Acts 18:3 – “And because he was a tentmaker as they were, he stayed and worked with them.”
Extended Explanation
This verse tells us that Paul, upon arriving in Corinth, stayed with Aquila and Priscilla because they shared the same trade—tentmaking. While Paul was a passionate preacher of the gospel, he also worked with his hands to support himself. Instead of relying entirely on financial gifts from believers, Paul often earned his living through skilled labor.
This practical detail gives us insight into Paul’s ministry. He wasn’t above working a regular job while spreading the gospel. Instead, he embraced a humble profession, using it as an opportunity to connect with people and demonstrate integrity. By working alongside Aquila and Priscilla, Paul built a deep friendship with them, and together they served the Lord in Corinth.
This verse also highlights an important principle: God can use our everyday work for His purposes. Paul didn’t view his tentmaking as separate from his ministry—he saw it as part of God’s provision and a means to spread the gospel without being a burden to others.
Historical Context
Tentmaking was a common trade in the Roman world, particularly among Jewish men. Tents were made from leather or woven goat’s hair, and they were essential for travelers, soldiers, and merchants. As a result, tentmakers were always in demand, especially in a busy trade city like Corinth.
Jewish culture valued manual labor, and rabbis often had a trade to support themselves. Paul, raised as a Pharisee under Gamaliel (Acts 22:3), would have learned a trade in his youth. His ability to work as a tentmaker allowed him to be financially independent and minister without burdening new believers (2 Thessalonians 3:8).
In Corinth, work was plentiful due to the city’s location on key trade routes. This meant that Paul could support himself while also having daily opportunities to interact with locals, building relationships that led to gospel conversations.
Theological Implications
This verse teaches that work is valuable in God’s eyes. Paul didn’t separate his faith from his work—he used his job as a way to serve God. This challenges the idea that only full-time ministry is “spiritual.” Instead, every Christian can honor God through their work, whether in an office, a store, or a trade.
Paul’s tentmaking also reflects his commitment to integrity. He didn’t want to burden young churches financially, so he worked to meet his needs. This aligns with biblical teaching about diligence, stewardship, and serving others through honest labor (Proverbs 12:11; Colossians 3:23).
Literary Analysis
Acts 18:3 is a brief but meaningful verse that shows a balance between Paul’s ministry and daily life. The mention of his trade connects his story to Aquila and Priscilla, setting the stage for their deeper partnership in the gospel.
Luke, the author of Acts, often highlights practical details like this to show the reality of missionary work. Paul’s ministry was not just about preaching in synagogues—he also worked, built relationships, and lived among the people he evangelized.
Biblical Cross-References
- 1 Corinthians 9:14-15 – Paul explains that, while ministers have the right to receive financial support, he chose to work so as not to hinder the gospel.
- 2 Thessalonians 3:7-8 – Paul reminds the Thessalonians that he worked hard and did not rely on others for food.
- Colossians 3:23 – “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”
- Proverbs 22:29 – “Do you see someone skilled in their work? They will serve before kings; they will not serve before officials of low rank.”
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
This verse reminds us that all work, when done for God’s glory, has purpose. Whether you’re a teacher, an engineer, a stay-at-home parent, or a mechanic, your work can be a way to serve God and be a witness to others.
It also challenges the idea that ministry must be full-time to be effective. Paul spread the gospel while working a regular job. Many Christians today are called to be “tentmakers” in their workplaces—living out their faith and sharing Jesus in their daily routines.
Furthermore, this verse speaks to financial responsibility and independence. Paul worked so he wouldn’t be a financial burden to others, modeling a life of diligence and self-sufficiency. This is a good reminder to approach work with integrity, rather than looking for ways to avoid it.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is seen in how He provides for His people, often through practical means like work. Instead of miraculously sustaining Paul with endless resources, God provided him with a trade that allowed him to earn a living.
This also shows that God values relationships. Paul didn’t just find a job—he found partners in ministry. God placed Aquila and Priscilla in Corinth at just the right time so that Paul would have companionship and support. This is a beautiful example of how God cares for His servants in both spiritual and practical ways.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus Himself was a carpenter before beginning His public ministry (Mark 6:3). Like Paul, He worked with His hands and knew the reality of labor. This highlights the dignity of work—if Jesus and Paul labored in practical trades, then no honest job is beneath a believer.
Paul’s tentmaking also reflected Jesus’ teaching about servanthood. Instead of demanding financial support, Paul humbled himself, choosing to work so that others could freely receive the gospel. This echoes Jesus’ words in Matthew 20:28 – “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”
Furthermore, Paul’s self-sufficiency allowed him to preach the gospel freely. In the same way, Jesus’ ultimate mission was to give of Himself for the salvation of others, not seeking personal gain but serving sacrificially.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How do you view your work? Do you see it as something God can use for His purposes?
- How can you honor God in your workplace, school, or home?
- What lessons can we learn from Paul’s example of hard work and self-sufficiency?
- How does this verse challenge the way we think about full-time ministry versus everyday work?
- Who are the “Aquila and Priscilla” in your life—people God has placed around you for encouragement and partnership?
This verse may seem like a simple mention of Paul’s trade, but it carries deep meaning. It reminds us that God is involved in every part of our lives, including our work. He provides for us through practical means, places the right people in our lives at the right time, and calls us to serve Him faithfully in whatever we do.