Cheer UP! Podcast
Welcome to The Cheer UP! Podcast – Your Journey to Joy Starts Here!
Hosted by Kara R. Hunt and Cheri Swalwell, this is where you'll find real hope, relentless encouragement, and the kind of joy that outlasts the storm.
“These things I have spoken unto you, that in Me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”
(John 16:33 KJV)
Life’s battles don’t disappear—but neither does Christ’s victory.
Whether you’re wrestling with anxiety, exhaustion, or just need a reminder that joy is your birthright, Kara and Cheri bring Scripture-soaked truth, laughter, and “me too” moments to every episode.
Tune in for:
Stories that prove cheerfulness is warfare against the enemy.
Battle-tested faith tactics for when life feels like a losing fight
Biblical takes on Scriptural truths (because overcomers need ammunition from the Word of God)
Uplifting stories that remind you joy is a choice
Practical faith for real-life challenges
Fresh perspectives on Scripture that make hope unavoidable
New episodes drop weekly. Arm yourself with joy.
Cheer UP! Podcast
Journeying With Priscilla & Aquila
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Ever wondered about the biblical power couple who risked everything for their faith? Dive into the inspiring story of Priscilla and Aquila with us now!
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Culinary Preferences and Acquired Tastes
Speaker 1Hi and welcome to the Cheer Up Podcast . I am your host , Kara R Hunt , and with me is the beautiful and sunshiny Sherry Swalwell . How are you doing today , Sherry ?
Speaker 2I am doing great . It is actually kind of chilly here on this sunny September morning . What's it like over there ? Sunny , sunny , very sunny , very , very sunny . I think I need to switch over to my hot coffee again and quit drinking the cold coffee from the summer , although I started making it from home and I'm really proud of myself because now I can have the decaf iced coffee instead of that's . The one thing that makes me sad is that out in public I can't seem to get decaf iced coffee .
Speaker 2I can get decaf lattes , but then they have all kinds of sugar and stuff in them , but I can't get decaf iced coffee , so I started making it at home and , man , it's pretty good making it at home and man , it's pretty good .
Speaker 1See there , it's like when you make your own um um spaghetti sauces or you know um things like that , or homegrown tomatoes , um so many times they're so much better than store-bought . And I just think it's nothing knocking against the stores because heaven knows we need them . I think it's just just because it's straight from form to table . Or , in your case , it's straight from your refrigerator kit to the coffee maker . You know it doesn't have to go through like a third , fourth , five-person process to get to you .
Speaker 2Exactly One other thing that we started making at home , which I still love eating out , but we just can't do it all the time as a family of five . But Qdoba we've started making like burritos , like they do .
Speaker 1Oh yes .
Speaker 2So good I could eat a burrito every single day . Probably wouldn't be well , they're pretty healthy and I started even doing them just as bowls about the bread so good .
Speaker 1Absolutely . And oh , the bowls are really really good too . And yeah , sometimes you have to make them at home , especially like because when you go out , in my case it's usually like white flour tortillas or you know , or bowls and stuff like that , and I really try to stay away from grains , so I like more like almond flour tortillas or something like that . That's no grain . And so I had to start making my own nachos at home with grain-free tortilla chips . Now , I don't make the grain-free tortilla chips , it's just that there's a brand out there that makes things like that that you can use . But I started making my own ingredients at home and boy are they so good .
Speaker 2They are . I could eat Mexican every single night . Seriously , mexican and Chinese . I love both of those .
Speaker 1And I also love the grilled .
Speaker 1We love the grilled and I'm a grilled girl and I'm also a smoked girl and , like you , I love Asian food . Well , no , Chinese food , I love Italian would be my second . And Mexican is definitely right there next to Italian food and I'll be right there next to Italian food . I said Chinese food instead of Asian food because my husband's a big fan of Thai food and a lot of people I know are . I think it's just a little bit too much for me , for my taste . You know what I'm saying and I love spices , but , boy , Indian and Thai food have a lot .
Speaker 2See , I want to try that , but I have a family that doesn't do well with spices , so I would have to make it just for myself , and I'm too lazy . I'm too lazy to do stuff like that for myself because we have so many food allergies in our family that I don't like being a short order cook . I'd rather have everything . I can have than make 5,000 different things .
Speaker 1Right , yes , and I have had Indian food before , and not all of it , and I can't even say I don't this is some of the spices they use . That I'm just not a fan of . I shouldn't say they use . That's prevalent in Indian cooking and I think someone told me curry is prevalent in like a lot of Thai .
Speaker 2Yeah .
Speaker 1And I think they said it's prevalent in like a lot of Thai and Indian cooking . I think someone told me the other day and I'm like maybe that's what it is you know , that I'm just not a fan of , because I remember I had balsam curry like I don't know years , years ago , and I tried adding it to my food and I was just like , yeah , no for me , you know , because I was like I and I love spices , but for some reason I'm not a fan of this one , so that could just be why right that I'm not a fan of it .
Speaker 2You're so right , kara . On Sunday I went out to eat with my husband it was just him and me and I saw a sign and it said sweet corn and I was so excited . But I think they thought I said street corn and I was like , okay , I'm willing to try the street corn . It was not my favorite . There was a spice in there , like you said , and I kept trying to try it and be like , okay , well , maybe , maybe it's an acquired taste . I could only do like three bites and then I was like I just I don't know what that spice was . But yeah , there's like just something about certain spices that either they're acquired and it takes a while to get used to them or we just never will .
