WHEN YOU CROSS CULTURES - World Evangelical Alliance

THE PRACTICE OF TENTMAKING
185
Tentmakers actually made and repaired a variety of leather goods, not
just tents. Paul could be described as a leather-worker (Greek, skenopoioi) rather
than just a manufacturer of tents. This was a common trade in his home province
of Cilicia, which produced a fabric made from goats’ skins called cilicium.
Although he defended the legitimacy of the full-time Christian worker,
quoting Jesus’ teaching that “the worker is worthy of his hire”, Paul worked to
support himself as a matter of “principle”. He did not refuse support when it
was given and expressed gratitude to those who gave to him. But he also worked
because of significant reasons.
PAUL’S REASONS FOR TENTMAKING
Paul did not work primarily because he was anxious about meeting his
own needs. He knew that God would provide for his needs. On all occasions,
he was well provided for by the Lord.
We first learn that Paul practised the business of tentmaking in Acts 18.
When in the city of Corinth, Paul teamed up with fellow-workers, Aquila and
Priscilla, a couple who were also tentmakers. We are not told of the length of
time that Paul worked as a tentmaker, but we are informed that when Silas and
Timothy joined them from Macedonia, Paul devoted himself “exclusively to
preaching”. Financial support could have been brought from believers in Philippi
(Philippians 4:15). Paul stayed on in Corinth for some time.
What is of particular significance at this stage is the fact that Paul did not
allow the Corinthian Christians to provide for his financial support. Indeed, in
his letter to them, he gives a lengthy statement (in 1 Corinthians 9) explaining
the reasons why he had every right to receive financial support from the church,
but he chose not to do so.
1 For the Gospel’s Sake
Paul chose to financially support himself for the sake of the Gospel. He
did not want to hinder the Gospel. He wanted to win some by all possible
means. He could preach the Gospel freely and offer it “free of charge”. 5 That in
itself was his reward. Paul could not be accused of seeking personal or dishonest
gain. In Thessalonica, his opponents had likely accused him of having false
motives. To the Thessalonians, he could declare the purity of his motives as his
life and hard work were evident to all. 6
2 Not to Burden Anyone
Another reason for working and supporting himself was his desire not
to burden any of the Corinthians in any way. 7 He could say with deep conviction
5 1 Corinthians 9:18-23; 2 Corinthians 11:7, 8
6 1 Thessalonians 2:3-6, 9
7 2 Corinthians 11:9; 12:13-16