And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers.
Paul was of the same craft as Aquila and Priscilla, so he stayed with them in Corinth and worked with his hands making tents to earn his bread while reasoning in the synagogue every Sabbath and persuading Jews and Greeks. Aquila and Priscilla were Christian Jews banished from Rome who had established their tentmaking business in Corinth, and Paul, though a free-born Roman citizen of reputable family, solicited work from them and labored with them. Though as an apostle he could rightly have claimed support, he gave up that right and labored day and night so as not to burden poor believers or be chargeable to any man, and so his preaching would not be suspected as a way to gain money or give opponents cause for reproach. He had learned the trade in his youth according to the Jewish custom of teaching every child a useful craft, showing that manual labor has true dignity and is not inconsistent with true greatness of human and Christian character. His workshop itself became a witness, for as he toiled ingeniously and faithfully to support himself and help others he brought religion into his daily labor, taught Scripture, held prayer with fellow workers, and turned many from error to truth.
Corinth and Its Workers
The verse belongs to Paul's stay with Aquila and Priscilla in his work at Corinth. It took place in the first century of the Christian era, when Corinth was one of the leading cities not only of Greece but of the world. Its streets were thronged with Greeks, Jews, and Romans, with travelers from every land eagerly intent on business and pleasure. The city was deeply idolatrous and immoral, yet as a great commercial center situated within easy access of all parts of the Roman empire it was an important place in which to establish memorials for God and His truth.
Aquila and Priscilla were Christian Jews banished from Rome after unbelieving Jews stirred up envy and opposition and complained that the Christian Jews were disorderly and dangerous to the public good. They had been banished for preaching that Jesus was the Messiah, and they went to Corinth and there established a business as manufacturers of tents. When Paul came to Corinth he solicited work from Aquila and Priscilla because he was of the same craft, and he abode with them and wrought at tentmaking. Paul himself came from a family of reputation, was a Cilician, and was a free-born Roman citizen, unlike others who obtained Roman freedom with a great sum.
At Corinth he labored for a year and six months and proved the divine character of his mission by raising up a flourishing church composed of Jews and Gentiles. The Gentile converts were more numerous than the Jewish converts, and many of them were truly converted, brought from darkness into the light of the gospel. They were in a more favorable condition than the Jews to receive the truth, for they were not walled in by the maxims and traditions of priests and elders. His going from place to place preaching the truth to those in the darkness of error calls workers today to make the world their field of labor, rather than to work for the churches only.
Tentmaking as Shared Trade
Paul was of the same craft as Aquila and Priscilla, and therefore he abode with them and wrought with them as a tentmaker to provide for his own needs. He supported himself by manual labor while also reasoning in the synagogue every Sabbath and persuading both Jews and Greeks. He had learned the trade in his youth, and though he was one of the most effectual missionary workers, a clear eloquent speaker able to meet adversaries on almost any ground and not behind the chiefest apostle, he labored at the humble occupation to avoid burdening others and to keep his preaching from being suspected as a way to gain money, even though as an apostle he could rightly have claimed support from his hearers. His self-supporting toil sustained his preaching and opened access to fellow workers whom he could reach with salvation as he worked alongside them.
His work was fashioning canvas with his hands to earn his bread, and the bread so earned was justly his as part of his apostolic service. Tentmaking did not bring returns as quickly as some other lines of business, so that at times only by the strictest economy could he supply his necessities. Skill in the trade had higher and lower branches, and Paul had learned the higher branches yet could also work at the common branches when circumstances demanded. He often worked in this way during his ministry to support himself and others, and his labor gave him access to people he might not otherwise have reached, showing that skill in ordinary crafts is a gift from God to be honored in everyday toil without weakening the force of ministry.
Tentmaking was the trade of humble working people practiced in Corinth, even as fishing was the trade in Galilee from which Christ chose co-laborers for salvation. Ordinary working men could thus be chosen to labor with Christ, and humble manual work was no barrier to lasting spiritual service but became a source of power felt through eternity. Aquila and Priscilla themselves earned their living by making tents, the same trade at which Paul stayed and worked with them. Their humble occupation did not prevent them from teaching Apollos more perfectly about Christ, and their instruction helped make him a stronger defender of the faith.
