Tentmaker by Trade

 

I have read the Book of Acts a few times, but I did not recall that Paul, the apostle whose ministry was primarily to the Gentiles, was a tentmaker.

In his day, it was the custom that every Jewish boy should learn a trade; Jesus was a carpenter and Paul, as a young Saul, learned to make tents, more than likely in his native Tarsus.

In the Acts of the Apostles, chapter 18:1-3, we are told that when Paul went to Corinth from Athens, he became closely acquainted with Aquila and his wife Priscilla, a Jewish couple with whom he lived and worked, for they were tentmakers just as he was.

You know that these hands of mine have worked to supply my own needs and even the needs of those who were with me. – Acts 20:34 (NLT)

Though not explicitly mentioned, we can conclude that the work Paul was referring to in this verse and others (see 1 Thessalonians 2:9 and 2 Thessalonians 3:8), was tentmaking.

Paul, as a faithful apostle, can be likened to the very tents he made, as he covered the Gentiles who came to know Christ through his teachings and guidance.

Paul’s hard work to supply his own needs and the needs of others is an example of selfless service; he sustained himself and his ministry through honest labour and did not engage in the wanton fleecing of one’s congregation for personal gain that we often see in some churches today.

Beloved, this tentmaker by trade demonstrated true Christian leadership, where his teaching was accompanied by communal care and responsibility, and generosity.

Especially in these times of a seeking-personal-gain culture, let’s determine to follow Paul’s example of selfless service to others.

Amen †

Shelley Johnson “Tentmaker by Trade” © 2026 November 12, 2026

 

 

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