Investing in Your Greatest Partnerships

Mar 17

The Power of True Partnerships

I've come to realize on my journey that going it alone is virtually impossible for a mission that lasts. Things can move quicker when done solo, but put to any test of scale and over time, cracks soon form. Like many leaders, I've had my share of issues in relinquishing control. But this isn't just an issue of outlasting and scaling work—it's also about having others to share life with. With that comes the effort, the sacrifice, and also the celebrations.

I've been blessed with loyal partners in my business that make pursuing our mission fun. But I've also been blessed with the greatest partner of all—my wife. For those of you who are married and in the business world, you know that a real partner in the form of a spouse can make all the difference. Mine runs alongside me for our businesses and foundation efforts, reminding me of one of my favorite husband-and-wife duos from scripture: Priscilla and Aquila.

Priscilla and Aquila: A Strong Partnership in Ministry and Business

Priscilla and Aquila were a powerful husband-and-wife duo in the early church, known for their deep faith, hospitality, and commitment to spreading the gospel. Their story is mentioned multiple times in the New Testament, primarily in Acts 18, Romans 16:3-5, 1 Corinthians 16:19, and 2 Timothy 4:19.

Their Business and Ministry Beginnings (Acts 18:1-3)

Priscilla and Aquila were Jewish tentmakers living in Corinth when they met the apostle Paul. They had been forced to leave Rome after Emperor Claudius expelled all Jews around A.D. 49-50. When Paul arrived in Corinth, he partnered with them, not just in ministry but also in their tentmaking trade.

👉 Key Takeaway: They balanced business and ministry, using their work as a platform for the gospel.

Their Deep Friendship with Paul (Acts 18:18-19)

Paul became close to Priscilla and Aquila, staying with them while in Corinth. When Paul decided to travel to Ephesus, they accompanied him. In Ephesus, they helped establish a church in their home, which became a key center for Christian teaching.

👉 Key Takeaway: They were flexible and willing to relocate for the sake of the gospel, showing great trust in God’s plan.

Mentoring Apollos, a Powerful Preacher (Acts 18:24-26)

One of their most significant contributions to the early church was mentoring Apollos, an eloquent and passionate preacher who only knew about John the Baptist’s message but had not yet fully grasped Jesus’ teachings.

Priscilla and Aquila took him aside and privately explained the way of God more accurately. Rather than publicly correcting him, they demonstrated wisdom and kindness in their approach.

👉 Key Takeaway: They were humble teachers who nurtured and equipped others for ministry.

Hosting and Leading a House Church (Romans 16:3-5, 1 Corinthians 16:19)

Paul later mentioned Priscilla and Aquila in his letters, calling them his “fellow workers in Christ Jesus” and noting that they risked their lives for him (Romans 16:3-4). They also opened their home for church gatherings, playing a vital role in the Christian movement.

👉 Key Takeaway: They used their home and resources to build community and strengthen the church.

Lessons from Priscilla and Aquila’s Partnership

A Strong Marriage in Faith – They worked together seamlessly in both business and ministry.

A Heart for Discipleship – They nurtured others, including Apollos, shaping future leaders of the church.

Faithful and Flexible – They moved where God called them, whether Corinth, Ephesus, or Rome.

A Willingness to Risk Everything – They put their lives on the line for Paul and the early church.

Hospitality and Generosity – They used their home as a place of worship and teaching.