Materials of Christ
Acts 18:3-4
And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers.
My, Paul seems to have made quite the impression. As 1 Thessalonians 2:1-13 says, his entrance has not been in vain nor is it for nothing. Here he is writing to as well as living with some brethren believers. Hence, he also seems to have found some relief from the suffering and shameful treatment of Philippi before. Yet though his body and soul tremble, still he finds some boldness in the Lord. Words cannot adequately convey the degree of horror and helplessness our dear apostle must have felt. But this one thing he does. Now he invites you along with the Thessalonian church to look at this business venture together. Going slowly really is not my strong suit. Nor does Paul seem to know how to do any such thing either. Believe it or not, the text will only gain momentum from here on out. While we are speaking of slower things, it appears Paul's main money-making occupation for this time was that of a tentmaker. How he found time to do it all, I have no conceivable idea. Yet look with me here at the startling connection between his profession and his teaching. Surely Paul knows what it was like to want much while stitching in quiet patience, anticipating his next meal.
Still there was time to teach. This he did, for the speech of the gospel of Matthew 10:34 brought not peace "but a sword." Such is still a gospel of peace as in Ephesians 6:15; however, it is just as the prophets have said. Yet when it comes to the message of God, he is quite clear. It is a Word which can divide houses asunder. It will sever your Spirit from your flesh. Even so it comes "with much contention" as you see here. But back to Paul's tentmaking work. First, he cuts the tents free from the shape of the cloth. Now his exhortation is not as men do, filled with all uncleanness, deceit, and guile. Then he washes the fragile tents of the street dust and earthy matter. See, God entrusted him with the gospel, something more important than any business venture. Whatever Paul spoke or did was to please the Lord, rather than men. God might have tried the listener's hearts; in the meantime, Paul sewed his tent seams. There remains a connection then between a steady hand and a ready mouth. For without flattering words or garments of covetousness he presented himself. Paul refers not only to his simple manner of appearance here. He also seeks to address the many issues found within the Corinthian church.
And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks.
Look now, market day is coming. So also, will the Judge of all men with his own day if no care is given. Such a place as the synagogue might not be popular among men. Yet this judgement must first begin within God's house and the heart of the pitched tents of men. See, Paul could have come demanding audience with the likes of Aristotle and Plato. Or he could have sought a nice warm seat at the front of the room. But he came there not for man's glory nor yet for their coin. Whether on market day or church day, Paul made his own business; if he had not, he simply did without. Yet the Lord always provided. In all things our apostle sought only to burden none but represent Christ well. There remains an issue however with his lodgings. It is very similar to the Corinthian issue which really should have been addressed. See, among them Paul was very gentle as was his habit wherever he went. Again, he compares his manner to that of a mother with her children. It seems that the church here as well as there had suffered much indeed. So also had Paul. You can well imagine his feelings upon finding some comfort, faith, and a warm reception among the people he visited. Here he urges the church unto the memory of his "labor and travail" for them.
To borrow a term, he provided weeklong ministries at no charge to any, rejecting all offers. For so the apostles valued the gospel of an eternal salvation above all else. As little grew into much, then grew the exhortation, comfort, and charges that a father lays upon his children. It seems the little church there witnessed much. It saw even the apostle's holy, just, and unbearable lifestyle among them. Now you clearly know the aim of all this. Within lies the heart of the gospel, the truth of the matter. Neither Jesus nor his apostles were in the business of simply playing favorites. Rather these also, like their parents, walked after the fashion of God. Believe me, such a thing is worth both the kingdom and the glory to follow. Such were Paul's feelings for them that he gladly would have given the coat off his back, his soul, and the gospel because of their hearts. The text uses the words "affectionately desirous" and dear to describe the strength of the relationship. In this case the believers' attitude and reaction towards their suffering yielded much fruit. So, it merits great trust and rewards not only from the apostle Paul but also from their Lord. Indeed, Paul thanks God for such a reception, truth, and work of faith in Christ.