“After these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth; And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla; (because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome:) and came unto them. And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers.” (Acts 18:1–3)
In this verse we have something I’d like for us to take notice of.
First, we read of Aquila. The fact he was a tentmaker ought to be of no surprise to us. A man ought to earn a living to support his family. Even unbelievers realize this (in most cases).
“But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.” (1 Timothy 5:8)
Then in our text, we are introduced to Aquila’s wife, Priscila who was also a tentmaker. That may surprise some folks who believe that women are only supposed to be homemakers. While it is true that her primary responsibility is in the home (Titus 2:5) it does not mean that is the only place she should be.
There are times when women may need to be in the workforce….even a Godly wife may need to go to earn a paycheck to help pay the bills. In this current economy with inflation skyrocketing the sooner people realize this the better. It is not a sin for women to work outside the home. She is a help meet for her husband. I applaud the women who will do that willingly to help their husband, and children.
The last person I want to mention from our text is Paul. He was a missionary, but he worked. Yes, he gathered in some support from other churches:
“I robbed other churches, taking wages of them, to do you service.” (2 Corinthians 11:8)
He also worked to support himself and his ministry.
“Neither did we eat any man’s bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you:” (2 Thessalonians 3:8, KJV 1900)
All of this is true, and we must not miss it, but we also must realize that Paul did not allow the work he needed to do to support himself financially consume his time and energy to the point that he neglected the Lord.
“And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks.” (Acts 18:4)
Times are tough, but make sure you make time for prayer, Bible reading, witnessing, and be sure to be in church every Sunday. God bless!