Acts 18:2-4 And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla… Peter the Great was a shipbuilder, and worked at a forge. The late Emperor of Germany learned the business of a bookbinder; and one of the Queen's sons is a practical sailor. A number of Christ's disciples were fishermen. Our Lord Himself was a carpenter. And Paul had been reared to the trade of a tent maker in his early years, and resumed it as an occupation when necessities fell upon him to undertake the work of personal support. I. THE DETAILS OF THIS ARTISAN LIFE HE LIVED IS CORINTH. 1. It was an honourable craft whose products were useful and valuable. Some occupations no one can follow, and keep his Christian profession clean. 2. Paul sought consistent partners in his business. God guided him when he "found" Aquila and Priscilla. It is false and mean to choose false and mean men for associates, and then charge the meanness of the "concern" upon them. 3. Paul pursued his work honestly. "Holiness to the Lord," could have been embroidered on the cilicia canopies as the company trade mark (Zechariah 14:20). We have not the slightest doubt that he always knotted his thread when he took up his needle, that he pulled each stitch through conscientiously as in the sight of God, and that he fastened the end of it when he finished the seam. For we do not see how those people could have had family prayers, unless they knew they had been "doing successful business on Christian principles." 4. Paul held his business cautiously in hand, and never let it interfere with his religious life. He looked on tent making as a means to an end. That establishment was "closed on Saturdays." Regularly Paul attended the best service he could find; and he preached everywhere he could get an audience. 5. Paul used his opportunities wisely even when hardest at work. Probably he was the instrument in Aquila's conversion. Think of the glorious talks they had together. II. THE EFFECT OF HIS WORKING AT HIS TRADE UPON HIS PROFESSION AS A CHRISTIAN PREACHER. I. It illustrated his often-repeated maxims concerning the dignity of honest labour (2 Thessalonians 3:7-13). This busy apostle evidently believed that there was no room for drones in a Christian have. This is a most active world; there is something for every healthy soul to do. The spectacle offered whenever one saw his spiritual leader, was worth a hundred eloquent sermons against indolence. If any further illustration is needed, think of his address to the elders of Ephesus (Acts 20:32-35). 2. It removed all ground of cavil as to his making a gain out of godliness. There was some reason for his peculiar solicitude in this vain and fastidious city. 3. It showed his consideration for his poorer brethren. It is very touching to read 1 Corinthians 4:11-16. Oh, how quickly troubled common people listen to one who talks like that! 4. It gave evidence of his supreme love for Christ. What could he do more? (C. S. Robinson, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: 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. |
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