Minister and Manual Work
203
Soon after his arrival at Corinth, Paul found “a certain Jew named
Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla.”
These were “of the same craft” with himself. Banished by the decree
of Claudius, which commanded all Jews to leave Rome, Aquila and
Priscilla had come to Corinth, where they established a business as
manufacturers of tents. Paul made inquiry concerning them, and learn-
ing that they feared God and were seeking to avoid the contaminating
influences with which they were surrounded, “he abode with them,
and wrought....And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and
persuaded the Jews and the Greeks.” [
Acts 18:2-4
.] ...
During the long period of his ministry in Ephesus, where for three
years he carried forward an aggressive evangelistic effort throughout
that region, Paul again worked at his trade. In Ephesus, as in Corinth,
the apostle was cheered by the presence of Aquila and Priscilla, who
had accompanied him on his return to Asia at the close of his second
missionary journey.
There were some who objected to Paul’s toiling with his hands,
declaring that it was inconsistent with the work of a gospel minister.
[236]
Why should Paul, a minister of the highest rank, thus connect me-
chanical work with the preaching of the word? Was not the laborer
worthy of his hire? Why should he spend in making tents time that to
all appearance could be put to better account?
But Paul did not regard as lost the time thus spent. As he worked
with Aquila, he kept in touch with the great Teacher, losing no oppor-
tunity of witnessing for the Saviour, and of helping those who needed
help. His mind was ever reaching out for spiritual knowledge. He
gave his fellow-workers instruction in spiritual things, and he also set
an example of industry and thoroughness. He was a quick, skilful
worker, diligent in business, “fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.” [
Ro-
mans 12:11
.] As he worked at his trade, the apostle had access to a
class of people that he could not otherwise have reached. He showed
his associates that skill in the common arts is a gift from God, who
provides both the gift, and the wisdom to use it aright. He taught that
even in every-day toil, God is to be honored. His toil-hardened hands
detracted nothing from the force of his pathetic appeals as a Christian
minister....
If ministers feel that they are suffering hardship and privation in
the cause of Christ, let them in imagination visit the workshop where