I.
This week we focus our reflection on the interactions of four people, Paul, Aquila, Priscilla and Apollos.

As you read these passages first notice what brought each to their encounters.

As you reread the passages pay attention to what you learn about who these people are.

II.
Acts 18:1-3

After this Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. There he found a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had ordered all Jews to leave Rome. Paul went to see them, and, because he was of the same trade, he stayed with them, and they worked together—by trade they were tentmakers.

Acts 18:18-21

After staying there for a considerable time, Paul said farewell to the believers and sailed for Syria, accompanied by Priscilla and Aquila. At Cenchreae he had his hair cut, for he was under a vow. When they reached Ephesus, he left them there, but first he himself went into the synagogue and had a discussion with the Jews. When they asked him to stay longer, he declined; but on taking leave of them, he said, “I will return to you, if God wills.” Then he set sail from Ephesus.

Acts 18:24-26

Now there came to Ephesus a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria. He was an eloquent man, well-versed in the scriptures. He had been instructed in the Way of the Lord; and he spoke with burning enthusiasm and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John. He began to speak boldly in the synagogue; but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained the Way of God to him more accurately.

Romans 16:3-4

Greet Prisca and Aquila, who work with me in Christ Jesus, and who risked their necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles.

III.
What have you noticed about these folk?

Where do they meet? Where were they before they met the others?

What do they bring to their encounter with one another?

Pay close attention to what they share with one another, what they have in common, and also to what they do not hold in common as they meet. What differences do they bring to their encounters?

Where do their similarities and differences lead them?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}