Speaker 1I know , yeah , and so I think that's just what it is is that particular spice ? Because , like I said , I think I had it in my pantry and I had to throw it out after two or three years because I just couldn't get myself to use it . And with curry , myself to use it , and with curry . And then someone mentioned that to me too about because my husband , my mom and a lot of people I know love licorice and I'm all for it with red licorice , but I am not a fan of black licorice . And someone was like , well , why aren't you ?
Speaker 2And I'm like I have no idea , I just don't like the flavor of it .
Speaker 1And then I had another particular cookie . It was some type of Italian cookie and I can't remember the name of it . And then I had another particular cookie it was some type of Italian cookie and I can't remember the name of it and I'm like wow , this makes me , reminds me of , like black licorice . And I think a friend of mine said oh , so it's the anise you don't like and the spice , yes , she's like . Oh , you're just not a fan of the of a nice and I hope I'm pronouncing it right and I'm like what she's like ? Yeah , that's , that's the , the , the spices that are prevalent in , like you know , the licorice , these particular Italian cookies , these you know , and she's I think she was named some other stuff , and I'm like you're right .
Speaker 1I don't like any of that stuff , you know , so sometimes it could just be one particular thing . So I'm not a fan of like that anise flavoring or that anise spice .
Speaker 2Yeah .
Speaker 1You know , and I think I'm pronouncing it correctly- I'm sorry go ahead .
Speaker 2I don't know if I do it right either , but that's how I pronounce it . Oh okay , I like to get used to that anise flavor because when I was breastfeeding one of our kids , I didn't make enough milk and so I had to drink this mother's milk tea and it tasted just like black licorice and at first I was like , oh my word , I have to drink this for like months . But I loved it , and now I even said to my husband I joked around with him afterwards I'm like , can I keep drinking this even though I'm not breastfeeding ?
Speaker 1it . So you acquired the taste for the anise . I did yeah , because , you're right , a lot of teas have that flavor of spice in it . Yeah , and it is . So I'm like , well , look , it was you and not me , because I probably would have been like , okay , I can't drink this .
Speaker 2Well , it took me a long time . I remember the first few times I would have the same cup of tea all day long . I was nursing it because I'm like , oh , I just can't do this . But then I got to the point where I really , really liked it .
Speaker 1Yeah , you kept at it and I guess you just kind of acquired it . And sometimes with me I'm just like but you know what ? People tell me that about coconut water ? They're like Kara , oh my gosh , I know how good coconut water is for you and I know how much you love it and you just always talk about the benefits of it , but I can't get it down , I gag , and I have heard that so many times from friends and family and I'm like , yeah , you know , you do have that kind of gag reflex at first , but then afterwards you know what , like you said , you keep at it , right , and you sort of have like an acquired taste for it .
Speaker 2I'm glad you said that because that's next on my list to start adding into my health regimen . So I'm glad you told me that because I probably would have taken a sip or two of it and gone . Yeah , not for me . But now that I have an acquired taste , I can get there ?
Speaker 1Yeah , because another friend of mine we were talking and she was pretty much saying the same thing . She's like oh my gosh , kara , I know I hear so much about the benefits of coconut water , how it's just so good for you , she's like , but I can't , I cannot get past you know that first thing . And I down it by the day , like I probably go through a liter or half a gallon of coconut water a day . It's just so , along with other water , just but the health benefits of it and actually it hydrates , it quenches my thirst , I think , more than just regular water and it has all these crazy benefits , right and everything else . But and my sister's the same way but someone at church said , because she drinks coconut water too , she was like you know , people don't . She was saying people can always add ginger to it . Some people add ginger to help with the flavor and they kind of shake it up in a coconut water they add lemon or grapes . I've heard they take and change , you know . So they're like you know , there's ways you can flavor it if you just can't , you know , really tolerate it , you know , and everything else .
Speaker 1And I'm like , but yeah , I was like at first . I was like , oh look , my doctor wants me to drink this . This was a couple of years ago when she my she was . She was the one who got me started on it , because even I was like drinking water and stuff . It just seemed like I still was being dehydrated .
Speaker 1And she was talking about how , when they were overseas and you know , doing medical missions and stuff over there , that they actually put it in IVs because they don't have access to like intravenous fluid over there . They would use coconut water . Yeah , because they don't have access to intravenous fluid over there , they use coconut water . Yeah , and apparently a lot of doctors do that in certain countries where they don't have that . She was like that's how healthy it is for your body . And at first I was like , oh , what ? No , oh my goodness , no , I can't do this . And that was what , maybe 15 years ago . So I've acquired a taste for it and I think they've gotten better at it . So I've acquired a taste for it and I think they've gotten better at it . You know and I try to drink as pure as I can I get organic coconut water . Costco carries that and it's just the water straight from a young green coconut . That's basically what it is . Oh nice , yeah .
Speaker 1So if you're in a tropical area and you have like coconuts , all around you you could get one and I guess , if you could open it , just stick a straw in it , you know , and there's your coconut water , you know . But yeah , it's from the coconut milk and flakes and that comes from a mature coconut .
Speaker 2Oh , okay .
Speaker 1You know where you get that white fleshy meat and milk and stuff ? Yeah , but the water comes from the young green coconuts . Okay , once again , we are not sponsored by any coconut water company . Oh my gosh you know or anything else .
