3 So, because he was of the same trade, he stayed with them and worked; for by occupation they were tentmakers. 4 And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and persuaded both Jews and Greeks. 5When Silas and Timothy had come from Macedonia, Paul was compelled by the Spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus is the Christ.
18:3
So, because he was of the same trade, he stayed with them and worked; for by occupation they were tentmakers.
After discovering the Jewish man Aquila and his wife Priscilla (her formal name was Prisca) were tentmakers by trade, the apostle stayed with them and worked at his tentmaking. This verse is the only reference in the Bible to Paul as a tentmaker.
18:4
And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and persuaded both Jews and Greeks.
Per usual, Paul went to the synagogue every Sabbath to win Jews to their Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ. He not only shared Christ with Jews but with Gentiles as well.
18:5
When Silas and Timothy had come from Macedonia, Paul was compelled by the Spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus is the Christ.
Finally, Silas and Timothy arrived in Corinth from Berea in Macedonia (Acts 17:15). Upon the two’s arrival, Paul preached to the Jews that Jesus was the Christ (Messiah).
The two brought financial aid from Macedonia (2 Co 11:9; Php 4:15). Now it was no longer necessary for Paul to apply his tentmaking trade. Now he could devote himself to preaching. Timothy also brought a wonderful report from Thessalonica (1 Th 3:6-8).
PRINCIPLE:
A good pattern of ministry is to serve in teams.
APPLICATION:
In our passage, Paul ministered with Aquila and Priscilla and with Silas and Timothy. Aquila and Priscilla ministered to Paul, not he to them. The apostle depended on them for over sixteen years in three different cities: Corinth, Ephesus, and Rome. Silas and Timothy were regular companions in ministry.
