Tentmaking (v 2b-3)

“He came to them, and because he was of the same trade he stayed with them, and they worked together, for they were tent-makers by trade.” (1) Aquila and Priscilla showed kindness to Paul. Since they shared the same trade, they welcomed him into their home and worked together. At that time, merchants typically had their shops on the ground floor, with their living space on the second floor. (2) “They worked together” refers to the manufacturing and repair of tents. The Greek word for tentmaker is “skeinopoios.” More accurately, this term refers to a leatherworker rather than a tentmaker. The friendship formed between Paul, Aquila, and Priscilla became a lifelong bond. (3) In verse 2, Luke introduces Aquila first. (a) Their names appear five more times in Scripture, and in four of these instances, Priscilla is mentioned first (Acts 18:18, 26; Rom. 16:3; 2 Tim. 4:19). The only exception is 1 Corinthians 16:19. (b) This could indicate that Priscilla was a noblewoman by birth or perhaps held greater prominence for some reason, making her name appear before her husband’s.

Evangelism in the synagogue (v 4)

“And Paul was reasoning in the synagogue every Sabbath and trying to persuade Jews and Greeks.” (1) In Corinth, Paul continued to prioritize evangelizing the Jews. (a) He reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath. (b) He sought to persuade both Jews and Greeks (God-fearing Gentiles). (c) Paul’s message centered on the claim that Jesus is the promised Messiah. (2) After Silas and Timothy rejoined him, Paul was able to devote himself fully to evangelism. Paul’s ministry in Corinth demonstrates the truth of Romans 5:20: “Where sin increased, grace abounded all the more.” Despite its moral corruption, a church eventually emerged in this city. However, the Corinthian church faced numerous challenges. To address these issues, Paul wrote three letters to the church (two of which remain). Their content and application remain highly relevant today. In 1 Corinthians 1:1-2. the Corinthian believers are described as “those who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, saints by calling.” Despite their many issues, they are called “saints.” This verse teaches positional sanctification (the truth that they are already sanctified in Christ). Through his letters, Paul sought to elevate the positional sanctification of the Corinthian believers to practical sanctification. Spiritual growth involves closing the gap between positional sanctification and practical sanctification, which is the work of the Holy Spirit. Let us follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit today.