Acts 18:3
and he stayed and worked with them because they were tentmakers by trade, just as he was.
And because he was of the same trade
This phrase highlights the commonality between Paul and Aquila, both being tentmakers. The Greek word for "trade" is "τέχνη" (technē), which implies a skill or craft. In the ancient world, trades were often passed down through families, and it was customary for Jewish rabbis to have a trade to support themselves. This reflects the Jewish value of self-sufficiency and the dignity of labor. Paul's engagement in tentmaking underscores his humility and commitment to not be a financial burden on the early Christian communities.

he stayed and worked with them
The phrase "stayed and worked" indicates a close partnership and fellowship. The Greek word for "stayed" is "μένω" (menō), meaning to remain or abide, suggesting a significant period of time spent together. This not only provided Paul with financial support but also allowed him to build relationships and share the gospel in a natural setting. The act of working together would have fostered a sense of community and mutual respect, reflecting the early Christian ideal of living and working in harmony.

with them
The phrase "with them" refers to Aquila and Priscilla, a Jewish couple who had recently come from Italy. Their inclusion in this narrative highlights the importance of partnership in ministry. The Greek preposition "μετά" (meta) implies accompaniment and association, suggesting that their relationship was more than just professional; it was also spiritual. This partnership exemplifies the collaborative nature of the early church, where believers supported one another in both practical and spiritual matters, embodying the unity and love that Jesus taught.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Paul
A key figure in the early Christian church, known for his missionary journeys and epistles. In this passage, he is seen engaging in tentmaking, a trade he shares with Aquila and Priscilla.

2. Aquila
A Jewish Christian who, along with his wife Priscilla, had recently come from Italy due to Claudius' edict expelling Jews from Rome. He is a tentmaker by trade.

3. Priscilla
The wife of Aquila, also a tentmaker. She plays a significant role in the early church, often mentioned alongside her husband.

4. Corinth
A major city in ancient Greece, known for its commerce and diverse population. It is here that Paul meets Aquila and Priscilla and engages in tentmaking.

5. Tentmaking
The trade shared by Paul, Aquila, and Priscilla. It involves the crafting of tents, which were essential for travelers and nomads in the ancient world.
Teaching Points
The Value of Work
Paul’s engagement in tentmaking demonstrates the dignity and value of work. It shows that secular work can coexist with ministry and be a means of supporting oneself and others.

Bi-vocational Ministry
Paul’s example encourages those in ministry to consider bi-vocational roles, allowing them to serve without financial burden on the church.

Community and Fellowship
Working alongside Aquila and Priscilla, Paul models the importance of community and fellowship in both work and ministry.

Using Skills for God’s Glory
Just as Paul used his tentmaking skills, believers are encouraged to use their God-given talents and skills for the advancement of the Gospel.

Adaptability in Ministry
Paul’s ability to adapt to different circumstances, including working with his hands, is a lesson in flexibility and resourcefulness in ministry.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Paul’s tentmaking in Corinth reflect his approach to ministry and self-sufficiency? Consider how this might apply to modern-day ministry contexts.

2. In what ways can believers today balance secular work and ministry, following Paul’s example in Acts 18:3?

3. How does the partnership between Paul, Aquila, and Priscilla illustrate the importance of community in both work and ministry?

4. Reflect on a skill or trade you possess. How can you use it to serve God and others, as Paul did with tentmaking?

5. How do the principles of work and ministry in Acts 18:3 connect with Paul’s teachings in 1 Corinthians 9:14-15 and 2 Thessalonians 3:7-9? How can these principles be applied in your life?
Connections to Other Scriptures
1 Corinthians 9:14-15
Paul discusses his right to receive support for his ministry but chooses to work to avoid being a burden, reflecting his tentmaking in Corinth.

2 Thessalonians 3:7-9
Paul emphasizes the importance of working and not being idle, which aligns with his practice of tentmaking to support himself.

