Acts 18:2

2. Aquila A Roman name assumed according to custom, signifying eagle; in fact, both aquila and eagle are different shapes of the same primitive word. In rabbinical Hebrew the name became Onkelos.

Pontus A province bordering on the Euxine Sea, where, induced by advantages of trade, the Jews were numerous. To them, in part, Peter addresses his first epistle, (1 Peter 1:1.)

Priscilla Also a Roman name, which was strictly Prisca, (2 Timothy 4:19,) signifying antique. As in our day it is the fancy to use in feminine names the pet termination ie, (as Lizzie for Elizabeth, and Carrie for Caroline,) the Romans used the more euphonious termination illa. So Terentia, Prima, Prisca, became Terentilla, Primilla, Priscilla.

Commanded… from Rome Suetonius tells us that the Emperor Claudius banished the Jews from Rome on account of disturbances “instigated by Chrestus.” Who this Chrestus was we are entirely uninformed by any other history. The best critics, therefore, plausibly infer that it is a mistaken word used really for Christ. The name of Christ would be strange to a Roman ill informed in Jewish religious affairs, and their ordinary name Chrestus (signifying meek or mild) would naturally be substituted. That the Christians were often by them called Chrestians we are informed by Tertullian, (Adv. Gent., c. 3,) who turns it to good account: “For, since you have no true knowledge of the name, it is rashly allowed by you to be Chrestian, an epithet composed of sweetness and benignity.” And Lactantius (fourth century) says: “The true form of this name is to be explained on account of the error of those who, by change of a single letter, are accustomed to make it Chrestus.” It is highly probable, therefore, that Suetonius, from the fact that rumour attributed the commotion to the Christians, really supposed that they were a party led by a man named Chrestus. In such case Christians as well as Jews were doubtless banished from Rome; or, at least, all the Christians of Jewish race. The first Roman Church, therefore, like the first Jerusalem Church, was probably swept off. Yet when Paul arrived in Rome, (Acts 28:15-29,) both Jews and Christians were reestablished in some force.