Priscilla and Aquila

by Lois T. Henderson, Harold Ivan Smith

A Roman woman and her husband convert to Christianity and become caught up in the turmoil of the early years of the Church

Genres: Christian, Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction, Fiction, Biblical Fiction, Historical, Biblical

345 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1985

About the author

Lois T. Henderson is an American author of Christian novels, many of which are dramatizations of Biblical narratives about women.

Reviews

[Nadine Keels · Rating 3 out of 5]

Priscilla and Aquila will experience love and untold challenges in marriage, and not only for matrimonial reasons. They'll join others in the forging of a new way of faith in a Roman world in Priscilla and Aquila, a novel by Lois T. Henderson and Harold Ivan Smith.

I've enjoyed other novels by the late Henderson about biblical figures, namely, Miriam, Ruth, and Abigail--whose stories are rather popular material for fictional retellings. I think it's safe to say that novels about Priscilla and Aquila are on the much rarer side, which may be what I appreciate most about this novel.

I also like how the man/woman and husband/wife relationships are not "copy and pasted" here: copied from the twentieth century the book was written in and pasted into 48-54 A.D. The characters don't just automatically "get" how to handle the gradual shifts in gender roles in the early Church, but both the men and the women have to grapple with new ideas.

The book became a bit dull to me at some points after Priscilla and Aquila's exit from Rome. It's as if the plot isn't quite sure what to do with itself at times. Upon the arrival of the apostle Paul and the telling of his story, Priscilla and Aquila (especially Aquila) seem to fade somewhat into the background. Aquila becomes a more minor figure toward the end, cutting his character development short. Paul essentially takes over the story's leading role opposite Priscilla.

This was Henderson's final novel. It's apparent that she passed before it was published, and maybe before she'd finished writing it, since this particular novel of hers has a co-author. This could be one explanation for the disjointed feel of the plot toward the end. The rather last-minute characters like Faltius and Demetrius didn't interest or evoke much feeling in me, as they show up when the novel is ready to wrap up.

Yet, all in all, it was an enjoyable read for me, one that other Biblical Fiction readers may think worthy of seeking out.

[PJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I chose this book because I was named after Priscilla who is first mentioned in Acts 18 in the Bible. I wanted to know more about her. Even though I knew this was fiction, I liked this book a GREAT deal, UNTIL about 3/4 of the way through. I lost interest in the last part of the book. I don't know how much of this book was actually fiction and how much was taken from historical records of this time period. I took a few gems from this book, but don't really feel like passing it along.

[Leah Good · Rating 4 out of 5]

I stumbled across this book while skimming through Amazon looking for Biblical Fiction similar to Brock and Bodie Thoene's A.D. Chronicles. Lois T. Henderson, who I'd never heard of before, wrote a collection of books about women in the Bible. Intrigued, I purchased one, choosing Priscilla & Aquila because they're my favorite Bible couple.

As other reviewers have commented, one of the strength's of this novel is the author's refusal to skip over the character's struggle to reconcile traditional gender roles with their new religion. This was the central theme of the story. My beliefs concerning the role of man and wife are pretty conservative, but I admit to finding myself frustrated with the restrictions and expectations of the day as I read.

Priscilla and Aquila are both lovely, real characters. The author did not allow either of them to be cardboard, "perfect" people. They fear and grow angry, envy and weep. They also love fiercely and dedicate unflinching determination to doing what is right.

I could easily identify with Priscilla. Though not bound by the same cultural restrictions as her, I also harbor some apprehension about someday marrying and wonder if my husband will want to know what is on my mind and in my heart. Like Priscilla, I hope for a loving, dynamic relationship. Her hopes, fears, and deep inward desires are what drew me into the first 100 pages of this book.

This book is especially suited for readers who enjoy Bible fiction and classics. While not old enough to be a classic, Lois T. Henderson writes using an story telling style that will be best appreciated by those who enjoy old books.

P.S. Priscilla & Aquila are a married couple in a culture that emphasized a wife's "comfort" to her husband. The author does not shy away from alluding to this aspect of marriage. It's done very tastefully, but for this reason, I wouldn't recommend this book for young readers.

[A. A. Breitling · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely story about Priscilla and Aquila and their friendship with the Apostle Paul.

[Lois · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fascinating and personal look at what the early church went through in terms of gender roles. It was sweet that Aquila loved Priscilla and Priscilla respected Aquila which carried them through the struggles of changing their lives for Jesus. It’s written from both Priscilla and Aquila’s perspectives which informs us of both the characters personalities as well as general views held by men vs. women and Jews vs. Greeks.

That said the book is a little “mushy.” There was a fair amount of holding and kissing between the spouses. Also, the portrayal of Paul was fair, but not quite what I’d imagined. He didn’t strike me as divinely inspired, just a fatherly figure who who listened to the Spirit. I couldn’t quite imagine him writing the epistles. The book also supposes that Priscilla was the more eloquent and understanding of the two, saying she was a scribe for Paul and initiated Apollos’ education. This may be so and is definitely more provocative for a novel’s plot, but the couple seemed to be more of co-laborers in the Bible.

[Deborah Washington · Rating 3 out of 5]

I became interested in one of the only witnessing couples listed in the Bible, so I wanted to read this fictionalized version about their lives. It was interesting and knowledgeable about the hard times in which they lived and the work of tent makers.
As a story, it was good. Of course, we don't really know if Aquila responded that way to Priscilla. I would prefer to think that they put their beliefs before traditions from the beginning of their relationship, but this version is quite believable. Interesting read.

[Ashlee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the idea of the book. The dialog was a little unbelievable. It was clear that the customs of the times were researched.

[Heidi Stevens · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was enjoying this book until the big reveal at the end was Priscilla being the author of Hebrews. There were also hints of a feminist theme throughout. The characters were well portrayed.

[Kristen Hungness Hedman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. It was written so well that I could picture myself being there. The love story between Priscilla and Aquila is a beautiful one that portrays faith in a marriage. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone.

[Amy]

Read this book several years ago but I remember liking it quite a bit. I don't think I finished it though. I was reading anything I could get my hands on and books without due dates (like church-library books such as this one) often ended up the worse for it. But I recall liking it and have never forgotten the scene at the public bath where Aquila notes the dreamy expression in Priscilla's eyes. It apparently appealed to the romantic side of the twelve, thirteen however-old I was.
Probably worth a re-read someday

[Meadow Frisbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE this book. The life of the couple is so powerful and filled with their struggles and triumphs, it captures you till the end.

[Covenant Presbyterian Springfield Ohio]

Call Number: F HEN-2

Given in memory of Barbara DEER KUSS by the KUSS Family.

Checked Out.

[Minnie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Priscilla is not like the other wives 🙄

[Kathy Lamecker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book put flesh and bones along with emotions to characters from the Bible. It made that period of time come alive in a fresh way.

[Shantelle]

Have very mixed feelings. I was truly enjoying this novel, but then the ending took a serious turn that didn't sit well with me.

[Kaethe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another gem by Ms. Henderson.

[Deb]

a must read for any Bible student! I felt like I was right in Israel during their life - LOVED IT