Definition and Historical Context:
Tentmakers were artisans skilled in the craft of making tents, a vital occupation in the ancient Near East due to the nomadic lifestyle of many peoples and the need for portable shelter. Tents were typically made from goat's hair or other durable materials, providing protection from the elements. The role of a tentmaker was not only practical but also held cultural significance, as tents were central to the daily life and social structure of many communities.

Biblical References:
The most notable reference to tentmakers in the Bible is found in the New Testament, specifically in the Acts of the Apostles. The Apostle Paul is identified as a tentmaker by trade, which he used as a means of support during his missionary journeys. Acts 18:1-3 states: "After this, Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. There 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, and because he was of the same trade, he stayed with them and worked. They were tentmakers by trade."

Significance in Early Christianity:
The occupation of tentmaking is significant in the context of early Christianity for several reasons. First, it highlights the apostolic model of self-support and bivocational ministry. Paul’s choice to work as a tentmaker allowed him to preach the Gospel without being a financial burden to the fledgling Christian communities he served. This practice is reflected in his letters, where he emphasizes the importance of not being a burden to others (1 Thessalonians 2:9, 2 Thessalonians 3:8).

Second, the partnership between Paul, Aquila, and Priscilla underscores the collaborative nature of early Christian ministry. Aquila and Priscilla are mentioned several times in the New Testament as key figures in the early Church, hosting a house church and instructing Apollos, an eloquent preacher, in the way of God more accurately (Acts 18:26).

Theological Implications:
The role of tentmakers in the Bible illustrates the integration of work and ministry, demonstrating that secular occupations can be a platform for spiritual influence and evangelism. Paul's tentmaking is often cited as an example of how Christians can engage in the marketplace while maintaining a strong witness for Christ. This model encourages believers to view their work as a calling and an opportunity to serve God and others.

Furthermore, the example of tentmakers like Paul, Aquila, and Priscilla challenges the dichotomy between sacred and secular work, affirming that all labor, when done for the glory of God, holds spiritual value. This perspective aligns with the biblical teaching that whatever one does should be done heartily, as for the Lord and not for men (Colossians 3:23).

Legacy and Modern Application:
The concept of tentmaking has continued to influence Christian thought and practice, particularly in the context of missions. Modern "tentmakers" are often missionaries who support themselves through secular employment while engaging in ministry, especially in regions where traditional missionary work is restricted. This approach not only provides financial sustainability but also facilitates cultural integration and relational evangelism.

In summary, tentmakers in the Bible serve as a powerful example of how work and ministry can be harmoniously integrated, offering a model for Christians to follow in their own vocational and spiritual journeys.

On the Duty of Working for a Livelihood.
... That a Christian Who Will Not Work Must Not Eat, as Peter and the Rest of the Apostles
Were Fishermen, But Paul and Aquila Tentmakers, Jude the Son of James an ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec viii on the duty of.htm

John iii. 35, 36
... "And what marvel," saith one, "if they were moderate in their wishes,
since they were fishermen and tentmakers?" Yes! Fishermen ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xxxi john iii 35.htm

Paul in Corinth.
... only Christians in the place; "and because he was of the same craft, he abode with
them and wrought, for by their occupation they were tentmakers." The Apostle ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xxi paul in corinth.htm

John vi. 26, 27
... 1 Corinthians 9:18.) And when he was in that city, he abode with Aquila and Priscilla,
"and wrought, for by their occupation they were tentmakers." ( Acts 18:3 ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xliv john vi 26.htm

John xi. 30, 31
... Did they not know all the wisdom of the heathen? [1752] Why then could they not
prevail against fishermen and tentmakers, and unlearned persons? ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily lxiii john xi 30.htm

Letters to Olympias.
... artisans when they were driven out by those in authority; they were courteously
treated in every way, by female sellers of purple, by tentmakers, and tanners ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chrysostom/on the priesthood/letters to olympias.htm

Treatise on the Priesthood. Book ii.
... Moreover, they would have said, "Christ called fishermen, tentmakers, and publicans
to this dignity, whereas these men reject those who support themselves by ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/treatise on the priesthood book 2.htm

Tentmakers (1 Occurrence)
...Tentmakers (1 Occurrence). Acts 18:3 And because he was of the same craft, he abode
with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers. ...
/t/tentmakers.htm - 6k

Occupation (9 Occurrences)
... Occupation (9 Occurrences). Acts 18:3 And because he was of the same craft, he abode
with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers. ...
/o/occupation.htm - 9k

Tent-makers (1 Occurrence)
Tent-makers. Tentmakers, Tent-makers. Tent-pin . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS). Tentmakers, Tent-makers. Tent-pin . Reference Bible.
/t/tent-makers.htm - 6k

Tent-maker (1 Occurrence)
Tent-maker. Tentmaker, Tent-maker. Tentmakers . Int. ... (WEY BBE DBY WBS YLT
NAS). Tentmaker, Tent-maker. Tentmakers . Reference Bible.
/t/tent-maker.htm - 7k

Bible
... circumstances; writers of almost every social rank, statesmen and peasants, kings,
herdsmen, fishermen, priests, tax-gatherers, tentmakers; educated and ...
/b/bible.htm - 101k

Craft (14 Occurrences)
... (Root in WEY DBY). Acts 18:3 And because he was of the same craft, he abode with
them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers. (KJV YLT). ...
/c/craft.htm - 12k

Abode (112 Occurrences)
... (KJV ASV DBY WBS). Acts 18:3 And because he was of the same craft, he abode with
them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers. ...
/a/abode.htm - 36k

Wrought (186 Occurrences)
... (KJV ASV DBY WBS). Acts 18:3 And because he was of the same craft, he abode with
them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers. ...
/w/wrought.htm - 37k

What is Christian tentmaking? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Sosthenes in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Who were Priscilla and Aquila? | GotQuestions.org

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