Tag: occupied with the Word
Tentmaker/preacher/apostle!
Scripture reading for May 29: Acts 18
“After this Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. And he found a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to leave Rome. And he went to see them, and because they were of the same trade he stayed with them and worked, for they were tentmakers by trade. And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and tried to persuade Jews and Greeks. When Silas and Timothy arrived from Macedonia, Paul was occupied with the Word, testifying to the Jews that the Christ was Jesus. And when they opposed and reviled him, he shook out his garments and said to them, “Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.”” Acts 18:1-6
Lots of people view ministry as a job or profession. But in Jesus’ day in Israel, every young man learned a trade in preparation for a life of service. God called people who were workers to do ministry. Jesus, from the tribe of Judah, learned the trade of carpentry. There were many who worked at their profession and served the Lord. There was also a calling as a Levite to the priesthood. This was a special tribe who were designated to handle the sacred articles of worship and lead in prayer and sacrifice. Paul was of the tribe of Benjamin and his trade was a tentmaker. This trade was honorable and helped the community and provided for his family. Their work did not define them, but was a tool of serving and worship.
From this world view, Paul became a Pharisee and religious leader of the Jews. He would have learned the Old Testament Scriptures by thirteen and become a member of the synagogue. As Paul found Jesus Christ, he was given an assignment by Jesus to preach the Gospel to Jew and Gentile. He was sent out by the Church at Antioch and it was his custom to go to the Jews first and share Jesus. In Corinth, Paul found other Jews, Pricilla and Aquila, to work with in tent making and also in discipleship. This helped support the ministry and connect with others. His rejection and opposition from the other Jews there caused Paul to declare his innocence from their blood. He shook out his garment as a sign of judgment and turned to preach to the Gentiles.
How do you view ministers of Jesus who work at secular jobs? When people reject these ministers and the Gospel message, are they really responsible for their own destruction? Are we ever to force people to listen or threaten them for their rejection?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for Your sacred calling in my life to learn the trade of farming and care of animals. Thank You for using that to train me for ministry of Your Word and reaching people and caring for their souls. Use me today. Amen.