Acts 18:3
And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
διὰ
because
G1223
διὰ
because
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
2 of 15
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἔμενεν
he abode
G3306
ἔμενεν
he abode
Strong's:
G3306
Word #:
6 of 15
to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy)
παρ'
with
G3844
παρ'
with
Strong's:
G3844
Word #:
7 of 15
properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj
αὐτοῖς
them
G846
αὐτοῖς
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
8 of 15
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
εἰργάζετο·
wrought
G2038
εἰργάζετο·
wrought
Strong's:
G2038
Word #:
10 of 15
to toil (as a task, occupation, etc.), (by implication) effect, be engaged in or with, etc
γὰρ
for
G1063
γὰρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
12 of 15
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
Cross References
1 Thessalonians 2:9For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God.1 Corinthians 4:12And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it:2 Corinthians 11:9And when I was present with you, and wanted, I was chargeable to no man: for that which was lacking to me the brethren which came from Macedonia supplied: and in all things I have kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and so will I keep myself.2 Corinthians 11:7Have I committed an offence in abasing myself that ye might be exalted, because I have preached to you the gospel of God freely?2 Corinthians 12:13For what is it wherein ye were inferior to other churches, except it be that I myself was not burdensome to you? forgive me this wrong.
Historical Context
Jewish rabbis were expected to have a trade. Paul's tentmaking gave him independence from Corinthian patronage and modeled dignified labor.
Questions for Reflection
- How does bivocational ministry provide freedom and credibility?
- What does Paul's manual labor teach about the relationship between work and ministry?
Analysis & Commentary
Paul 'wrought' with them because 'he was of the same craft' - tentmaking. Manual labor dignified Paul's ministry and avoided financial burden on new converts. 'By their occupation they were tentmakers' may include leather work generally.