Meaning of the Name Aquila
Aquila comes from the Latin word aquila and means 'eagle' directly. It is one of the clearer biblical name etymologies. In the Roman world it was used as a known personal name and surname.
Origin
The name Aquila is of Latin origin.
Who is Aquila in the Bible?
Aquila is a Jew from Pontus and the husband of Priscilla; he works closely with Paul and shares the same trade. Appearing in Corinth, Ephesus, and likely Rome, this couple forms an important part of the early church's network of house congregations.
The story of Aquila in the Bible
Aquila was a Jew born in Pontus; his name is Latin for eagle. He and his wife Priscilla were living in Rome until Claudius ordered the Jews out of the city, so they left Italy and settled in Corinth. When Paul arrived, he found the couple, stayed in their home, and worked alongside them, since all three were tentmakers. When the apostle sailed from Corinth, Aquila and Priscilla went with him to Ephesus and stayed there while he traveled on. In Ephesus they met Apollos, an eloquent Alexandrian who knew only the baptism of John; they took him in and taught him the way of God more fully. Wherever they lived, their home became a meeting place: in the letter to the Corinthians they send greetings along with the church in their house. Writing to the Romans, Paul greets them as his co-workers in Christ Jesus who risked their necks for him, adding that all the churches of the Gentiles owed them thanks. Aquila put his trade, his home, and his friendship at the service of the gospel.
Is Aquila mentioned in the Quran?
The name Aquila does not appear in the Quran; in the Bible he appears in the New Testament with his wife Priscilla as Paul's fellow tentmaker and the host of a house church.
Verses where Aquila appears
- 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,
- Acts 18:18 —
Paul, having stayed after this many more days, took his leave of the brothers, and sailed from there for Syria, together with Priscilla and Aquila. He shaved his head in Cenchreae, for he had a vow.
- Romans 16:3 —
Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus,