The Couples of Acts – Ananias & Sapphira, Aquila & Pricilla, and Timothy’s Mom

Whose plan was it and why did they do it? (Acts 5:1-2)

There was much praise heaped upon Barnabas for selling his land and buying it. Therefore, Ananias figured that he could get praise for doing the same—except he didn’t want to give it all, but figured that he wouldn’t get as much praise unless it was for the total amount. So they decided to lie and thought that no one would know the difference.

Sapphira decides to do the same thing, why?

It would seem that it would not make sense. Certainly, they would know that they were a married couple, and that Sapphira knew the plan means that he would have already claimed that it was the entire proceeds, this makes one wonder what she was trying to do or prove. In either case, she was given a chance to go against her husband (for she did not know that he was dead at the time) and be honest, and yet she did not.

What’s significant about Timothy’s parents? (Acts 16:1-2)

His mom was a Jew and a Christian. His dad was a Greek, and unsaved. Yet Timothy was a disciple of Christ. This spoke to him learning the truth from his mother.

What is Aquila and Pricilla’s background? (Acts 18:1-4)

They were part of the Jews that were exiled from Rome because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to leave Rome. They cross paths with Paul in Corinth. They were tent-makers just like Paul. This shows that Paul was not silent about his faith even while at work.

How do we know that they got close to Paul? (Acts 18:18)

They traveled with him, and in many of the Epistles Paul makes mention that greetings are coming from them or that they are present with him.

How did they minister to Apollos? (Acts 18:24-26)

Apollos was a great speaker and many were coming to Christ because of him. Yet he only knew of John’s baptism. Aquila and Priscilla took him alongside and educated him on the truth. This wasn’t something they did in public, but they both shared in that ministry to Apollos.

Do we see any couple in Acts being separate in their decisions?

No. While there are many men that are referenced, we know that it was possible to have saved and unsaved beings together, but ministry happened together.