul left again, they stayed and heard a brilliant, yet unschooled, young preacher names Apollos.

When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited Apollos into their home and explained the way of God more adequately (Acts 18:26).

And so the faith spread. More experienced followers of Jesus have been explaining the way of God to newer followers ever since. While this may not sound unusual, the work Priscilla and Aquila did with Apollos marked a major milestone in Christianity.

Charismatic leaders launch all sorts of initiatives, be it religious, political, social, or educational. Often, these movements die with the passing of the founder. Or perhaps the first generation of followers keeps the torch lit, but enthusiasm and commitment soon fizzles.

Priscilla and Aquila were second generation Jesus followers. They never met or listened to Jesus in person. Neither did Apollos. These three heard the gospel, embraced the gospel, and propagated the gospel all apart from the author of the gospel.

It’s said a generation spans roughly 25 years. If so, we are 80 generations into the Christian faith. Just as Paul and Priscilla and Aquila and Apollos spread their faith and knowledge, it’s now our time to pass the baton.

May generation 81 prove to be the best one yet.

Week nineteen of reading the Bible cover to cover

Photo by Jonathan Chng