Speaker 1Just again , just a glimpse into the behind-the-curtain glimpses at the lives of Sherri and Kara . So hopefully some of that blessed you . And have you tried coconut water ? And , if you have , just send us an email at charipodcasts at gmailcom and let us know your thoughts on it , on whether you like it , whether you don't like it . If you have have like a certain ingredient you may add to it . You know , like an orange slice or something that you think makes it more palpable . Let us know . We would love to share it with others and just kind of let them know . So thank you for that and welcome all new listeners to the Cheer Up podcast , welcome to Cheer Nation , and we just want to thank everyone for tuning in , for continuing to tune in every week . We have listeners who are globally , nationally and locally and we just want to thank you all so much . We see you and we appreciate you . You guys just have no idea how much we do and thank you so much . And if you're listening on your platform Spotify , iheart , apple , apple , apple podcast or just whatever podcast platform you're listening on if you could just like share , download , whichever option they offer , that helps us a lot For those who are looking for joyous and or inspirational Christian podcasts , then that just helps us in the algorithm and helps others to find us . So we thank you so much , just thank you so much for doing that , for taking the time to do that and for taking the time to tune in every week . Well , as everyone knows , except our new listeners but for the new ones , we just want to let you know that for the past couple of months we have been doing biblical figures , and obviously from the Bible and what they went through , what they endured , what they were like , how God used them and how does that relate to us today , and we've done so many over the past couple of months . So if you're like , hmm , I'm interested in who all they've covered so far , just go to whatever platform you're listening on and just scroll down to the beginning of 2024 . Actually , I think we started in February 2024 , and you'll be able to see all of the different biblical figures we've covered so far . So today we are going to cover Priscilla and Aquila .
The Legacy of Priscilla and Aquila
Speaker 1I think I was consulting with Sherry earlier on how to pronounce his name and I think Sherry says Aquila , which is completely different than what I was saying , which was like Aquila , which that was completely wrong . No one called . No one don't call her that . But I think she said Aquila . And I'm looking at a Bible dictionary . But I think she said Aquila . And I'm looking in a Bible dictionary and it's pronounced like Aquila , like Aquila , like a A-K-W-I-L-A . That's how it's pronounced . And , by the way , the definition of Aquila means an eagle , you know , which is kind of perfect . You know , when we , as you'll see , as we get into talking into Priscilla and Aquila and I ask for mercy now in case I mess up the name and say Aquila or okay , never mind , I'm just going to try my best during this episode to say the name correctly , so and I apologize for those who I may if I get it wrong .
Speaker 1So , priscilla and Aquila , they are mentioned in the Bible . They are a husband and wife team , priscilla and Aquila . Just a couple of facts right here in the beginning . But Priscilla and Aquila are first mentioned in a Bible in the book of Acts , specifically in chapter 18 , verses 1 and 3 . And in that particular passage the Apostle Paul arrives in Corinth and meets Priscilla and Aquila , who are fellow tent makers , and they form a close bond and work together because that is their trade . And we covered Paul maybe two or three weeks ago , and I don't know if we included what he actually did to make a living , but he was a tent maker , just like Priscilla and Aquila , and that's how their paths cross and so they work together and they trade , as well as in their ministry , and they traveled together in early formations of the Christian church . Back then , priscilla and Aquila were Jews who were converted to Christianity , probably by Paul . I'm almost positive , when you look more into this story , that it talks about how , because they spent a lot of time with Paul . They were tent makers by trade and they worked together a lot and Paul actually lived with them for a while .
Speaker 1And I want to get some quick scriptures on where you can find out more about Priscilla and Aquila verses 1 through 3 and verse 26 , romans 16 , verses 3 and 4, . 1 Corinthians , chapter 16 , verse 19 , and 2 Timothy , chapter 4 , verse 19 . So again , that's Acts 18 , verses 1 through 3, . Again , that's Acts 18 , verses 1 through 3 , and then Acts 18 , 26 , romans 16 , 3 through 4 , 1 Corinthians 16 , 19 , and 2 Timothy , 4 through 19 . That's just a couple of verses .
Speaker 1I think that talks about Priscilla and Aquila and again , they were Jews who were converted to Christianity , and we know they're Jews because their background is suggested by their presence in Corinth , where they likely relocated after being expelled from Rome due to Emperor the horrible , horrible Emperor Claudius , because he issued an edict that was targeting Jews back then and he pretty much told them to get out of Rome . That you're done . I don't want you guys here anymore , just leave . Additionally , they were , like I mentioned before , they were Jewish artisans and that was just part of their Jewish heritage . They were a Christian Today we would call them a Messianic Christian couple and they played a significant role again in the early church , and this is mentioned in several of Paul's letters in the New Testament . Again , they were originally from Rome but moved to Corinth due to the emperor's expulsion of Jews from the city .
Speaker 1And what else did you guys need to know about them ? They helped establish the Christian community in Ephesus and they mentored a young preacher , priscilla , and Aquila mentored a young preacher by the name Apollos . It's A-P-O-L-L-O-S . Am I pronouncing it right ? Sure , is it Apollos ? Apollos .
Speaker 2Yeah , that's how I would pronounce it .
Speaker 1Apollos , yes , okay . So they mentored a young preacher named Apollos and they taught him more accurately about Jesus and the gospel , and they're mentioned several times in Paul's letters where he praises them for their generosity , their hospitality and their commitment to the gospel . They are described as fellow workers in Christ who risked their lives for Paul and provided a home for the early Christian community , and the reference to what I just mentioned is Romans 16 , verses 3 through 5 . And I'm actually going to read a version of that a little bit later how they risked their lives . You know that particular verse about how they risk their lives , but , again , paul stayed with them plenty of times and I think that's why he talks about their hospitality and their generosity and their commitment to the gospel . Their influence extended beyond their immediate circle , as they are credited with helping to establish and strengthen lots of Christian communities in various cities , including Ephesus , rome and Corinth . Their example of partnership in marriage and ministry , as well as their willingness to support and encourage fellow believers , has made them an enduring model of Christian discipleship and service . Again , like I said , they played a vital role and I really just want to hit home on that part about their example of partnership and marriage and ministry , because now , so that was about Priscilla and Aquila and them as a married couple .
