Working as Tentmakers - Acts 18:3

Luke the beloved physician shared how “Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth; And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla; (because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome:) and came unto them”, and in chapter eighteen and verse three of the book of Acts Luke shared because Paul, “was of the same craft, he abode with them, and worked: for by their occupation they were tentmakers” where we read:

And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought:

for by their occupation they were tentmakers.

The verse reads, “And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and worked”: Luke began with the words, “and because he was of the same craft” which means “and since and on account that Paul happened to be practicing the identical trade”, “he abode with them” or “Paul tarried, dwelt and remained present alongside of Aquila and Priscilla”, “and worked” which means “and labored”. Luke shared how “Paul” functioned in the same type of work as “Aquila and Priscilla”, so he stayed with them and labored alongside them.

The verse goes on to say, “for by their occupation they were tentmakers.” Luke continued with the words, “for by their occupation” or “because, since and on account that Aquila and Priscilla were by trade and craft” “they were tentmakers” which means “Aquila and Priscilla were people who made small portable tents of leather or cloth of goat's hair or linen for the use of travelers”. Luke shared how “Aquila and Priscilla” made “tents” which was the same work of which “Paul” was familiar.

When we consider Luke's words in this verse, we learn how “Paul” did not remain idle while he ministered the gospel. He worked, and because he knew the tent making trade, he joined himself to labor with “Aquila and Priscilla” who were tentmakers as well. God had a plan for sharing His good news of salvation through His Son Jesus with the world, and “Paul” who was His minister earn his living in an occupation. Not all who minister the gospel of Jesus Christ are paid by the church as employees, and when this is the case, let those who serve Jesus by declaring His words be willing to work a trade like “Paul” and never dare not keep themselves from labor.

Next time Luke shares how Paul, “reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

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