Paul: The Tentmaker

One of my favorite game-type activities is Bible trivia. I love to test my knowledge of Bible facts - from the obvious questions like, “Who built the ark?” (A: Noah) to the more obscure questions like, “Who is the left-handed assassin of King Eglon?” (A: Ehud). One of those bible facts that comes up is that Paul was, by secular trade, a tentmaker (Acts 18:3).

Paul was a tentmaker, but we know beyond that he was an evangelist of the Lord. He often used his life circumstances as a means for furthering the gospel. We know that Paul used his imprisonment as an opportunity for teaching (Phil 1:12-13). We know that Paul used his Jewish heritage as an opportunity to teach (Acts 17:1-2). We know that Paul used his knowledge of secular wisdom and philosophy to teach (Acts 17:21-22). It begs the question: Did Paul ever use his secular trade as a means of teaching? The answer is yes.

Paul applied his trade to biblical truth, comparing the body to a tent (2 Cor 5:1ff). Paul likewise used his trade to support his work as a minister (1 Thess 2:9-10). In keeping with the pattern of his behavior, it would be logical to assume that Paul also used his trade as an opportunity to share the gospel.

Sometimes we wonder, where do I have an open door for teaching others? We often overlook the opportunities available in our workplaces. The workplace is a golden opportunity. It allows us access to people from various backgrounds. It allows us the opportunity to share truth and hope with others. Even in cases where the corporation commands a muzzle, our actions can do the preaching that leads to a private conversation (Eph 6:5-8).

So often, a church will suffer because they have left evangelism to random doors and random visitors, instead of looking at the white fields that it spends nine-to-five with. Your career is more than a support for your living; it is an opportunity to share the gospel.