Speaker 1But let's go back into something just more about Priscilla , or probably Prisca is also , as she was known , p-r-i-s-c-a , because one of the things that a lot of scholars and theologians and Bible teachers and people along that line of work and study talk about is how many times in the Bible and I think it's all the way through the scriptures and in all of Paul's letters , if I'm not mistaken that it's unusual because Priscilla's name precedes her husband , which is unusual especially in the scriptures , because normally you always see the husband's name mentioned first David and Bathsheba , samson and Delilah , joseph and Mary , noah , and I mean Abraham and Sarah it's always the husband's name first and they just like . It's just very odd that in Paul's letters , in his epistles and everything else that he mentions Priscilla first . And I have to mention , and Sherri , I don't know if this happened to you , don't know if this , this happened to you , but years ago , um , when I was very new to the faith , um , and and everything , and I would hear my pastors and or teachers talk about priscilla and aquila , I would always think , wow , a man named priscilla .
Speaker 1Because , again , you know , in the bible it was always the husband's name first , it was never the woman's name first , it was never the woman's name first , and I'm like . So his wife's name was Aquila and his name is Priscilla . I've never heard of a man named Priscilla . Well , again , I was very young , very new to the faith , and I didn't quite get that note that Priscilla was not a man , that it was a woman and her name was first . But it wasn't until you know , as you get longer in your Christian journey , that you realize like , oh okay , she was the wife , and so I've always wondered why her name was first . Have you ever wondered that , sherry ?
Speaker 2No , I didn't . But now that you talk about it I guess I kind of yeah , like because you're right , most of the time it is the man first . So now I'm wondering .
Speaker 1Yeah , because it's like , because I always wondered that before and I was like I just automatically assumed when I was new to the faith that the man's name was Priscilla , you know , and it just threw me off .
Speaker 1Because I'm like what ? Okay , you know , and it threw me off until , like after years of bible study and bible teachers and I was taught correctly that no , that is that . No , that was the wife's name . And so a lot over the the , the centuries , people have always wondered like why in this particular case and I think it may be the only case in the Bible where Priscilla's name , where the woman's name , the wife's name , is mentioned first , and so that has caused a lot of debate among the people , theologians and you know Bible teachers and stuff like that . But just a few of the examples that some of them have said is that the fact that Priscilla's name is mentioned several times before that of her husband has called forth a number of conjectures and , trust you me , when you look into this , there's tons of them . You know people conjecturing why her name was first , but it seems like the best explanation seems to be that she was the stronger character . What do you think about that , sherry ?
Speaker 2I think that , just like in everything else , god uses people in the Bible to show us that , one , we don't have to live inside a box and two , god uses everybody .
Speaker 2And sometimes it will be , the woman is the stronger one , quote unquote . And in my opinion , then that means that you've got a really strong man behind you if he's willing to not take the spotlight . And it just goes to show how God will use anybody and everybody
Priscilla and Aquila
Speaker 2. And just because she was stronger than Aquila does not mean that he wasn't strong too and that he didn't have different strengths .
Speaker 1Right , and it could just be difference of personalities , right ? Like maybe she was more of an extrovert .
Speaker 2Absolutely .
Speaker 1And then maybe he was more of an introvert , but it's more than obvious that they worked together well .
Speaker 2Right . And the fact that they were such a great example of a married couple goes to show that she still deferred to him as the head of the household . She just was more of the spokesman and he was more of the behind the scenes playing .
Speaker 1Absolutely Right , playing to their strengths . He may have been more of the behind the scenes guy , you know , hey , I'm planning this whole map out , we're going to go here , we're going to hit Rome , we're going to hit corn , we're going to hit all these things and she may have just been an extrovert , just one of those personalities where you've never met a stranger . Everyone was a friend , you know , and she was just much more freely sharing of the gospel and things like that . And one of the other ones is that someone said well , maybe she was just the more energetic character of the two which we just kind of covered . Right , she may have just had more energy , just more bubbly and bubbly is not the word I'm looking for , but maybe just more going right . He could be just more laid back . What do they used to call him ? The strong , quiet man , calm , cool , collected type of guy . You know what I'm saying . And she could have been completely the opposite of that , but they worked , you know .
Speaker 1And , as some are saying , well , priscilla is a perfect example of what the married woman can do for the general service of the church , you know , in conjunction with being a good wife , in conjunction with her home duties . Just like Phoebe is the type of an unmarried servant to the church , priscilla is the perfect type of what a married woman can be to the church , and that could be why her name is first . And I don't know , sherry because we just kind of mentioned that too to where you excuse me , you mentioned it , to where she's just showing how , hey , I can take her home , I can take her husband , and I can still travel and do all of these things with my husband , right , and do all of these things together . And oh , by the way , I still work because I'm a tent maker and I work alongside my husband . What are your thoughts on that one ?
Speaker 2Well , and maybe too I was thinking about that as you were talking Maybe he took the brunt , because I don't know about you , but tents are heavy , oh yeah , and she did the brunt work with the voice , and that way they were a very good complementary couple with each other . Maybe he did the selling and he did the making , maybe he was selling and he did the making , and that's why she was mentioned first , because she also was then more vocal with the gospel , but he was right there too . Maybe he was praying from behind . You know , we don't know , but , man , now I really want to meet them in heaven .
