Ἀκύλας (Akulas)
Akulas
Aquila
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 6 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The name Akulas is the Greek rendering of the Latin word Aquila, which means "eagle." In the New Testament, this proper noun identifies a Jewish Christian from Pontus who worked as a tentmaker alongside the Apostle Paul. His story appears in Acts 18, where he and his wife Priscilla welcomed Paul into their home after being expelled from Rome by Emperor Claudius.
Aquila is not merely a background figure but an active partner in early missionary work. Scripture records that he and Priscilla corrected the teaching of Apollos (Acts 18:26) and hosted a church in their house in Corinth (1 Corinthians 16:19). Paul later refers to him as a fellow worker who risked his life for Paul’s sake (Romans 16:3), and he sends greetings from Aquila when writing to Timothy in Ephesus (2 Timothy 4:19).
The etymology of the name suggests a Roman origin, likely reflecting his status as a freedman or citizen before his conversion. The sources highlight six specific occurrences of his name across Acts, Romans, 1 Corinthians, and 2 Timothy, consistently linking him with Priscilla and Paul’s ministry efforts.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Aquila means 'eagle,' a fitting image for someone who soared in service to God alongside Paul. This Jewish tentmaker did not stay in the background; he and his wife Priscilla opened their home and workshop to the Apostle, sharing both their trade and their faith. Their story shows that Christian ministry often happens in ordinary spaces—homes, markets, and workshops—where believers support one another through daily labor and mutual care.
Aquila’s willingness to risk his life for Paul (Romans 16:3) reveals the depth of early Christian loyalty. He was not just a helper but a fellow worker who helped correct misunderstandings in the church (Acts 18:26). For you, this word reminds us that faith is lived out in partnership. Whether you are working with your hands or your mind, your daily efforts can be part of God’s larger mission when done in unity with other believers.
Even though Aquila appears briefly in Scripture, his legacy endures through the churches he hosted and the truths he helped clarify. His life invites us to consider how we might welcome others into our own spaces and share the Gospel with clarity and courage. May you find strength in knowing that God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things for His kingdom.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Aquila4×
- Aquila,1×
- Aquila —1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Ἀκύλας2×
- Ἀκύλαν2×
- Ἀκύλας,1×
- Ἀκύλαν,1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 18:2
He found a certain Jew named Aquila, a man of Pontus by race, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to depart from Rome. He came to them,
This verse introduces Aquila as a Jewish Christian from Pontus who, along with Priscilla, fled Rome under Claudius’s decree and met Paul in Corinth.
-
Romans 16:3
Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus,
Paul calls Aquila a fellow worker in Christ Jesus who risked his life for Paul's sake, highlighting the depth of their partnership in ministry.
-
Acts 18:26
He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. But when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside, and explained to him the way of God more accurately.
Priscilla and Aquila take Apollos aside to explain the way of God more accurately, showing their role in teaching and correcting within the early church.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Aquila mean?
Who was Aquila in the Bible?
Why is Aquila important in the New Testament?
Every Occurrence (6 verses across 4 books)
Acts 3 verses
He found a certain Jew named Aquila, a man of Pontus by race, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla,…
Acts 18:18Paul, having stayed after this many more days, took his leave of the brothers, and sailed from there for Syria,…
Acts 18:26He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. But when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside, and explained…