Why Paul Worked
Paul worked at his trade to support himself and others while traveling, preaching, winning converts, and caring for churches, and his self-supporting labor sustained his unwearied travel preaching Christ and establishing churches. He did this especially after he had spent his means advancing Christ's cause and supporting himself, returning to tentmaking to earn a living when he was not preaching. This was particularly needful in places where people might misunderstand his motives.
He worked so as not to burden believers or churches already pressed by poverty, and so as not to be chargeable to any man for food, clothing, or support. He labored day and night to avoid being chargeable to his brethren, at times suffering hunger himself to relieve others. He shared his earnings with Luke and helped Timothy obtain equipment for his journey.
Though as an apostle he could rightly have claimed support from his hearers, he gave up that right and chose not to be supported by the churches he founded. He did so that his preaching would not be suspected as a way to gain money. He did so that opponents would have no cause for reproach and no opportunity to misrepresent him and weaken his message.
He willingly worked when circumstances called for it, yet he did not consider the work wasted and did not let earning a living distract him from pressing toward his high calling. He could set his trade aside when duty, opposition to the gospel, or an opportunity to win souls required his attention, and return to it afterward.
He worked long hours supporting himself and helping meet others' needs, combining manual labor with teaching salvation. While working at his trade he spoke of the Saviour, helped those in trouble, and turned souls from error to truth. His life of self-denial and self-sacrifice fitted him to organize good works, since one correct example is worth more than many commands.
Training and Dignity of Labor
Paul had learned tentmaking in his youth in keeping with the Jewish custom of teaching every child a trade regardless of expected position or future eminence, so that after spending his means advancing Christ's cause and supporting himself he could earn a living by his own hands when he was not preaching. Though he had held an elevated position and had not previously depended on manual labor, he turned to his trade to provide for his necessities and to avoid burdening churches already pressed by poverty or giving occasion for suspicion about his motives. This training was regarded as essential even for a child to be educated for holy office, whether parents were rich or poor.
The requirement rested on direction given in the pillar of cloud and on God's command that every youth learn a trade so the people could earn their own bread and, knowing how hard money is to obtain, would not spend means foolishly. Even the wealthy as well as the poorer classes were to train sons and daughters in literary lines and also in some useful craft as an indispensable part of education, and pupils sustained themselves as husbandmen and mechanics, so that when adverse circumstances came they would not be dependent on others but would have ability to provide for their own necessities. Paul himself was an educated tentmaker who had also studied diligently under Gamaliel, and he had learned the higher branches of tentmaking yet could also work at the common branches when circumstances demanded, though tentmaking did not bring returns as quickly as some other business and at times only by strictest economy could he supply his necessities. While working at the trade with Aquila he labored to obtain means for support and at the same time gave a more thorough knowledge of Christ to those who heard him, showing that useful physical labor is part of the gospel.
Manual work was not considered degrading or strange even as late as the time of Christ, and Paul and Aquila were no less honored as religious teachers because they earned their livelihood by tentmaking. Ministry and manual labor go together, and such work is nothing to be ashamed of or afraid of and in no way lowers the work of the ministry. There is true dignity in labor, manual labor cannot be degrading, and it is not inconsistent with true greatness and elevation of human and Christian character.
Skill in ordinary crafts is a gift from God, and God is to be honored in everyday toil. The skill, genius and wisdom brought into workmanship are given by God to be used for His glory, as shown when, while working with Aquila, Paul repeated to fellow workers Christ's specifications to Moses for building the tabernacle and God's communications about that work, teaching that supreme honor is to be given to God. His labor supported himself and others and gave him access to people he might not otherwise have reached.
Paul's toil-worn and toil-hardened hands took nothing from the force of his sensible, intelligent, eloquent and pathetic appeals beyond any other prominent minister, and he did not consider the work wasted. Mechanical toil in any honorable line does not necessarily lessen anyone's influence and should not make a man coarse and rough and uncourteous, though ministers are not obligated in all respects to do as Paul did. Manual work does not lessen the force of Christian ministry.