Exodus 35:35
This verse highlights the God-given skills for craftsmanship, which can be related to the trade of tentmaking.
A Glimpse into Apostolic LifeR.A. Radford Acts 18:1-4
Truth Before the CitadelW. Clarkson Acts 18:1-11
An Apostolic PastorateMonday Club SermonsActs 18:1-17
Do the Next ThingJ. W. Burn.Acts 18:1-17
Paul At CorinthH. R. Haweis, M. A.Acts 18:1-17
Paul At CorinthF. W. Robertson, M. A.Acts 18:1-17
Paul At CorinthM. C. Hazard.Acts 18:1-17
Paul At CorinthT. D. Witherspoon, D. D.Acts 18:1-17
Paul At CorinthA. Barnes, D. D.Acts 18:1-17
Paul At CorinthD. Thomas, D. D.Acts 18:1-17
Paul At CorinthJ. Parker, D. D.Acts 18:1-17
Paul At CorinthC. A. Dickinson.Acts 18:1-17
Paul At CorinthR. Rhees.Acts 18:1-17
Paul At CorinthD. J. Burrell, D. D.Acts 18:1-17
Paul At CorinthF. Goodall, B. A.Acts 18:1-17
Paul At CorinthE. Johnson Acts 18:1-17
The Value of Unsuccessful MissionariesActs 18:1-17
Aquila and PriscillaDean Howson.Acts 18:2-4
Christian Journeymen on Their TravelsK. Gerok.Acts 18:2-4
Paul in the WorkshopK. Gerok.Acts 18:2-4
Paul's IndependenceH. R. Haweis, M. A.Acts 18:2-4
Paul's TradeArchdeacon Farrar.Acts 18:2-4
Tent Making in CorinthC. S. Robinson, D. D.Acts 18:2-4
The Necessity of an OccupationDean Goulburn.Acts 18:2-4
The Value of a Fixed CallingJ. Stoughton.Acts 18:2-4
Weekly Labour and Sabbath SanctificationK. Gerok.Acts 18:2-4
Tent-Making a SermonP.C. Barker Acts 18:3, 4
People
Apollos, Aquila, Claudius, Corinthians, Crispus, Gallio, John, Justus, Paul, Priscilla, Silas, Sosthenes, Timotheus, Timothy, Titus
Places
Achaia, Alexandria, Athens, Caesarea, Cenchreae, Corinth, Ephesus, Galatia, Italy, Macedonia, Phrygia, Pontus, Rome, Syria, Syrian Antioch
Topics
Abode, Craft, Lodged, Makers, Occupation, Practiced, Stayed, Tent, Tent-maker, Tentmakers, Tent-makers, Trade, Worked, Working, Wrought
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Acts 18:3

     5578   tents

Acts 18:1-3

     5108   Paul, life of

Acts 18:1-6

     7505   Jews, the

Acts 18:2-3

     5853   experience, of life
     8447   hospitality, examples

Library
'Constrained by the Word'
'And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified.'--ACTS xviii. 5. The Revised Version, in concurrence with most recent authorities, reads, instead of 'pressed in the spirit,' 'constrained by the word.' One of these alterations depends on a diversity of reading, the other on a difference of translation. The one introduces a significant difference of meaning; the other is rather a change of expression. The word rendered here 'pressed,' and by the
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

Paul at Corinth
'After these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth; 2. 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. 3. And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tent-makers. 4. And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks. 5. And when Silas and Timotheus
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

Gallio
'And when Paul was now about to open his mouth, Gallio said unto the Jews, If it were a matter of wrong: or wicked lewdness, O ye Jews, reason would that I should bear with you: 15. But if it be a question of words and names, and of your law, look ye to it; for I will be no judge of such matters.'--ACTS xviii. 14, 15. There is something very touching in the immortality of fame which comes to the men who for a moment pass across the Gospel story, like shooting stars kindled for an instant as they
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

The Civil Trial
In the chapter before last we saw the Sanhedrim pass a death sentence on Jesus. Gladly would they have carried it out in the Jewish fashion--by stoning. But, as was then explained, it was not in their power: their Roman masters, while conceding to the native courts the power of trying and punishing minor offences, reserved to themselves the prerogative of life and death; and a case in which a capital sentence had been passed in a Jewish court had to go before the representative of Rome in the country,
James Stalker—The Trial and Death of Jesus Christ

The Old Faiths and the New
SECOND GROUP OF EPISTLES GALATIANS. FIRST AND SECOND CORINTHIANS. ROMANS. PROBLEMS OF EARLY CHRISTIANITY The new faith in Christ made large claims for itself. It marked an advance upon Judaism and maintained that in Christ was fulfilled all the promises made by the prophets of the coming of the Jewish Messiah. It radically antagonized the heathen religions. It had a double task to win men out of Judaism and heathenism. Only by a careful study of these great doctrinal Epistles, and the
Henry T. Sell—Bible Studies in the Life of Paul

