Purpose-Driven Leadership: Business Lessons from Acts 18 

Running a business can feel like a constant balancing act—managing operations, building relationships, and navigating challenges. But what if your business could be more than just a way to make a living? Acts 18 offers insights that can inspire business owners, whether you're a person of faith or not, to lead with purpose and impact.

1. Your Business Can Be More Than Just Business

In Acts 18:3, we learn about Aquila and Priscilla, a couple who worked as tentmakers. This wasn’t just their livelihood—it was their way of connecting with people and creating opportunities for meaningful conversations. They even partnered with Paul, one of the greatest influencers in history, through their shared trade.

Takeaway: Your business is more than transactions; it’s a platform for relationships, influence, and impact. Every client interaction, employee conversation, and business decision is a chance to reflect your values and make a difference.

Action Step: Think about how your business reflects your values. Are you creating a culture of integrity, respect, and service?

2. Build Partnerships That Elevate Your Purpose

Aquila and Priscilla didn’t work alone. They partnered with Paul, sharing their skills and supporting his mission. Later, they mentored Apollos, a passionate speaker who went on to make a big impact (Acts 18:24-26). Their partnerships weren’t just about profit—they were about purpose.

Takeaway: Success in business often comes down to the relationships you build. Surround yourself with people who challenge you, inspire you, and share your vision for making a positive impact.

Action Step: Look at your current partnerships—employees, clients, collaborators. Are they helping you grow and align with your purpose, or are they holding you back?

3. Challenges Can Lead to New Opportunities

Aquila and Priscilla’s story begins with a setback: they were forced to leave Rome due to political persecution (Acts 18:2). But instead of giving up, they rebuilt their lives and found new opportunities, including meeting Paul.

Takeaway: Every entrepreneur faces challenges—whether it’s financial setbacks, market changes, or personal struggles. The key is to see these obstacles as opportunities for growth. Sometimes, the roadblocks redirect you to something even better.

Action Step: Reflect on a recent challenge in your business. What lessons can you take from it, and how can you turn it into a stepping stone?

4. Invest in People, Not Just Profits

One of the most inspiring moments in Acts 18 is when Aquila and Priscilla mentor Apollos, helping him grow into a powerful communicator and leader. They didn’t just focus on their own success—they helped someone else succeed.

Takeaway: Your business can be a tool to uplift others. By mentoring employees, equipping team members with skills, or supporting your community, you create a legacy that goes beyond the bottom line.

Action Step: Identify one person in your business or community you can invest in. How can you mentor or support them in their journey?

Why This Matters

Acts 18 isn’t just a historical account—it’s a blueprint for how to run a business with purpose. Whether you’re motivated by faith or a desire to leave a positive mark, the principles of building relationships, overcoming challenges, and investing in others are universally powerful.

Final Thought

Your business is more than a means to an end. It’s an opportunity to create value, build connections, and make a lasting impact on the world around you. Like Aquila and Priscilla, you can use your work to not only achieve success but also inspire others to grow and thrive.

Question for You: What’s one way your business can make a greater impact today—on your clients, your team, or your community?

Let’s start the conversation! Share your thoughts below or connect with me to explore how we can build better businesses together.