Even though he was one of the most effectual missionary workers, a clear eloquent speaker able to meet adversaries on almost any ground and not behind the chiefest apostle, he still abode and worked at the humble occupation of tentmaking because he was of the same craft. Though exalted above the other apostles by Christ's revelation in his conversion by a voice and great light when persecuting Christians and by later visions in ministry of things not lawful for a man to utter, and though able to match eloquence with eloquence and philosophy with philosophy, he still did ordinary daily labor for support. This teaches that no one should spend time longing to do the impossible and forget common duties in the desire to do something great, but must climb the ladder round after round from the lowest even by painful effort, for success comes with diligent effort and such progress is of great value to the earnest striver for victory.
His example dignifies honest work and presents it as honorable, and his labor supported his ministry while he could set his trade aside when duty called and return to it afterward. His example teaches diligence and willingness to perform humble work rather than seeking ease, and willingly working at his trade when circumstances called for it did not lessen his readiness to set secular work aside when opposition to the gospel or an opportunity to win souls required his attention. As an apostle of the highest rank spending time in mechanical labor when to all appearances that time might have been put to better account in preaching, his laboring with his hands was itself preaching the Word, set against the sentiment then gaining influence that preaching the gospel excuses the minister from mechanical and physical labor. By it he meant to rebuke indolence and selfish ease and love of ease and indulgence, for ministers who neglect physical work become enfeebled, whereas by working with their hands young ministers would become sturdy with muscles and sinews strengthened. The Vaudois pastors followed him by learning a trade or profession so they could provide for their own support when needed.
Workshop as Gospel Witness
Paul's tent work supported himself and others, and working alongside fellow laborers gave him access to men he could not otherwise have reached and opened the way to bring salvation to them. While living and working with Aquila and Priscilla he taught the Scriptures and instructed them more perfectly in the truth. He labored to obtain means for support and in doing so gave a more thorough knowledge of Christ to those who heard him. While working with Aquila he stayed in touch with Christ, gave needed instruction in spiritual things, and educated believers in unity. In his trade he gave an example of diligence and thoroughness, as one diligent in business, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.
With Aquila and Priscilla he held praise and prayer meetings with those associated with them in tentmaking, making their work a testimony to the value of the truth. He brought his religion into the workshop, speaking words of faith and encouragement in a genuine, sensible way. Losing no opportunity to witness to those he contacted, he preached the gospel while at his trade, spoke of the Saviour, helped those in trouble, and turned many souls from error to truth. His unwearied self-supporting labor thus sustained constant travel from place to place preaching Christ and establishing churches.
His designs in tentmaking were ingenious and brought fresh methods. His business tact made him no less fervent and able in preaching the Word. While at work he was skillful, quick and intelligent with his hands, diligent in business and fervent in spirit in serving the Lord, and his laboring itself preached the Word. Many were brought to a knowledge of the truth by witnessing his faithful toil to support himself so as not to be dependent on anyone for food and clothing.
Ministry therefore includes service in useful, profitable manual labor and not only study and preaching, to keep all faculties healthy, provide self-support, and win souls. Useful physical labor is a part of the gospel. Every person is to be a worker with brain and muscle and sinew, dedicated without reserve to the service of God, bearing the tax on physical powers while at the same time advancing in spiritual knowledge and practicing what is taught.
Ordinary working men and humble toilers in Corinth, like the fishermen chosen in Galilee, could be chosen by Christ as co-laborers in the work of salvation, and humble manual work is no barrier to lasting spiritual service. Their daily business was not divided from religion, and their contented industry in the necessary duties of life reproves separating religion from business. From these humble men went forth a power that will be felt through all eternity. Workers in common business, sanctified by the Holy Spirit, can get the very best results in proclaiming present truth by timely speech and by short, pointed tracts and papers, refusing to be satisfied unless something is done and earnestly asking if they have done all they might in sowing seeds of truth.
Paul thus joined the labor of a craftsman with his highest ministry, both human and divine. His manual labor did not lessen his gospel work or his readiness to serve. He did common physical labor without feeling belittled, degraded, or discontented.