Speaker 1I know , right , and it's funny what you just said about , you know , the tent pegs being heavy and the tents and all of that , because they didn't carry small tents back then . Right , these tents sometimes were home for big families because they had so many kids . And she did other parts . It kind of reminds me when Kurt and I travel and we have a travel trailer and so when we park at a campsite or whatever and he's hooking it up to water and electric and things like that , he's doing the grunt work . I'm inside , making the bed , cleaning up the kitchen , getting some food prepared , stuffing the refrigerator make sure the refrigerator's on , you know and doing things like that , putting away the clothes and everything . So it's like a big task , but we're both doing different parts and they're both equally important . Right , and they're both equally important .
Speaker 1So when he's done like hooking up all the stuff and you know and all the things , doing the stuff on the outside and securing the trailer to the campground and stuff and he comes in to take a shower , everything's ready for him , right the towels , his clean clothes , some food , maybe , you know , and everything else . Like , everything's already ready . He doesn't have to . Oh , now I have to do the inside right , because we were both on the outside doing all that other stuff . So you're right , it's like you can split the work , you know and you know .
Speaker 1So they're like she's a perfect example of that , about how you can still be married and still have a home life and still minister the gospel . And then there are those who say , yeah , but have you noticed , she is always mentioned with her husband and never on her own , which goes to show that women are not supposed to be in ministry , that they're not supposed to be by themselves , they're not supposed to travel by themselves , go minister the gospel by themselves or whatever . She's always mentioned with Aquila , she's not mentioned by herself and I don't believe that one at all and I'm not going to I mean , I can't even give that one much credence because the same thing could be said about Aquila , right , he's always mentioned with her , right , you know .
Speaker 1But have you heard those type of thoughts , Like you know ? Or , excuse me , those people talk about that Like , oh well , women aren't supposed to do this thing and , oh , you notice , she's always mentioned with her husband . It's not that Priscilla did this and Priscilla did that , you know . And besides , like Bebe and so many others in the Bible , Deborah , you know , we covered Deborah as well .
Speaker 2They weren't married and they did great things for the gospel and for the church . I think Deborah was married , but her husband never talked about oh , was she married ? I think she figured that out . I think she was married .
Speaker 1Oh , wow .
Speaker 2And her husband wasn't mentioned at all . See what ?
Speaker 1I mean Same thing . You have Deborah the prophetess and you have Priscilla you know the hostess , apparently , because she was really great at that the tent maker , the hostess , and things like that . So I don't give much credence to that part . To the scholars who you know point out oh , she's always mentioned her husband , she's never mentioned her own , and that should tell us something about women and you know their role in the church , and I'm not going to get into any political debates , excuse me , biblical , sorry biblical debates about that , but I just can't see much credence to that one . However , they are always shown as equals and this is the cool thing about it in the scriptures . They are always shown as equals in Christ .
Speaker 2Amen .
Speaker 1Not necessarily the church , they're shown as equals in Christ , not necessarily the church , they're shown as equals in Christ . And that the two of them together , as a Jewish Christian married couple , the two of them together , are remembered as leaders of the early church . And I think that's just really awesome . When you think about it as a married couple , it's not just one , it's like both . And one of the things Paul says that's just really awesome . When you think about it as a married couple , it's not just one , it's like both .
Speaker 1And one of the things Paul says in Romans and it's Romans 16 , verses for my life , to whom not only I give thanks , but also all the churches of the Gentiles To me that one scripture , when he's writing this letter , says a lot . And of course he says greet Prisca , which means Priscilla , greet Prisca and Aquila , and so he puts her first . And I'm just wondering and again , this is my own conjecture , I'm just wondering if maybe he met her first . Do you know what I'm saying ? Like he met her first and was able to convert her first to Christianity , and then maybe Aquila , because that's always a possibility there too . But it says greet Prisca and Aquila , who work with me in Christ Jesus and who risked their necks for my life . Not Prisca risked her neck alone or Aquila risked his neck alone , but together , as a Christian couple , they risked their necks to save Paul's life Together .
Speaker 1And it says to whom ? Not only I give thanks again this is him writing in one of his epistles but also all the churches of the Gentiles . He's talking about how all the churches of the Gentiles give thanks . This was , like you know . Today people talk about being a power couple , but this was a true power couple . What do you think , sherry ?
Speaker 2Oh , I completely agree and something that I didn't necessarily want to talk about , but since we're talking about them , I read somewhere that it's historically written that Priscilla and Aquila were both martyred together . I believe they were both burned because that was during the time of the persecution of the early church , and I believe that they were both burned together . And I'm just sitting here going , my mind just wanders as far as thinking about them as a married couple and it almost makes me want to cry . So I need to like really be careful because I'm putting myself back in that day . But I can almost kind of see them saying to each other you know , hey , it's going to get hot in here really quick , but I'll see you on the other side really soon . So , you know , love you type of a thing .
Speaker 2But yeah , they did everything together and I think that that's . I think God brings that about and he doesn't like I wouldn't say they were a major character in the New Testament , but they're a major character in the New Testament and I think that that just goes to show that God can use people's ordinary lives , just living their life ordinarily , welcoming people , loving on people , sharing God's love with people , and it makes eternal differences . So like they just were living their life , opening their home in hospitality , because those were the kind of people they were , or that was the mission and purpose and plan that they felt like God was putting on their lives and look at , they're remembered forever .
