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Acts 18:3

King James Version (KJV)

And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers.

Translations

Acts 18:3 - Amplified Bible

And because he was of the same occupation, he stayed with them; and they worked [together], for they were tentmakers by trade.

Acts 18:3 - American Standard Version

and because he was of the same trade, he abode with them, and they wrought, for by their trade they were tentmakers.

Acts 18:3 - Bible in Basic English

And because he was of the same trade, he was living with them, and they did their work together; for by trade they were tent-makers.

Acts 18:3 - Darby Bible

and because they were of the same trade abode with them, and wrought. For they were tent-makers by trade.

Acts 18:3 - English Standard Version

and because he was of the same trade he stayed with them and worked, for they were tentmakers by trade.

Acts 18:3 - King James Version

And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers.

Acts 18:3 - La Biblia de las Americas

y como él era del mismo oficio, se quedò con ellos y trabajaban juntos, pues el oficio de ellos era hacer tiendas.

Acts 18:3 - The Message

Acts 18:3 - New American Standard Bible

and because he was of the same trade, he stayed with them and they were working, for by trade they were tent-makers.

Acts 18:3 - Nueva Biblia Latinoamericana de Hoy

y como él era del mismo oficio, se quedò con ellos y trabajaban juntos, pues el oficio de ellos era hacer tiendas de campaña.

Acts 18:3 - World English Bible

and because he practiced the same trade, he lived with them and worked, for by trade they were tent makers.

Acts 18:3 - Young's Living Translation

and because of being of the same craft, he did remain with them, and was working, for they were tent-makers as to craft;

Acts 18:3 - Additional Comments

Though Paul was bred a scholar, he we see he also had a handicraft skill. It was the custom of the Jews to bring up their children to some trade, even though they gave them learning or estates. Rabbi Judah says, "He that teaches not his son a trade is as if he taught him to be a thief." Paul, though a Pharisee, and bred up at the feet of Gamaliel (Acts 22:3), yet, having in his youth learned to make tents, did not by disuse lose the art. An honest trade, by which a man may earn a living, is not to be looked upon with contempt.
Tents at that time were usually made of leather or animal skins, as was the outer covering of the tabernacle (Num 4:4-6).
Paul, the hardworking preacher and scholar, was not above also spending time in his trade, and being a hardworker with his hands. He was willing to provide for himself with his own labour, that he might not make the gospel of Christ burdensome - 2 Cor 11:7, 2 Thess 3:8-9. He didn't have the attitude that all funds should be gifts to him. This shows he focused more on how he could minister, rather than be ministered to. How many of those who attend church are ministered to week after week, but are never willing to "make tents", to minister to others? How can you minister to others? How about gifts, meals, phone calls, letters of appreciation, prayer, babysitting, mowing yards, encouraging words?
How would you describe today's families? Busy? What activities did you do this week together as a family?
Whenever Aquila & Priscilla are mentioned in the Scripture, they are mentioned together. God desires families to serve Him together. Why?
Notice the hospitality of Aquila and Priscilla. One of the greatest ways to serve God as a family is invite people to your home.
The difference between entertaining and practicing hospitality - Entertaining focuses on YOU, while hospitality focuses on THEM. Our homes are a sacred place to us. When we share them with others they feel very honored & special. See also notes on 2 Kings 4:8, John 13:2, 1 Pet 4:9.
Their hospitality had to have been an encouragement to Paul. Paul's ministry had to have met many challenges. It must have been a great blessing for him to return in the evenings to eat, fellowship, and pray with Aquila & Priscilla. This couple was an essential part of the successful establishment of a church in this wicked city.
Christian leaders today need encouragement! They need emotional, physical and spiritual support from Christian families.
Imagine the benefits that this couple received by having Paul stay with them. (learning under one of the greatest leaders). Those who give of themselves also receive a great blessing in return.

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