Acts 18:3 and he stayed and worked with them because they were tentmakers by trade, just as he was.

◄ Acts 18:3 ►

New International Version
and because he was a tentmaker as they were, he stayed and worked with them.

New Living Translation
Paul lived and worked with them, for they were tentmakers just as he was.

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

Berean Standard Bible
and he stayed and worked with them because they were tentmakers by trade, just as he was.

Berean Literal Bible
and because of being of the same trade, he stayed with them and worked. For they were tentmakers by the trade.

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

New King James Version
So, because he was of the same trade, he stayed with them and worked; for by occupation they were tentmakers.

New American Standard Bible
and because he was of the same trade he stayed with them, and they worked together, for they were tent-makers by trade.

NASB 1995
and because he was of the same trade, he stayed with them and they were working, for by trade they were tent-makers.

NASB 1977
and because he was of the same trade, he stayed with them and they were working; for by trade they were tent-makers.

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

Amplified Bible
and because he was of the same trade, he stayed with them; and they worked together for they were tent-makers.

Christian Standard Bible
and since they were of the same occupation, tentmakers by trade, he stayed with them and worked.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
and being of the same occupation, stayed with them and worked, for they were tentmakers by trade.

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.

Contemporary English Version
and found out they were tent makers. Paul was also a tent maker, so he stayed with them, and they worked together.

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

GOD'S WORD® Translation
and because they made tents for a living as he did, he stayed with them and they worked together.

Good News Translation
and stayed and worked with them, because he earned his living by making tents, just as they did.

International Standard Version
and because they had the same trade he stayed with them. They worked together because they were tentmakers by trade.

Majority Standard Bible
and he stayed and worked with them because they were tentmakers by trade, just as he was.

NET Bible
and because he worked at the same trade, he stayed with them and worked with them (for they were tentmakers by trade).

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

Webster's Bible Translation
And because he was of the same occupation, he abode with them, and wrought (for by their occupation they were tent-makers)

Weymouth New Testament
and because he was of the same trade--that of tent-maker--he lodged with them and worked with them.

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

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
and because of being of the same craft, he remained with them, and was working, for they were tentmakers as to craft;

Berean Literal Bible
and because of being of the same trade, he stayed with them and worked. For they were tentmakers by the trade.

Young's Literal 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;

Smith's Literal Translation
And because being of the same trade, he remained with them, and wrought: for they were by trade tentmakers.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
And because he was of the same trade, he remained with them, and wrought; (now they were tentmakers by trade.)

Catholic Public Domain Version
And because he was of the same trade, he lodged with them and was working. (Now they were tentmakers by trade.)

New American Bible
and, because he practiced the same trade, stayed with them and worked, for they were tentmakers by trade.

New Revised Standard Version
and, because he was of the same trade, he stayed with them, and they worked together—by trade they were tentmakers.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
And because he was of the same trade, he stayed with them and worked with them: for they were saddle makers by trade.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And because he was a member of their craft, he stayed with them, and he was working with them in their craft, for they were Tentmakers.

NT Translations

Anderson New Testament
and because he was of the same trade, he made his home with them, and worked: for by trade they were tent-makers.

Godbey New Testament
and because they were of the same craft, abode with them, and they labored: for they were tentmakers by trade.

Haweis New Testament
And as he was of the same occupation, he abode with them, and worked, (for by trade they were tent-makers:)

Mace New Testament
and being of the same trade, he liv'd with them, and follow'd the business of tent-making, every sabbath he disputed in the synagogue,

Weymouth New Testament
and because he was of the same trade--that of tent-maker--he lodged with them and worked with them.

Worrell New Testament
and, because he was of the same trade, he abode with them, and they labored; for by occupation they were tent-makers.

Worsley New Testament
and as he was of the same trade, he staid and worked with them: for they were tent-makers.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Paul's Ministry in Corinth
…2There he found a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla because Claudius had ordered all the Jews to leave Rome. Paul went to visit them, 3and he stayed and worked with them because they were tentmakers by trade, just as he was. 4Every Sabbath he reasoned in the synagogue, trying to persuade Jews and Greeks alike.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

1 Corinthians 4:12
We work hard with our own hands. When we are vilified, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it;

1 Thessalonians 2:9
Surely you recall, brothers, our labor and toil. We worked night and day so that we would not be a burden to anyone while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God.

