Why did Paul sometimes need to work as a tent-maker to support himself?
Acts 18:1 - 3
ESV - 1 After this Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. 2 And he found a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to leave Rome. And he went to see them.
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Asked October 05 2015
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Edward Osei Tutu
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Singapore Moses
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► Paul was a tentmaker and making tents as a trade to support his life and God called him for a global service demanding all his time! Among Jews, the boys were all compelled to learn trades. It was considered disreputable not to be acquainted with some branch of handicraft. A practical knowledge of a trade was regarded as an asset of personal independence. The Rabbis said, "Whosoever does not teach his son a trade is as if he brought him up to be a robber". Tentmakers wove the black cloth of goat or camel's hair of which tents were made. Paul supported himself in certain places weaving tents for those who wanted (Acts 20:34; 1Cor. 4:12; 1Th. 2:9; 2Th. 3:8). ► As per 1 Cor 4:12, Paul was working with his own hands to feed himself (Acts 18:3; 20:34; 1Th. 2:9; 2Th. 3:8) ► Paul has supplied all his basic necessities himself and others who were with him. (Acts 20:34) and for reasons given in 2Cor. 11:9-12. ► It appears that he had not taken money from any of the churches in this region of Greece as per Acts 20:34. Paul was coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel from anyone or from any Church. This is the characteristic of a true minister. Wolves are known by their greed, selfish interests, and other fruits (Mt. 7:15; cp. 1Sam. 12:3-5).
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