Topical Bible: Paul: Supports Himself

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The Apostle Paul, a pivotal figure in the early Christian church, is well-known for his missionary journeys and theological contributions. An often-highlighted aspect of his ministry is his commitment to self-support, which he undertook to avoid being a financial burden to the fledgling Christian communities he served. This practice is documented in several passages of the New Testament and reflects his dedication to the Gospel and his desire to maintain the integrity of his ministry.

Tentmaking and Self-Sufficiency

Paul's primary trade was tentmaking, a skill he utilized to support himself financially during his missionary endeavors. In Acts 18:3, it is recorded that Paul stayed with Aquila and Priscilla in Corinth, "because he was of the same trade, he stayed with them and worked, for they were tentmakers by trade." This passage highlights Paul's willingness to engage in manual labor to sustain his ministry efforts.

Avoiding Financial Burden

Paul's decision to support himself was partly motivated by his desire to avoid placing a financial burden on the churches he was planting and nurturing. In 1 Thessalonians 2:9, Paul reminds the Thessalonian believers, "Surely you recall, brothers, our labor and toil; we worked night and day so that we would not be a burden to any of you, while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God." This statement underscores his commitment to ensuring that the message of the Gospel was not hindered by financial concerns.

A Model for Ministry

Paul's approach to self-support served as a model for ministry, emphasizing the importance of integrity and responsibility. In 2 Thessalonians 3:7-8, he writes, "For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone’s bread without paying for it. Instead, in labor and toil we worked night and day, so that we would not be a burden to any of you." By setting this example, Paul encouraged other believers to adopt a similar work ethic and dedication to the Gospel.

The Right to Support

While Paul chose to support himself, he also acknowledged the right of those who preach the Gospel to receive financial support. In 1 Corinthians 9:14, he states, "In the same way, the Lord has prescribed that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel." However, Paul often waived this right to prevent any hindrance to his ministry, as seen in 1 Corinthians 9:12: "If others have this right to your support, shouldn’t we have it all the more? But we did not use this right. Instead, we put up with anything rather than hinder the gospel of Christ."

Conclusion

Paul's practice of supporting himself through tentmaking is a testament to his dedication to the Gospel and his desire to maintain the purity and integrity of his ministry. By choosing to work with his hands, Paul set an example for future generations of Christian leaders, demonstrating the value of self-sufficiency and the importance of prioritizing the message of Christ above personal gain.

Nave's Topical Index

Acts 18:3
And because he was of the same craft, he stayed with them, and worked: for by their occupation they were tentmakers.
Nave's Topical Index

Acts 20:33-35
I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Galatians
... Paul supports this conclusion from his arguments by a {156} touching appeal ... warning,
denunciation, and pathetic entreaty: the apostle, himself so appreciative ...
/.../pullan/the books of the new testament/chapter xii the epistle of.htm

The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Romans
... claims of the moral Law, by uniting Himself with them ... the number of Jews in Rome
supports the theory ... Paul deals very tenderly with these total abstainers from ...
/.../pullan/the books of the new testament/chapter xiii the epistle of.htm

The Character and Supports of Widows Indeed.
... Paul, his spiritual father, to teach him "how to ... themselves destitute of worldly
comforts and supports, go to ... find that saint expostulating with himself in a ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon xxiv the character and.htm

Then He Again Mentions S. Peter's Word
... the charges brought against him by Eunomius, shows that Eunomius himself supports
Basil's arguments ... and Christ [761] ," and again, when the Apostle Paul says to ...
/.../gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/section 2 then he again.htm

Easter Tuesday
... and to obtain justification and salvation, as he expresses himself toward the end ...
20. Paul supports his discourse on the resurrection of Christ with many strong ...
//christianbookshelf.org/luther/epistle sermons vol ii/easter tuesday 2.htm

An Humble, Affectionate, and Earnest Address to the Clergy
... Address 224: The same which Paul says, is said by Christ in other words? Address
225: The pleader for imperfection further supports himself by saying? ...
/.../law/an humble affectionate and earnest address to the clergy/

If any Bishop Should Ordain for Money, and Put to Sale a Grace ...
... About 496, Paul the "Advocate" of Constantinople saved his archbishop from the ... According
to Van Espen, however, who here supports himself upon Du Cange, by ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/canon ii if any bishop.htm

John Chapter xx. 30-31, and xxi. 1-11.
... If, then, the blessed Paul"that he might not use with them the ... been educated, learned
an altogether new art, that while the teacher supports himself with his ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate cxxii john chapter xx.htm

Paul's First Prayer
... Paul was sincerely right ... guarding a city, is oppressed with sleep; how earnestly
does he strive to arouse himself, while infirmity ... "Tis prayer supports the soul ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/pauls first prayer.htm

Ephesians ii. 17-22
... other part whatsoever, [239] He it is supports the whole ... which implies God's bringing
us to Himself, (prosagoge) for ... it was for this reason that Paul said, "As ...
/.../homily vi ephesians ii 17-22.htm