2 Timothy 4:19 - Final Greetings

Greet Prisca and Aquila
Prisca, also known as Priscilla, and Aquila were a married couple who played a significant role in the early Christian church. They were tentmakers by trade, like Paul, and first met him in Corinth (Acts 18:2-3). Their mention here highlights their continued importance and influence in the Christian community. They are known for their deep understanding of the faith and their ability to teach others, as seen when they instructed Apollos in Ephesus (Acts 18:24-26). Their presence in various cities, including Rome and Ephesus, indicates their active involvement in the spread of Christianity. This greeting underscores the personal relationships and networks that were vital to the early church's growth.

as well as the household of Onesiphorus
Onesiphorus is mentioned earlier in 2 Timothy 1:16-18, where Paul commends him for his loyalty and service, even when others deserted Paul. The reference to his household suggests that Onesiphorus may have been deceased or away, as Paul does not greet him directly. This household likely played a significant role in supporting the church, possibly hosting gatherings or providing resources. The mention of a household reflects the early church's structure, where families often served as the nucleus for Christian communities. This greeting emphasizes the importance of hospitality and support within the Christian faith, as well as the enduring impact of faithful service.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Prisca (Priscilla)
Prisca, also known as Priscilla, was a prominent early Christian mentioned several times in the New Testament. She, along with her husband Aquila, was a tentmaker by trade and a close associate of the Apostle Paul. They are noted for their role in teaching Apollos, an eloquent speaker, more accurately about the way of God.

2. Aquila
Aquila was a Jewish Christian from Pontus, who, along with his wife Prisca, worked closely with Paul. They are often mentioned together, indicating their partnership in ministry and hospitality.

3. Onesiphorus
Onesiphorus is mentioned as a faithful Christian who showed kindness to Paul during his imprisonment. His household is greeted here, suggesting that he may have passed away or was absent, but his family continued to be part of the Christian community.

4. Ephesus
While not directly mentioned in this verse, Ephesus is relevant as it is where Timothy was serving as a leader. Prisca and Aquila had previously lived and ministered there, and it is likely that Onesiphorus's household was also part of the Ephesian church.

5. Paul's Imprisonment
This letter is written by Paul during his second imprisonment in Rome, shortly before his martyrdom. It reflects his personal connections and the network of early Christian communities.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Christian Fellowship
Prisca, Aquila, and Onesiphorus exemplify the strength and support found in Christian relationships. Their lives encourage believers to cultivate deep, meaningful connections within the church.

Hospitality as a Ministry
The hospitality shown by Prisca and Aquila, as well as Onesiphorus, underscores the vital role of welcoming and serving others in the faith community. Believers are called to open their homes and hearts to fellow Christians.

Legacy of Faithfulness
Onesiphorus's household is remembered for their faithfulness, suggesting that our actions and character leave a lasting impact. Christians are encouraged to live in a way that honors God and supports His people.

Partnership in Ministry
Prisca and Aquila's partnership in ministry highlights the value of working together in the service of the Gospel. Believers are encouraged to find ways to collaborate and support each other's spiritual gifts.

Encouragement in Trials
Paul's greetings amidst his imprisonment remind us of the importance of encouragement and connection, even in difficult times. Christians are called to support and uplift one another, especially during trials.

(19) Salute Prisca and Aquila.--These were two of St. Paul's earliest friends after he had begun his great work for his Master. Originally of Pontus, they had taken up their abode at Rome, where Aquila exercised his trade of a tent-maker.

Driven out of Rome by the decree of Claudius, which banished the Jews from the capital, they came to Corinth, where St. Paul became acquainted with them. But they were evidently Christians when St. Paul first met them, about A.D. 51-2. We hear of them in company with St. Paul at Corinth, about A.D. 52-3 (Acts 18:2); at Ephesus, about A.D. 55 (1Corinthians 16:19); and in the year A.D. 58 St. Paul sends greetings to them at Rome (Romans 16:3).

They were, evidently, among the many active and zealous teachers of the first days of the faith. That they possessed great ability as well as zeal is evident from the fact that it was from them that the eloquent and trained Alexandrian master, Apollos, learnt to be a Christian (Acts 18:26). In this place, and in several other passages, Prisca (or Priscilla) is named before her husband, Aquila. This would seem to hint that in this case the woman was the principal worker of the two in the cause of Christ. She, in fact, was one of that band of devoted holy women which the preaching of Christ and His disciples had called into existence: a representative of the great class of noble female workers which had no existence before Christ told the world what was the true position of women--until the same divine Master taught them that they, too, as well as men, had a work to work for Him here.

And the household of Onesiphorus.--St. Paul may have been aware that Onesiphorus was absent then from Ephesus; but this peculiar greeting, taken together with the words of 2Timothy 1:16, leads us irresistibly to the conclusion that this friend of St. Paul's was dead when the Epistle was written. (See Notes on 2Timothy 1:16.) . . .

Verse 19. - House for household, A.V. Prisca and Aquila. Prisca is elsewhere always called Priscilla (Acts 18:2, 18, 26; Romans 16:3; 1 Corinthians 16:19). A similar variation of names is seen in Drusa and Drusilla, Livia and Livella, etc. She is named before her husband, as here in Acts 18:18; Romans 16:3. The mention of them here is in favour of Timothy being at Ephesus at this time, as Ephesus is one of the places where they were wont to sojourn (Acts 18:19, 26). The house (as in A.V. ch. 1:16) of Onesiphorus (see ch. 1:16, 18, note). This repetition of the "house of Onesiphorus" is almost conclusive as to the recent death of Onesiphorus himself. Parallel Commentaries ...

Greek

Greet
Ἄσπασαι (Aspasai)
Verb - Aorist Imperative Middle - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 782: To greet, salute, pay my respects to, welcome. To enfold in the arms, i.e. to salute, to welcome.

Prisca
Πρίσκαν (Priskan)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4251: Of Latin origin; feminine of Priscus, ancient; Priska, a Christian woman.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

Aquila,
Ἀκύλαν (Akylan)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 207: Probably for Latin aquila; Akulas, an Israelite.

as well as
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

the
τὸν (ton)
Article - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

household
οἶκον (oikon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3624: A dwelling; by implication, a family.

of Onesiphorus.
Ὀνησιφόρου (Onēsiphorou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3683: From a derivative of oninemi and phoros; profit-bearer; Onesiphorus, a Christian.

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2 Timothy 4:19 Catholic BibleNT Letters: 2 Timothy 4:19 Greet Prisca and Aquila and the house (2 Tim. 2Ti iiTi ii Tim)