Third Missionary Journey
Scripture, Acts 18:23-21:17 [Illustration: Outline map illustrating the third missionary journey of Paul and the voyage to Italy.]
Henry T. Sell—Bible Studies in the Life of Paul

There Also is Said at what Work the Apostle Wrought. ...
22. There also is said at what work the Apostle wrought. "After these things," it says, "he departed from Athens and came to Corinth; and having found a certain Jew, by name Aquila, of Pontus by birth, lately come from Italy, and Priscilla his wife, because that Claudius had ordered all Jews to depart from Rome, he came unto them, and because he was of the same craft he abode with them, doing work: for they were tent-makers." [2549] This if they shall essay to interpret allegorically, they show what
St. Augustine—Of the Work of Monks.

Jewish Homes
It may be safely asserted, that the grand distinction, which divided all mankind into Jews and Gentiles, was not only religious, but also social. However near the cities of the heathen to those of Israel, however frequent and close the intercourse between the two parties, no one could have entered a Jewish town or village without feeling, so to speak, in quite another world. The aspect of the streets, the building and arrangement of the houses, the municipal and religious rule, the manners and customs
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

Flight into Egypt and Slaughter of the Bethlehem Children.
(Bethlehem and Road Thence to Egypt, b.c. 4.) ^A Matt. II. 13-18. ^a 13 Now when they were departed [The text favors the idea that the arrival and departure of the magi and the departure of Joseph for Egypt, all occurred in one night. If so, the people of Bethlehem knew nothing of these matters], behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise [this command calls for immediate departure] and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt [This land was ever the
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Kingdom Conquering the World
Acts Page Paul's Epistles Page Outline for Study of Epistles Page I Thessalonians Page I Corinthians Page Romans Page Philippians Page II Timothy Page The General Epistles Page Questions on the Book of James Page Studies in I and II Peter Page I John Page THE ACTS I. Author: 1. Name. 2. Number of
Frank Nelson Palmer—A Bird's-Eye View of the Bible

Sources and Literature on St. Paul and his Work.
I. Sources. 1. The authentic sources: The Epistles of Paul, and the Acts of the Apostles 9:1-30 and 13 to 28. Of the Epistles of Paul the four most important Galatians, Romans, two Corinthians--are universally acknowledged as genuine even by the most exacting critics; the Philippians, Philemon, Colossians, and Ephesians are admitted by nearly all critics; the Pastoral Epistles, especially First Timothy, and Titus, are more or less disputed, but even they bear the stamp of Paul's genius. On the coincidences
Philip Schaff—History of the Christian Church, Volume I

Jewish views on Trade, Tradesmen, and Trades' Guilds
We read in the Mishnah (Kidd. iv. 14) as follows: "Rabbi Meir said: Let a man always teach his son a cleanly and a light trade; and let him pray to Him whose are wealth and riches; for there is no trade which has not both poverty and riches, and neither does poverty come from the trade nor yet riches, but everything according to one's deserving (merit). Rabbi Simeon, the son of Eleazer, said: Hast thou all thy life long seen a beast or a bird which has a trade? Still they are nourished, and that
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

King Herod's Enrollment
THE first enrollment in Syria was made in the year 8-7 BC., but a consideration of the situation in Syria and Palestine about that time will show that the enrollment in Herod's kingdom was probably delayed for some time later. Herod occupied a delicate and difficult position on the throne of Judea. On the one hand he had to comply with what was required of him by the Imperial policy; he was governing for the Romans a part of the empire, and he was bound to spread western customs and language and
Sir William Mitchell Ramsay—Was Christ Born in Bethlehem?

Luke's Attitude Towards the Roman World
The reign of Augustus, as is well known, is enveloped in the deepest obscurity. While we are unusually well informed about the immediately preceding period of Roman history, and for part of the reign of his successor, Tiberius, we possess the elaborate and accurate, though in some respects strongly prejudiced account of Tacitus, the facts of Augustus's reign have to be pieced together from scanty, incomplete and disjointed authorities. Moreover, obscure events in a remote corner of the Roman world
Sir William Mitchell Ramsay—Was Christ Born in Bethlehem?