Speaker 1Absolutely , and not just by Paul , who said they risked their life . So they were brave . Right , they were brave , and they were very brave , and not only did they risk their life , but he said not only does he thank them , but all the churches of the Gentiles . I mean , come on , but if anyone was ever able to say that about my husband and I I don't know about you , sherri , but I would be extremely blessed Amen , I would be extremely that they were a blessing to the churches of believers and non-believers , or Gentiles , if you will , just whatever you know as a couple , and , like you said , I also believe that I had heard , and or read , that they were martyred together , that they martyred together , and for those of you who are listening who would like to know , how would you know about those biblical figures who were martyred ?
Examples of Ride or Die Couples
Speaker 1One of the best books that I can recommend regarding that is Fox's Book of Martyrs . It goes through a lot of biblical figures in the Bible and how they were martyred , and , again , it's an old book . It's an older book , I think , maybe a couple hundred years old . So what that means , though , is that it could be public domain and you could download it for free . Now I know they've updated it a lot over the years , you know , and everything , and so some of the newer versions and updated versions . It's kind of like that old English type of language , the original version . But if you're like , yeah , I want a newer version with just plain American English , you could probably do that and you probably may have to pay a couple of bucks for those . But the ones that are free in public domain , that are a couple hundred years old , the original one you should be able to download free . Or even , yeah , download free , like you know , if you have a tablet that you read books on and it's called Fox's F-O-X , f-o-x-t-r-p-s , book of Martyrs M-A-R-T-Y-R-S , so I just wanted to throw that out there .
Speaker 1But I think , sherry , I don't have my book of martyrs near me , but I think , like you said , they were martyred together . I can't remember exactly how , but you know you heard couples today where , whether they're married or not married , they're like we're ride or die , right , we ride together , we die together . This was a perfect example of doing that the right way . They were truly ride or die . It was . Hey , if you're going to risk your life to save someone's life , then I'm going to do the same thing . And you know my husband , if he goes down , I go down , we both are going to go and do this together . And so to me that is like the perfect example of a ride or die couple for Christ , not just for doing something silly or stupid and getting caught or getting hurt .
Speaker 1You know , there's so many young couples who idolize , like Bonnie and Clyde . Oh , they were the true ride-or-die couple , I'm like . But yeah , they went down in a hail of bullets , right In their young lives . They weren't even old , right , right In their young lives . They weren't even old , right , they weren't even old . Like their whole lives . They had their whole lives in front of them , their entire lives in front of them . They hadn't even begun to live yet , but yet they had already killed , they had already murdered , they had already robbed , and mostly Clyde . But Bonnie went along with him , right , ride or die . Because everyone say that's the ultimate ride or die couple . No , that was the ultimate stupid couple .
Speaker 2And .
Speaker 1I know people are going to go . You can't say that about Bonnie and Clyde . Yeah well , they were young and stupid I am so sorry to say that and they are not a good example of a couple for anybody . They're just not . They are murderers and thieves and robbers . They're not a good example of anyone you know . And their body and their car was riddled with bullets .
Speaker 1Is that the way you really want to go out ? Is that the way you want to ? You know , be remembered and meet your maker on the other side ? Because whether you're a believer or not , it doesn't matter . You're going to meet God , excuse me . You're going to have to face on the other side and you're going to have to face . What you did , you know , in your life and so is that really how you want to meet your maker Is like you know , you went out in a hail of bullets , with people killing you and everything else . No , no , no , no , no , no . Honestly , this is the way .
Strength in Serving Together
Speaker 1If you're burned at the stake because I think that's what you said , sherry , right , did you think they were burned at the stake or burned together ? Rather , I should say , not necessarily at the stake , but burned together , because they had awful ways , awful especially under Claudius the emperor . It wasn't like they were just content with killing these Christians , it was like they had to make a statement . You know they either let them be ripped open by lions or you know they had to fight in these battles that you know they just couldn't , gladiator type battles that they just couldn't win , or , you know , or they were thrown to the lions . You know , if they didn't have to run from them , and especially , like I said , under two of the particular Roman emperors Claudius was one of them , and I can't think of the other one His name began with a C too , I think , but it was just horrible . It was really bad for Christians back then , you know . But if you're going to go down fighting , and if you're going to go down , then go down believing in Christ and sharing God's Word , especially if you're going to go down , then go down believing in Christ and sharing God's word , especially if you're a believer . That , to me , is the way to go . And , like you said , I could just see them holding hands or , you know , sharing one final kiss with each other , maybe a hug , before they're led , you know , to their deaths . But we know where they ended up , right , you know , to their deaths . But we know where they ended up right . So , like you said , I can't wait to , you know , just meet them in heaven , because what an awesome couple and it sounds like they went through so much together .
Speaker 1And you know something else that they did , and it talks about in Acts 18 , acts chapter 18 , was when Apollos in Acts 18 , acts chapter 18 , was when Apollos A-P-O-L-L-O-S . When he was beginning to teach and speak in Ephesus . You know , it was Priscilla and Aquila together not Priscilla by herself , not Aquila by himself , but Priscilla and Aquila together who pulled Apollos aside and they explained the way of God to him more accurately . So it sounds like he , apollos , was a recent Christian convert and he was eager and he was excited and he was like I got to tell everybody about Christianity , I got to tell them everything Jesus has done for me , and he began to speak and gather crowds , like in Ephesus , and apparently Priscilla and Aquila were there to listen , right , and they were like , oh man , we just love his passion , we love everything he's doing , but he's not quite getting it right . You know , he's not quite understanding it the way it should be understood or sharing it the way it should be understood . So what did they do ? They didn't call him out , they didn't rebuke him openly , they took him to the side and they explained the way of God more accurately . And I love how they did that , sherri .
