“1 I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a servant of the church in Cenchreae. 2 So you should welcome her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints and assist her in whatever matter she may require your help. For indeed she has been a benefactor of many — and of me also. 3 Give my greetings to Prisca and Aquila, my coworkers in Christ Jesus, 4 who risked their own necks for my life. Not only do I thank them, but so do all the Gentile churches.”
Chapter 16 includes Paul’s closing address as he concludes his letter to the church in Rome. He begins by specifically recognizing one sister in the faith, Phoebe. Paul has been helped by her in the past, and recommends that the church in Rome assist her in whatever way she needs. This is yet another opportunity for the church to put into practice what Paul has been preaching to them.
In verses 3-4, Paul recognizes two more Christians by name and deed: Prisca and Aquila. The book of Acts records Paul’s first interaction with Prisca (also called Priscilla) and Aquila at the founding of the church in Corinth.
“After this, he left Athens and went to Corinth, where he found a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla because Claudius had ordered all the Jews to leave Rome. Paul came to them, and since they were of the same occupation, tentmakers by trade, he stayed with them and worked. He reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath and tried to persuade both Jews and Greeks.” — Acts 18:1-4
Evidently, at some point, Prisca and Aquila had risked their lives for Paul. Perhaps they were at risk even by simply allowing Paul to stay with them. Paul’s critics had a habit of finding out where he was staying and showing up to harass, assault or even kill those who were aiding him. Paul is using Prisca and Aquila as examples of what hospitality and service to the saints looks like. Are we willing to help those in need even when it is a personal risk to our safety? Paul also mentions that the Gentile churches are thankful to Prisca and Aquila for their service to him, presumably because by serving and protecting Paul, he was able to take the message of the Gospel of God to the Gentiles, and many were saved!