Acts 18:3

Authorized King James Version

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

Word-by-Word Analysis

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

διὰ

G1223

because

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

τὸ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ὁμότεχνον

G3673

of the same craft

a fellow-artificer

εἶναι

G1511

he was

to exist

ἔμενεν

G3306

he abode

to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy)

παρ'

G3844

with

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

G846

them

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

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#10

εἰργάζετο·

G2038

wrought

to toil (as a task, occupation, etc.), (by implication) effect, be engaged in or with, etc

#11

ἦσαν

G2258

they were

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

#12

γὰρ

G1063

for

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

#13

σκηνοποιοὶ

G4635

tentmakers

a manufacturer of tents

#14

τήν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#15

τέχνην

G5078

by their occupation

art (as productive), i.e., (specially), a trade, or (generally) skill

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Acts Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?

Related Resources

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People

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