Necks Laid Down for Paul's Life Romans 16:4

Paul the apostle instructed the believers in Rome, “Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus:”, and in chapter sixteen and verse four of Romans, Paul told the believers how Priscilla and Aquila have, “for my life laid down their own necks” where we read:

Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks,

but also all the churches of the Gentiles.

The verse begins, “Who have for my life laid down their own necks:” Paul began with the words, “who” which refers to “Priscilla and Aquila” “have for my life down” or “have place themselves under and put themselves in remembrance for Paul's living being and soul” “their own necks” which refers to “Priscilla and Aquila's own throats or lives”. Paul referred to how Priscilla and Aquila “put their own lives aside” for the sake of Paul's.

The verse goes on to say, “unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles.”. Paul continued with the words, “unto whom” which means “toward Priscilla and Aquila” “not only I give thanks” or “Paul was not only grateful and feeling thankful toward”, “but also” or “nevertheless and notwithstanding, moreover even so and indeed toward” “all the churches” which means “each, all, the whole and everyone of the assemblies of Christians gathered for worship in a religious meeting” “of the Gentiles” which refers to “pertaining to the company, troop and multitude of individuals who are from nations and people groups who are not Jews”. Paul was “grateful” for Priscilla and Aquila, but so were “all the Gentile” churches who knew them.

When we meditate upon these words of Paul, we notice the gratitude he had for the ministry of Priscilla and Aquila. This beautiful couple demonstrated service toward the believers among the Gentiles, and because of their commitment, Paul mentioned them by name in his letter. People who receive Jesus Christ as their personal “Savior and Lord” become part of the network of others who promote and support God's “gospel”. Priscilla and Aquila were among those who helped other believers, and Paul extended special appreciation for their labor toward him and the “Gentile churches”.

Next time Paul tells the believers in Rome even more about Priscilla and Aquila as he wrote, “greet the church that is in their house”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

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