2 Thessalonians 3:8
nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. Instead, in labor and toil, we worked night and day so that we would not be a burden to any of you.

1 Corinthians 9:6-7
Or are Barnabas and I the only apostles who must work for a living? / Who serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat of its fruit? Who tends a flock and does not drink of its milk?

Philippians 4:14-16
Nevertheless, you have done well to share in my affliction. / And as you Philippians know, in the early days of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church but you partnered with me in the matter of giving and receiving. / For even while I was in Thessalonica, you provided for my needs again and again.

2 Corinthians 11:9
And when I was with you and in need, I was not a burden to anyone; for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied my needs. I have refrained from being a burden to you in any way, and I will continue to do so.

Ephesians 4:28
He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing good with his own hands, that he may have something to share with the one in need.

1 Corinthians 9:14-15
In the same way, the Lord has prescribed that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel. / But I have not used any of these rights. And I am not writing this to suggest that something be done for me. Indeed, I would rather die than let anyone nullify my boast.

1 Timothy 5:18
For the Scripture says, “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,” and, “The worker is worthy of his wages.”

1 Corinthians 9:18
What then is my reward? That in preaching the gospel I may offer it free of charge, and so not use up my rights in preaching it.

1 Corinthians 9:11-12
If we have sown spiritual seed among you, is it too much for us to reap a material harvest from you? / If others have this right to your support, shouldn’t we have it all the more? But we did not exercise this right. Instead, we put up with anything rather than hinder the gospel of Christ.

1 Corinthians 9:19
Though I am free of obligation to anyone, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible.

1 Corinthians 9:1-2
Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are you yourselves not my workmanship in the Lord? / Even if I am not an apostle to others, surely I am to you. For you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord.

1 Corinthians 9:3-5
This is my defense to those who scrutinize me: / Have we no right to food and to drink? / Have we no right to take along a believing wife, as do the other apostles and the Lord’s brothers and Cephas?

1 Corinthians 9:8-10
Do I say this from a human perspective? Doesn’t the Law say the same thing? / For it is written in the Law of Moses: “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain.” Is it about oxen that God is concerned? / Isn’t He actually speaking on our behalf? Indeed, this was written for us, because when the plowman plows and the thresher threshes, they should also expect to share in the harvest.

Treasury of Scripture

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

and wrought.

Acts 20:34,35
Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me…

1 Corinthians 4:12
And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it:

1 Corinthians 9:6-12
Or I only and Barnabas, have not we power to forbear working? …

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Abode Craft Lodged Makers Occupation Practiced Tent Together Trade Work Worked Working Wrought

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Abode Craft Lodged Makers Occupation Practiced Tent Together Trade Work Worked Working Wrought

Acts 18

1. Paul labors with his hands, and preaches at Corinth to the Gentiles.
9. The Lord encourages him in a vision.
12. He is accused before Gallio the deputy, but is dismissed.
18. Afterwards passing from city to city, he strengthens the disciples.
24. Apollos, being instructed by Aquila and Priscilla, preaches Christ boldly.

Berean Study Bible

And because he was of the same trade
This phrase highlights the commonality between Paul and Aquila, both being tentmakers. The Greek word for "trade" is "τέχνη" (technē), which implies a skill or craft. In the ancient world, trades were often passed down through families, and it was customary for Jewish rabbis to have a trade to support themselves. This reflects the Jewish value of self-sufficiency and the dignity of labor. Paul's engagement in tentmaking underscores his humility and commitment to not be a financial burden on the early Christian communities.

he stayed and worked with them
The phrase "stayed and worked" indicates a close partnership and fellowship. The Greek word for "stayed" is "μένω" (menō), meaning to remain or abide, suggesting a significant period of time spent together. This not only provided Paul with financial support but also allowed him to build relationships and share the gospel in a natural setting. The act of working together would have fostered a sense of community and mutual respect, reflecting the early Christian ideal of living and working in harmony.

