Saint Aquila The Tent Maker

Biography

Saint Aquila The Tent Maker, also known as Saint Aquila, was a prominent figure in the early Christian community during the first century. Not much is known about his background or family, but he was born in Pontus, which was a region in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). Aquila is most famously recognized as a Jewish tent-maker, a profession he shared with his wife, Saint Priscilla. During his travels, he encountered the apostle Saint Paul, whom he and Priscilla entertained in Corinth and later in Ephesus. This encounter marked a turning point in Aquila's life, as both him and his wife converted to Christianity and became steadfast followers of Christ. Aquila and Priscilla's faith journey brought them to Rome, Italy, where they settled and established their home as a place of worship. Their house in Rome became a significant meeting place for the early Christian community, serving as an early church. This establishment shows their dedication to spreading the teachings of Christ and fostering a sense of community among believers. The biblical references to Aquila can be found in the Book of Acts (18:1-3,18-19,26; 1 Corinthians 16:19; Romans 16:3-4) and also in Paul's final letter, 2 Timothy 4:19. These passages affirm Aquila's close relationship with Saint Paul and their shared missionary work. Despite the scarcity of information regarding Aquila's life, it is widely believed that he and his wife faced persecution for their faith. Tradition tells us that Aquila eventually became a martyr for Christ. The exact details surrounding his martyrdom are unclear, but it is believed that he met his death in Rome, where he had faithfully served the early Christian community. Saint Aquila The Tent Maker is venerated as a saint within the Catholic Church, although his canonization occurred prior to the formal establishment of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints. As such, he is considered a pre-congregation saint. His feast day is celebrated on July 8th, honoring his significant contributions to the growth and spread of Christianity during its earliest years. Although Saint Aquila has not been officially designated as the patron saint of any particular group or cause, his life serves as an inspiration to all Christians in their pursuit of faith, devotion, and service to others. As a Jewish tent-maker turned devoted follower of Christ, he teaches us the importance of embracing the transformative power of the Gospel and sharing it with others, no matter our background or occupation.