Paul was of the same craft as Aquila and Priscilla, so he stayed with them in Corinth and worked with his hands making tents to earn his bread while reasoning in the synagogue every Sabbath and persuading Jews and Greeks. Aquila and Priscilla were Christian Jews banished from Rome who had established their tentmaking business in Corinth, and Paul, though a free-born Roman citizen of reputable family, solicited work from them and labored with them. Though as an apostle he could rightly have claimed support, he gave up that right and labored day and night so as not to burden poor believers or be chargeable to any man, and so his preaching would not be suspected as a way to gain money or give opponents cause for reproach. He had learned the trade in his youth according to the Jewish custom of teaching every child a useful craft, showing that manual labor has true dignity and is not inconsistent with true greatness of human and Christian character. His workshop itself became a witness, for as he toiled ingeniously and faithfully to support himself and help others he brought religion into his daily labor, taught Scripture, held prayer with fellow workers, and turned many from error to truth.
Corinth and Its Workers
The verse belongs to Paul's stay with Aquila and Priscilla in his work at Corinth. It took place in the first century of the Christian era, when Corinth was one of the leading cities not only of Greece but of the world. Its streets were thronged with Greeks, Jews, and Romans, with travelers from every land eagerly intent on business and pleasure. The city was deeply idolatrous and immoral, yet as a great commercial center situated within easy access of all parts of the Roman empire it was an important place in which to establish memorials for God and His truth.
Aquila and Priscilla were Christian Jews banished from Rome after unbelieving Jews stirred up envy and opposition and complained that the Christian Jews were disorderly and dangerous to the public good. They had been banished for preaching that Jesus was the Messiah, and they went to Corinth and there established a business as manufacturers of tents. When Paul came to Corinth he solicited work from Aquila and Priscilla because he was of the same craft, and he abode with them and wrought at tentmaking. Paul himself came from a family of reputation, was a Cilician, and was a free-born Roman citizen, unlike others who obtained Roman freedom with a great sum.
At Corinth he labored for a year and six months and proved the divine character of his mission by raising up a flourishing church composed of Jews and Gentiles. The Gentile converts were more numerous than the Jewish converts, and many of them were truly converted, brought from darkness into the light of the gospel. They were in a more favorable condition than the Jews to receive the truth, for they were not walled in by the maxims and traditions of priests and elders. His going from place to place preaching the truth to those in the darkness of error calls workers today to make the world their field of labor, rather than to work for the churches only.
Tentmaking as Shared Trade
Paul was of the same craft as Aquila and Priscilla, and therefore he abode with them and wrought with them as a tentmaker to provide for his own needs. He supported himself by manual labor while also reasoning in the synagogue every Sabbath and persuading both Jews and Greeks. He had learned the trade in his youth, and though he was one of the most effectual missionary workers, a clear eloquent speaker able to meet adversaries on almost any ground and not behind the chiefest apostle, he labored at the humble occupation to avoid burdening others and to keep his preaching from being suspected as a way to gain money, even though as an apostle he could rightly have claimed support from his hearers. His self-supporting toil sustained his preaching and opened access to fellow workers whom he could reach with salvation as he worked alongside them.
His work was fashioning canvas with his hands to earn his bread, and the bread so earned was justly his as part of his apostolic service. Tentmaking did not bring returns as quickly as some other lines of business, so that at times only by the strictest economy could he supply his necessities. Skill in the trade had higher and lower branches, and Paul had learned the higher branches yet could also work at the common branches when circumstances demanded. He often worked in this way during his ministry to support himself and others, and his labor gave him access to people he might not otherwise have reached, showing that skill in ordinary crafts is a gift from God to be honored in everyday toil without weakening the force of ministry.
Tentmaking was the trade of humble working people practiced in Corinth, even as fishing was the trade in Galilee from which Christ chose co-laborers for salvation. Ordinary working men could thus be chosen to labor with Christ, and humble manual work was no barrier to lasting spiritual service but became a source of power felt through eternity. Aquila and Priscilla themselves earned their living by making tents, the same trade at which Paul stayed and worked with them. Their humble occupation did not prevent them from teaching Apollos more perfectly about Christ, and their instruction helped make him a stronger defender of the faith.