Speaker 1Right , it was together . They did that together , and I could just see them now saying , hey , apollos , great job , hey , come here . You know , um , there's just some things you want to mention , you know , and encouraging him while at the same time , correcting him . You know , um , and I'm so sure Apollos was just so grateful for that , because , you know , in your excitement , especially when you're a newcomer , you get really excited , but you don't know what you don't know , and sometimes we , you know , have said things that we like oh wow , that wasn't quite right , and everything else . But how cool is it to have a couple who's been there , they've been in a faith a long time . Not only that , they're best buds with Paul , you know , one of the greatest missionaries of all and they come and they just gently correct you and or how did the scriptures say it explain the way of God more accurately . How cool is that , sherri ?
Speaker 2Well , not only that , but as I sit here listening to you talking about that , I think they are the ones that put healthy boundaries in place , long before people even understood the need for healthy boundaries . So , like my church talks about making sure , especially as a married person , but also as a single person not putting yourselves in situations that could lead to something or that could be misconstrued , and they work together as a team and therefore they put healthy boundaries in place naturally , as they were being led by God to speak to and to speak into the lives of different people , and so therefore , there was no question . We talked about Joseph quite a few months ago , where he was in the house by himself with Pharaoh's wife , not by any misdoing of his own , but he just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time and he ended up in jail . Aquila and Priscilla they just had these natural boundaries , which that also I mean .
Speaker 2I know that that's not really what we're talking about , but I just love how , when you are filled with the Holy Spirit and you are doing what God wants you to do , I think that you just naturally are led by the Holy Spirit in certain ways , and you know , Christians can get themselves in hot water unintentionally . I get that , but when you're led by the Holy Spirit , he's never going to lead you somewhere where you know you shouldn't be . And we all know from Joseph that he ended up in prison on purpose so that he could save the lives of the , either the baker or the other guy , the taster .
Speaker 2I can't remember which one lived and which one died , but you know , god even used that for good , so so all things can be used for good . But anyway , that was something that struck me as you were talking about them , that they even were really careful with appearances even way back when . But yeah , they just seem like a really cool couple . I would consider it an honor because , working alongside him and working as a family together we used to serve in the nursery together at a particular season in our lives , all five of us and I absolutely loved it . Our kids still work in the nursery at this point without us . This time , because of different things , we've had different seasons and right now I'm still dealing with health issues that I'm trying to get over . So I know that this is not the season for me to be working in the nursery or working as a couple , but there are little things that come up throughout the summer and so forth that we can do as a family , and I absolutely love it , can do as a family and I absolutely love it .
Speaker 2I I love serving alongside my husband . I love serving alongside my kids . I love um , just blooming where we're planted for lack of a better word and just being used by God , and I am the more vocal in our family . I am the one um that , like when we were in the nursery , I would be the one that would get the kids from the parents and give the kids back to the parents . I'm the one , when we do garage sales or things like that , that have the conversations with strangers . Like I , I am the one that just is naturally more outgoing . But I have the husband , who has the quiet strength in the background and I'll tell you what that quiet strength gives me the energy and the confidence and the strength to be able to be the spokesperson , and he is just as important and just as valuable as I am . We just have different strengths and it works for us . As I am , we just have different strengths and it works for us , although I don't really , to be honest , I don't want to think about us as Aquila and Priscilla .
Speaker 2because I don't want to be a martyr , I'll just be brutally honest , that isn't how I want to go down , but if that's what God wants , I will do it . But I'm not sitting here going yay , lord , let that be my story .
Marriage and Ministry Dynamics
Speaker 1You don't want a double portion , like Elijah and Elisha did . Yeah , when Elijah was sick , we talked about them a couple , elijah and Elisha , a couple of months ago , yeah , but you know , it's true , and there's so many , and you and I both have witnessed so many couples to where the husband may be more outgoing , the wife may be more of an introvert , or vice versa .
Speaker 1Right , but they're ministering together , they're in it together and I think that's the cool thing about it . And it goes back to personalities , right ? You know who's more of a can talk to a stranger , and you know , and be best friends by the end of 15 minutes , you know . And you know , and those who are just kind of like what ?
Speaker 2You know , and everything .
Speaker 1I remember we moved to a , when we had moved to a new neighborhood and I don't know , I think we had barely gotten everything inside and I'm like rubbing my hands together , I'm so excited . I'm like , yay , let's go introduce ourselves to our new neighbors . And my husband was like what I'm like ? Yeah , you know , let's go knock ourselves to our new neighbors . And my husband was like what I'm like , yeah , you know , let's go knock on the doors . You know , maybe carry them a piece of pie or something that we just got from the store , you know , or whatever , or carry them something from the store . We're not going to do it Say , hey , we're blah , we're blah , we're , Mr Mrs , Blah , blah , blah , you know . And we just moved in .
Speaker 1Oh , you know , because to me , like that's just my personality , right , and it's not , it's not something I would even think twice about , but I'm not going to do it by myself . And he was not on board , on board , His personality was not on board with that , and he's like , no , but you know , you have women who are like that too . I remember some friends and we were helping a friend's daughter . She wanted to go to camp and to do that they had to sell tickets or something for another . You know that fundraise to go to camp and she had said oh my gosh , she's so far behind , Can you guys help us , or whatever . And it was me and my other adult friend and we're like , well , you know , of course we can help .
