and because he was of the same trade he stayed with them and worked, for they were tentmakers by trade.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul's decision to work as a tentmaker isn't just about making a living; it's a profound statement about his identity and mission. By practicing the same trade as Aquila and Priscilla, he embraces his Jewish heritage and demonstrates his commitment to serving all people, showing he doesn't expect them to support him financially. This humble labor was a deliberate choice, allowing him to connect with people on their level and avoid any suspicion of seeking personal gain from his ministry.
and because he was of the same trade he stayed with them and worked, for they were tentmakers by trade.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Arriving in Corinth, Paul seeks out a couple named Aquila and Priscilla, Jewish believers who have recently come from Rome. Because Paul shares their trade of tentmaking, he stays with them and works alongside them, supporting himself through manual labor rather than relying on others. This common craft allows him to establish a base in Corinth and begin his ministry there, reasoning with both Jews and Greeks in the synagogue.
Paul arrived in Corinth, a major Roman city, but didn't rely on wealthy patrons. Instead, he immediately picked up his trade and worked alongside Aquila and Priscilla.
A Rabbi's Hands at Work
Jewish tradition, from the earliest times, placed immense value on manual labor. It wasn't just about making a living; it was seen as essential for a balanced life, preventing idleness and dependency. Even the most learned scholars, like Paul, were expected to learn a trade. This wasn't a sign of failure or a lesser calling, but a mark of wisdom and self-sufficiency.
What exactly did Paul and Aquila make? The trade of tentmaking was more than just a simple craft; it was a vital service in the ancient world.
More Than Just Tents
The word for 'tentmaker' likely refers to working with coarse cloth, often made from goat hair. This material was durable and essential for many aspects of life in the Roman Empire.
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Paul didn't just work alongside Aquila and Priscilla; he moved in with them and shared their trade. This had profound implications for his ministry.
Ministry in the Workshop
Paul's decision to work as a tentmaker wasn't just about survival; it was a strategic part of his mission. It allowed him to:
This integration of honest work and spiritual mission is a powerful model for how faith can permeate every area of life.
Paul's willingness to work as a tentmaker alongside Aquila and Priscilla in Corinth highlights a deeply ingrained Jewish tradition of rabbis learning a trade, ensuring self-sufficiency and demonstrating solidarity with the community.
c. 40s AD
Aquila and Priscilla Flee Rome
Emperor Claudius expelled Jews from Rome, forcing Aquila and Priscilla to leave the city and relocate to Corinth.
c. 50-52 AD— this verse
Paul Arrives and Works in Corinth
Paul, also a tentmaker, arrives in Corinth and joins Aquila and Priscilla, working alongside them to support themselves.
c. 52 AD
Paul's Ministry in Corinth
Paul begins teaching in the synagogue but eventually moves to a nearby house as his ministry expands beyond the Jewish community.
c. 52 AD
Paul Departs Corinth for Ephesus
After a significant ministry in Corinth, Paul leaves the city, taking Aquila and Priscilla with him.
This passage directly reflects Paul's reasoning for working with his hands, choosing not to be a financial burden on the churches he ministered to, even though he had the right to be supported.
2 Thessalonians 3:8-10Here, Paul explicitly states his practice of working for a living, even while serving the Lord, to set an example and avoid being a burden, mirroring the situation in Acts 18.
Philippians 4:12-13This shows Paul's deep contentment and self-sufficiency in all circumstances, whether facing plenty or hardship, which underpins his ability to work and rely on God's provision.
Mark 6:3This passage identifies Jesus himself as a 'carpenter' (or craftsman), highlighting the ancient Jewish tradition and value placed on manual labor, even for those deeply devoted to spiritual matters, a tradition Paul clearly followed.
Genesis 3:19This foundational verse, stating 'by the sweat of your face you shall eat bread,' establishes the principle of labor being a consequence of the Fall, but also a means of sustenance and dignity that Paul embraced.
ellicottActs 18:3: "And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers."
(3) Because he was of the same craft. —The calling was one which St. Paul had probably learnt and practised in his native city, which was noted then, as now, for the rough goat’s-hair fabrics known to the Romans, from the name of the province, as Cilicium ( = sack-cloth). The material was one used for the sails of ships and for tents, and on the whole, though some ha…
pooleActs 18:3: "And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers."
Of the same craft; the most learned amongst the Jews did always learn some handicraft, and it was one of those things which they held a father was bound to do for his child, viz. to teach him some trade. And one of their rabbi’s sayings is, That whosoever does not teach his child a trade, does as bad as if he did teach him to play the thief. And wrought; St. Paul wro…
Paul's decision to work as a tentmaker isn't just about making a living; it's a profound statement about his identity and mission. By practicing the same trade as Aquila and Priscilla, he embraces his Jewish heritage and demonstrates his commitment to serving all people, showing he doesn't expect them to support him financially. This humble labor was a deliberate choice, allowing him to connect with people on their level and avoid any suspicion of seeking personal gain from his ministry.
Arriving in Corinth, Paul seeks out a couple named Aquila and Priscilla, Jewish believers who have recently come from Rome. Because Paul shares their trade of tentmaking, he stays with them and works alongside them, supporting himself through manual labor rather than relying on others. This common craft allows him to establish a base in Corinth and begin his ministry there, reasoning with both Jews and Greeks in the synagogue.
Arriving in Corinth, Paul seeks out a couple named Aquila and Priscilla, Jewish believers who have recently come from Rome. Because Paul shares their trade of tentmaking, he stays with them and works alongside them, supporting himself through manual labor rather than relying on others. This common craft allows him to establish a base in Corinth and begin his ministry there, reasoning with both Jews and Greeks in the synagogue.
"and because he was of the same trade he stayed with them and worked, for they were tentmakers by trade." — Paul's decision to work as a tentmaker isn't just about making a living; it's a profound statement about his identity and mission. By practicing the same trade as Aquila and Priscilla, he embraces hi…
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Last reviewed October 2026