Expelled

Has an unwanted change ever turned out to be part of God’s plan? Aquila and Priscilla were forced from Rome—and it changed the early church.

“Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. And he found a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to leave Rome” (Acts 18:1–2).

Twice within a matter of years, the Jews were expelled from Rome. The second expulsion had a dramatic impact on many people, including Aquila and Priscilla, a couple who had been living in Italy.

Forced to leave their homeland, they settled in Corinth. There, they met the apostle Paul. They all shared a Jewish background and were tentmakers. A bond of friendship formed, and Paul “stayed with them” (v. 3).

They remained in close contact during Paul’s 18 months in Corinth. When he left, Priscilla and Aquila left with him, traveling to Ephesus. But when Paul moved on from there, Priscilla and Aquila remained. As a result, they crossed paths with Apollos. When they heard him preach, they were able to recognize that he needed some correction, so “they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately” (v. 26).

Aquila and Priscilla never could have imagined how God would use seemingly unfortunate events to transform their lives and use them to accomplish great things for His Kingdom.

You can trust in God in all circumstances. In every situation, remember the principle Paul learned: “For those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).

Have faith that the Lord has a plan. He will use the actions of men and nations to accomplish His purposes in the world and in your life.

Reflection Question: Has God used seemingly unrelated events to do something good in your life?

Frequently Asked Questions

Why were Jews expelled from Rome during this period?

Roman historical sources point to unrest connected to Jewish communities under Emperor Claudius, though exact causes are debated by historians; Acts records the effect on Aquila and Priscilla without detailing Rome’s internal politics.

How did Paul, Aquila, and Priscilla’s friendship form so quickly?

A shared trade (tentmaking) and shared faith created an immediate bond—practical partnership often opens the door to deeper spiritual relationships.

How can I trust God’s plan when circumstances feel like a setback?

Romans 8:28 doesn’t promise every circumstance feels good, but that God works even displacement and loss toward purpose—as He did for this couple’s forced move.