Speaker 1So we just grabbed a couple of the tickets or whatever the sale or whatever it was . I honestly can't remember . And I remember my friend looking at me and she's like , can you do the talking ? When people answer the door , and I'm like , well , yeah , why ? She's like I'm just , that's just not me . I want to help and I want to do it . She wanted to help and wanted to do it , but just talking and greeting people just wasn't her thing , you know , and everything else , and with me .
Speaker 1I'm like hi , hey , how are you ? Oh , isn't that a cute little dog ? Is that a poodle ? Oh , my goodness , isn't he the cutest ? Hey , we're selling these tickets , you know ? So , to me , doing that is nothing , it's just an extension of my personality , right ? But for others it may not be that way , but it sounds like to me and again , this is Kara's conjecture and a lot of the scholars' conjecture that she was just a more outgoing personality .
Speaker 2And see and I think that God put this one in the Bible to show us that number one he made Priscilla the way that she was . She was not a mistake , she was not a Malcolm .
Speaker 2She was not weird . She was his precious daughter that he made purposely , and he brought Priscilla and Aquila together because he knew that they would compliment each other . He knew that they would . He knew that she had the type of personality that would honor him for the quiet that he was . And she knew or God knew that he would highlight and support and do everything he could from the background to help Priscilla so that together they could fulfill the mission that God gave them .
Speaker 2So I think that that is one of the things as we wrap up today , kara , that we need to really remind people of that every relationship is going to look different . However , even with the differences , there's still a biblical order that God gives us that we need to follow . Priscilla needed to be respectful and show respect and honor to her husband . Check she did . He needed to love her as Christ loves the church . Check he did . Is it going to look the same Now ? Kara and I , with our husbands , look very similar because both of our husbands are on the quieter side and Kara and I are more on the outgoing side . Hence the reason we have the podcast and our husbands support us from the back end right but we still , we honor and respect our husbands .
Speaker 2We honor they are the head of . If , if , if my husband had said to me well , first off , I never would have done a podcast with Kara , had he said no , I don't think that you should do that , I would respect his wisdom .
Speaker 1He didn't .
Speaker 2He gave me 100% . You go for it . And I'm here cheering you on speaking engagement that I have , or any writing engagement or any , anything that takes me away from my duties as a wife , my duties as um , you know , whatever other jobs that I own or does that hold ? Just this week , we had a conversation and I needed to let somebody know if I was going to do a speaking engagement or not , and I said I can't give them an answer until you and I have a conversation . Is this going going to work for our family ? Are you supportive of this ? Is this okay ? This is what the details are . Is this what you want and I ?
Speaker 2And I don't do that because he owns me . I don't do that because I'm afraid of him . I don't do that because , um , you know I have to get permission . I do that out of respect . I do that because he is the head of the household and he was the head of our household . So they had it right . They knew what they were doing , they kept the order that God wants us to have and , honestly , like I still think , kara , that you and I need to have a podcast where we talk about what real submission is , and I think we've done it in the past . But , at the same token , real submission is when it's done right , when the man loves the woman or the wife and the wife submits to the husband , he is the one that is held more responsible and he is the one that is held to a higher standard by God Absolutely yes , and I'll tell you what .
Speaker 2I will do everything in my power to make that easier for him , because I love him and because we're a team , and so I'm going to do my part . He's going to do his part . Are we going to get it perfect ? Absolutely not , but we're going to do it the way that God wants us to , and he'll be pleased by that . So we have talked a lot . I have learned so much more about Priscilla and Aquila than I ever knew , and I hope that we've gotten you guys excited that you will delve into Acts and learn about them yourself and also check out that book of Martyrs , that that .
Speaker 2Kara was talking about , because I think that's incredibly fascinating as well . Next week , we're going to talk about a sibling group Martha , mary and Lazarus and maybe you are really familiar with that story . Maybe you don't learn anything new . Maybe you'll teach us some new stuff if you either email us or start a discussion in the Facebook group , but I cannot wait to talk about them as well . So come back . Next we're going to talk about Mary , martha and Lazarus .
Speaker 2In the meantime , head over to Kara's website , kara R Hunt . You can find out about her audio books . You can find out about her fiction series . You can head over to Sherry Swalwellcom and you can learn about the membership over there , the YouTube channel and then the different books that I have as well , and always remember John 16 , 33, . Have as well , and always remember John 16 , 33 , these things I have spoken to you , that in me , you may have peace In the world . You will have tribulation , but be of good cheer . I have overcome the world . I still can't get it out of my head that they were martyred for their faith and you know what Just like with Stephen , I'm sure that .
Speaker 2God was there with them and that he was taking care of them .
Unified in Life and Death
Speaker 2And I guess , if I have to be martyred , if that was the plan that God has for my life , I think as much as I . Well , I wouldn't want my husband to be martyred next to me , but I mean , what a way to go together . You know what I mean . Just like yes , absolutely , you served together and you went together and on that fun note , ha ha , ha .
Speaker 1Well , we are one , we do become one when we get married , so that is true .
Speaker 2That is true .
Speaker 1Yes .
Speaker 2But , on that note , have a great rest of your week . Find out more about not just Priscilla and Aquila , but also the other different couples in the Bible . Oh yeah , we will talk to you next week about siblings . Was there sibling rivalry ? Did they love each other ? I don't know . We'll find out next week . Have a great rest of your day and we will talk to you next week .