Why Paul Worked
Paul worked at his trade to support himself and others while traveling, preaching, winning converts, and caring for churches, and his self-supporting labor sustained his unwearied travel preaching Christ and establishing churches. He did this especially after he had spent his means advancing Christ's cause and supporting himself, returning to tentmaking to earn a living when he was not preaching. This was particularly needful in places where people might misunderstand his motives.
He worked so as not to burden believers or churches already pressed by poverty, and so as not to be chargeable to any man for food, clothing, or support. He labored day and night to avoid being chargeable to his brethren, at times suffering hunger himself to relieve others. He shared his earnings with Luke and helped Timothy obtain equipment for his journey.
Though as an apostle he could rightly have claimed support from his hearers, he gave up that right and chose not to be supported by the churches he founded. He did so that his preaching would not be suspected as a way to gain money. He did so that opponents would have no cause for reproach and no opportunity to misrepresent him and weaken his message.
He willingly worked when circumstances called for it, yet he did not consider the work wasted and did not let earning a living distract him from pressing toward his high calling. He could set his trade aside when duty, opposition to the gospel, or an opportunity to win souls required his attention, and return to it afterward.
He worked long hours supporting himself and helping meet others' needs, combining manual labor with teaching salvation. While working at his trade he spoke of the Saviour, helped those in trouble, and turned souls from error to truth. His life of self-denial and self-sacrifice fitted him to organize good works, since one correct example is worth more than many commands.
Training and Dignity of Labor
Paul had learned tentmaking in his youth in keeping with the Jewish custom of teaching every child a trade regardless of expected position or future eminence, so that after spending his means advancing Christ's cause and supporting himself he could earn a living by his own hands when he was not preaching. Though he had held an elevated position and had not previously depended on manual labor, he turned to his trade to provide for his necessities and to avoid burdening churches already pressed by poverty or giving occasion for suspicion about his motives. This training was regarded as essential even for a child to be educated for holy office, whether parents were rich or poor.
The requirement rested on direction given in the pillar of cloud and on God's command that every youth learn a trade so the people could earn their own bread and, knowing how hard money is to obtain, would not spend means foolishly. Even the wealthy as well as the poorer classes were to train sons and daughters in literary lines and also in some useful craft as an indispensable part of education, and pupils sustained themselves as husbandmen and mechanics, so that when adverse circumstances came they would not be dependent on others but would have ability to provide for their own necessities. Paul himself was an educated tentmaker who had also studied diligently under Gamaliel, and he had learned the higher branches of tentmaking yet could also work at the common branches when circumstances demanded, though tentmaking did not bring returns as quickly as some other business and at times only by strictest economy could he supply his necessities. While working at the trade with Aquila he labored to obtain means for support and at the same time gave a more thorough knowledge of Christ to those who heard him, showing that useful physical labor is part of the gospel.
Manual work was not considered degrading or strange even as late as the time of Christ, and Paul and Aquila were no less honored as religious teachers because they earned their livelihood by tentmaking. Ministry and manual labor go together, and such work is nothing to be ashamed of or afraid of and in no way lowers the work of the ministry. There is true dignity in labor, manual labor cannot be degrading, and it is not inconsistent with true greatness and elevation of human and Christian character.
Skill in ordinary crafts is a gift from God, and God is to be honored in everyday toil. The skill, genius and wisdom brought into workmanship are given by God to be used for His glory, as shown when, while working with Aquila, Paul repeated to fellow workers Christ's specifications to Moses for building the tabernacle and God's communications about that work, teaching that supreme honor is to be given to God. His labor supported himself and others and gave him access to people he might not otherwise have reached.
Paul's toil-worn and toil-hardened hands took nothing from the force of his sensible, intelligent, eloquent and pathetic appeals beyond any other prominent minister, and he did not consider the work wasted. Mechanical toil in any honorable line does not necessarily lessen anyone's influence and should not make a man coarse and rough and uncourteous, though ministers are not obligated in all respects to do as Paul did. Manual work does not lessen the force of Christian ministry.
