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Daughters of God
two men and Priscilla labored with their hands, and Paul’s designs
in tent-making were ingenious. He brought fresh methods into his
work also as he labored for the people, preaching the gospel of Jesus
Christ. Many were brought to a knowledge of the truth by witnessing
the faithful toiler making tents to support himself, that he might not
be dependent upon anyone for food and raiment. While thus at work,
he showed himself skillful, “not slothful in business; fervent in spirit;
serving the Lord.” And in preaching the Word, he was no less fervent
and able in speech because of his business tact.—
Manuscript Releases
19:25 (1897)
.
Why did Paul thus connect mechanical labor with the preaching
of the gospel? Was not the laborer worthy of his hire? Why did he
not labor all his time in preaching? Why waste time and strength
in making tents? But Paul did not regard the time spent in making
tents lost by any means. As he worked with Aquila, he kept in touch
with the great Teacher. He gave Aquila needed instruction in spiritual
things, and he also educated the believers in unity. While working at
his trade he gave an example in diligence and thoroughness. He was
diligent in business, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord. He and Aquila
and Priscilla had more than one prayer-and-praise meeting with those
associated with them in tent-making. This was a testimony to the value
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of the truth they were presenting.—AUGleaner, June 16, 1909.
Aquila and Priscilla were not called to give their whole time to the
ministry of the gospel, yet these humble laborers were used by God
to show Apollos the way of truth more perfectly. The Lord employs
various instrumentalities for the accomplishment of His purpose, and
while some with special talents are chosen to devote all their energies
to the work of teaching and preaching the gospel, many others, upon
whom human hands have never been laid in ordination, are called to
act an important part in soulsaving.—
The Acts of the Apostles, 355
(1911)
.
After leaving Corinth, Paul’s next scene of labor was Ephesus. He
was on his way to Jerusalem to attend an approaching festival, and his
stay at Ephesus was necessarily brief. He reasoned with the Jews in
the synagogue, and so favorable was the impression made upon them
that they entreated him to continue his labors among them. His plan to
visit Jerusalem prevented him from tarrying then, but he promised to
return to them, “if God will.” Aquila and Priscilla had accompanied