Tent Making

 

  • Tent-making (skhnopoiov”) was Paul’s money-making occupation while he witnessed for Christ and taught the Word of God (Acts 18:3-5). He did this in order to support himself when the churches did not support him.
  • Even though those who witness about Christ and teach the Word of God have the God-given right to receive support from those who benefit from their ministry (1 Corinthians 9:6-14 and Galatians 6:6), there are times when believers will not provide support or are unable to provide that support (Philippians 4:13-17); tent-making then becomes necessary.
  • There  are other times when taking support would confuse the issue of God’s free gift of salvation (1 Corinthians 9:15-19); when taking support does confuse grace, Christ’s servant ought to graciously refuse support and take up tent-making while continuing to preach the Word.
  • Tent-making in order to support oneself in the ministry was, and still is, at times necessary and very helpful; there are advantages, though, to having the freedom to study, teach, and shepherd the flock without the need to “make tents.”