Paul's Journeys Acts 13:1-38:31
On this third journey he was already planning to go to Rome (Acts 19:21) and wrote an epistle to the Romans announcing his coming (Rom. 1:7, 15). +The Chief City+, in which Paul spent most of his time (Acts 19:1, 8, 10), between two and three years upon this journey, was Ephesus in Asia Minor. This city situated midway between the extreme points of his former missionary journeys was a place where Ephesus has been thus described: "It had been one of the early Greek colonies, later the capital
Henry T. Sell—Bible Studies in the Life of Paul

The Supremacy of Christ
THIRD GROUP OF EPISTLES COLOSSIANS. PHILEMON. EPHESIANS. PHILIPPIANS. THE QUESTION AT ISSUE +The Supremacy of Christ.+--These Epistles mark a new stage in the writings of Paul. The great question discussed in the second group of Epistles was in regard to the terms of salvation. The question now at issue (in Colossians, Ephesians, Philippian+The Reason for the Raising of this Question+ was the development of certain false religious beliefs among which were, "asceticism, the worship of angels,
Henry T. Sell—Bible Studies in the Life of Paul

The Future of Christ's Kingdom First Group of Epistles the First and Second Epistles to the Thessalonians Introduction to the Epistles of Paul +Epistolary Writings. + --The
STUDY VII THE FUTURE OF CHRIST'S KINGDOM FIRST GROUP OF EPISTLES THE FIRST AND SECOND EPISTLES TO THE THESSALONIANS INTRODUCTION TO THE EPISTLES OF PAUL +Epistolary Writings.+--The New Testament is composed of twenty-seven books, twenty-one of which are Epistles. Of this latter number thirteen are ascribed to Paul. It is thus seen how largely the New Testament is made up of Epistles and how many of these are attributed to the Great Apostle. In the letters of men of great prominence and power of any
Henry T. Sell—Bible Studies in the Life of Paul

The Candour of the Writers of the New Testament.
I make this candour to consist in their putting down many passages, and noticing many circumstances, which no writer whatever was likely to have forged; and which no writer would have chosen to appear in his book who had been careful to present the story in the most unexceptionable form, or who had thought himself at liberty to carve and mould the particulars of that story according to his choice, or according to his judgment of the effect. A strong and well-known example of the fairness of the evangelists
William Paley—Evidences of Christianity

Moreover, if Discourse must be Bestowed Upon Any...
21. Moreover, if discourse must be bestowed upon any, and this so take up the speaker that he have not time to work with his hands, are all in the monastery able to hold discourse unto brethren which come unto them from another kind of life, whether it be to expound the divine lessons, or concerning any questions which may be put, to reason in an wholesome manner? Then since not all have the ability, why upon this pretext do all want to have nothing else to do? Although even if all were able, they
St. Augustine—Of the Work of Monks.

Here is the Sum of My Examination Before Justice Keelin, Justice Chester, Justice Blundale, Justice Beecher, Justice Snagg, Etc.
After I had lain in prison above seven weeks, the quarter-sessions were to be kept in Bedford, for the county thereof, unto which I was to be brought; and when my jailor had set me before those justices, there was a bill of indictment preferred against me. The extent thereof was as followeth: That John Bunyan, of the town of Bedford, labourer, being a person of such and such conditions, he hath (since such a time) devilishly and perniciously abstained from coming to church to hear Divine service,
John Bunyan—Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners

The Epistle to the Hebrews.
I. Commentaries on Hebrews by Chrysostom (d. 407, hermeneia, in 34 Homilies publ. after his death by an Antioch. presbyter, Constantinus); Theodoret (d. 457); Oecumenius (10th cent.); Theophylact (11th cent.); Thomas Aquinas (d. 1274); Erasmus (d. 1536, Annotationes in N. T., with his Greek Test., 1516 and often, and Paraphrasis in N. T., 1522 and often); Card. Cajetanus (Epistolae Pauli, etc., 1531); Calvin (d. 1564, Com. in omnes P. Ep. atque etiam in Ep. ad Hebraeos, 1539 and often, also Halle,
Philip Schaff—History of the Christian Church, Volume I

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