New Testament
Acts 18:2
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
There he found a Jewish man named Aquila, originally from Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had commanded all Jews to leave Rome. Paul went to them.
Compare translations
And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla; (because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome:) and came unto them.
What Acts 18:2 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, Paul arrives in Corinth and meets Aquila, a Jewish man from Pontus. Aquila and his wife Priscilla had recently moved from Italy because the Roman Emperor Claudius ordered all Jews to leave Rome. This situation highlights the challenges faced by the Jewish community during that time. Paul, a dedicated missionary, connects with Aquila and Priscilla, forming a partnership that would be significant in spreading their message. Their meeting illustrates how God often brings people together for a purpose, even in difficult circumstances. It also shows the importance of community and support among believers. Paul’s willingness to reach out to Aquila and Priscilla demonstrates the value of building relationships in faith. This encounter sets the stage for future collaboration in their mission work, emphasizing the power of unity in overcoming adversity and sharing hope with others. Together, they would play a crucial role in the early church, showing that even in exile, God’s plans can flourish.
How to apply Acts 18:2 to your life
Consider how you can build connections with others in your community, especially those facing challenges. Look for opportunities to support and encourage one another in your shared goals. Remember that God often brings people into your life for a reason, so embrace those relationships and work together for a greater purpose. Stay open to new partnerships that can enrich your journey of faith and service to others. Together, you can make a difference.
Curated for this public verse page. Acts Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

Illustrated scene from Paul's story: A Year and a Half in Corinth (Acts 18:1–17)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Paul

Photo: zeevveez, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.0. Source. Location: Capernaum, on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Capernaum
Jesus' home base by the Sea of Galilee, and the town where Peter lived.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Acts 18:2
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Acts 18:2
Related Bible verses
At a Glance — the Book of Acts
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 62
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Acts 18:2 mean?
Acts 18:2 describes Paul's encounter with Aquila and Priscilla, a Jewish couple who had to leave Rome due to an edict from Emperor Claudius. This verse highlights the challenges faced by Jews during that time and sets the stage for the partnership that would develop between Paul and this couple in their mission work.
Who are Aquila and Priscilla in Acts 18:2?
Aquila and Priscilla are a Jewish couple mentioned in Acts 18:2. They had recently moved from Italy to Corinth after being expelled from Rome, and they would later become significant partners in Paul's ministry.
What is the significance of Claudius' command in Acts 18:2?
Claudius' command to expel all Jews from Rome is significant as it reflects the historical context of Jewish persecution during that time. This command led to Aquila and Priscilla's relocation, which ultimately facilitated their meeting with Paul and their involvement in the early church.
What does Acts 18:2 teach about community?
Acts 18:2 illustrates the importance of community by showing how Paul, Aquila, and Priscilla came together despite adversity. Their partnership emphasizes the value of support and collaboration among believers in fulfilling their mission.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.