with them
The phrase "with them" refers to Aquila and Priscilla, a Jewish couple who had recently come from Italy. Their inclusion in this narrative highlights the importance of partnership in ministry. The Greek preposition "μετά" (meta) implies accompaniment and association, suggesting that their relationship was more than just professional; it was also spiritual. This partnership exemplifies the collaborative nature of the early church, where believers supported one another in both practical and spiritual matters, embodying the unity and love that Jesus taught.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(3) Because he was of the same craft.--The calling was one which St. Paul had probably learnt and practised in his native city, which was noted then, as now, for the rough goat's-hair fabrics known to the Romans, from the name of the province, as Cilicium ( = sack-cloth). The material was one used for the sails of ships and for tents, and on the whole, though some have supposed that leather was used for the latter, it seems more probable that this was the material which St. Paul worked at. It may be added that Pontus, from which Aquila came, was also famous for the same manufacture, the material in each case being furnished by the goats which fed upon the slopes of the Taurus, and the mountain ranges of that province. The fact that St. Paul had learnt this trade is not inconsistent with the comparative opulence suggested by his education both in boyhood at Tarsus and at the feet of Gamaliel in Jerusalem. The Rabbinic proverb, that "He who does not teach his son a trade, teaches him to be a thief," made such instruction almost universal. So the great Hillel was a carpenter. Here, it is clear, he took the course of working for his livelihood, as he had done at Thessalonica, that he might keep himself from the suspicion of self-interest in his work as a teacher (1Corinthians 9:15-19; 2Corinthians 11:7-13). Such was the beginning of his labours at Corinth. A new artisan was working for wages, or as a partner, probably the latter, as afterwards with Philemon (Philemon 1:17), in the workshop of the Jew, not as yet known to the outer world as more than a Jew, who had recently arrived in Corinth from Rome.

(3) We may add to this motive the principle on which St. Paul acted of being "all things to all men," and, therefore, as a Jew to Jews (1Corinthians 9:20). A Nazarite vow would testify to all his brethren by blood that he did not despise the Law himself nor teach other Jews to despise it. (See Notes on Acts 21:21-24.) Such a vow, involving, as it did, for a time a greater asceticism than that of common life, furnishes a link in the succession of thoughts in 1Corinthians 9:22-25, between the Apostle's being made "all things to all men" and his "keeping under his body, and bringing it into subjection." . . .

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 3. - Trade for craft, A.V.; they wrought for (he) wrought, A.V. and T.R.; trade for occupation, A.V. (τέχνῃ). Of the same trade; ὁμότεχνον. This word occurs here only in the New Testament, but is of frequent use in Hippocrates, Dioscorides, and Galen (Hobart, as before). Tent-makers; σκηνοποιοί, which is paraphrased by σκηοῥῤάφοι, tent-stitchers or tailors, by Chrysostom and Theodoret. Hug and others erroneously interpret it "makers of tent-cloth," from the fact that a certain kind of cloth made of goats' hair, called κιλίκιον, was manufactured in Paul's native country of Cilicia. But the fact of such manufacture would equally lead persons who were living in Cilicia to exercise the trade of making tents of the cloth so manufactured. St. Paul alludes to his manual labor in Acts 20:33-35; 1 Corinthians 4:12; 1 Thessalonians 2:9; 2 Thessalonians 3:8, 9.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Greek

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

he stayed
ἔμενεν (emenen)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 3306: To remain, abide, stay, wait; with acc: I wait for, await. A primary verb; to stay.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

worked
ἠργάζετο (ērgazeto)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2038: To work, trade, perform, do, practice, commit, acquire by labor.

with
παρ’ (par’)
Preposition
Strong's 3844: Gen: from; dat: beside, in the presence of; acc: alongside of.

them
αὐτοῖς (autois)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

because
διὰ (dia)
Preposition
Strong's 1223: A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.

they were
ἦσαν (ēsan)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

tentmakers
σκηνοποιοὶ (skēnopoioi)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 4635: A tent-maker. From skene and poieo; a manufacturer of tents.

by trade,
τέχνῃ (technē)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 5078: Art, skill, trade, craft. From the base of tikto; art, i.e., a trade, or skill.

[just as]
ὁμότεχνον (homotechnon)
Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3673: Of the same trade or craft. From the base of homou and techne; a fellow-artificer.

he was.
εἶναι (einai)
Verb - Present Infinitive Active
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

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NT Apostles: Acts 18:3 And because he practiced the same trade (Acts of the Apostles Ac)