Even though he was one of the most effectual missionary workers, a clear eloquent speaker able to meet adversaries on almost any ground and not behind the chiefest apostle, he still abode and worked at the humble occupation of tentmaking because he was of the same craft. Though exalted above the other apostles by Christ's revelation in his conversion by a voice and great light when persecuting Christians and by later visions in ministry of things not lawful for a man to utter, and though able to match eloquence with eloquence and philosophy with philosophy, he still did ordinary daily labor for support. This teaches that no one should spend time longing to do the impossible and forget common duties in the desire to do something great, but must climb the ladder round after round from the lowest even by painful effort, for success comes with diligent effort and such progress is of great value to the earnest striver for victory.
His example dignifies honest work and presents it as honorable, and his labor supported his ministry while he could set his trade aside when duty called and return to it afterward. His example teaches diligence and willingness to perform humble work rather than seeking ease, and willingly working at his trade when circumstances called for it did not lessen his readiness to set secular work aside when opposition to the gospel or an opportunity to win souls required his attention. As an apostle of the highest rank spending time in mechanical labor when to all appearances that time might have been put to better account in preaching, his laboring with his hands was itself preaching the Word, set against the sentiment then gaining influence that preaching the gospel excuses the minister from mechanical and physical labor. By it he meant to rebuke indolence and selfish ease and love of ease and indulgence, for ministers who neglect physical work become enfeebled, whereas by working with their hands young ministers would become sturdy with muscles and sinews strengthened. The Vaudois pastors followed him by learning a trade or profession so they could provide for their own support when needed.
Workshop as Gospel Witness
Paul's tent work supported himself and others, and working alongside fellow laborers gave him access to men he could not otherwise have reached and opened the way to bring salvation to them. While living and working with Aquila and Priscilla he taught the Scriptures and instructed them more perfectly in the truth. He labored to obtain means for support and in doing so gave a more thorough knowledge of Christ to those who heard him. While working with Aquila he stayed in touch with Christ, gave needed instruction in spiritual things, and educated believers in unity. In his trade he gave an example of diligence and thoroughness, as one diligent in business, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.
With Aquila and Priscilla he held praise and prayer meetings with those associated with them in tentmaking, making their work a testimony to the value of the truth. He brought his religion into the workshop, speaking words of faith and encouragement in a genuine, sensible way. Losing no opportunity to witness to those he contacted, he preached the gospel while at his trade, spoke of the Saviour, helped those in trouble, and turned many souls from error to truth. His unwearied self-supporting labor thus sustained constant travel from place to place preaching Christ and establishing churches.
His designs in tentmaking were ingenious and brought fresh methods. His business tact made him no less fervent and able in preaching the Word. While at work he was skillful, quick and intelligent with his hands, diligent in business and fervent in spirit in serving the Lord, and his laboring itself preached the Word. Many were brought to a knowledge of the truth by witnessing his faithful toil to support himself so as not to be dependent on anyone for food and clothing.
Ministry therefore includes service in useful, profitable manual labor and not only study and preaching, to keep all faculties healthy, provide self-support, and win souls. Useful physical labor is a part of the gospel. Every person is to be a worker with brain and muscle and sinew, dedicated without reserve to the service of God, bearing the tax on physical powers while at the same time advancing in spiritual knowledge and practicing what is taught.
Ordinary working men and humble toilers in Corinth, like the fishermen chosen in Galilee, could be chosen by Christ as co-laborers in the work of salvation, and humble manual work is no barrier to lasting spiritual service. Their daily business was not divided from religion, and their contented industry in the necessary duties of life reproves separating religion from business. From these humble men went forth a power that will be felt through all eternity. Workers in common business, sanctified by the Holy Spirit, can get the very best results in proclaiming present truth by timely speech and by short, pointed tracts and papers, refusing to be satisfied unless something is done and earnestly asking if they have done all they might in sowing seeds of truth.
Paul thus joined the labor of a craftsman with his highest ministry, both human and divine. His manual labor did not lessen his gospel work or his readiness to serve. He did common physical labor without feeling belittled, degraded, or discontented.