TENTMAKER

One who makes or repairs tents. Acts 18:3 designates the trade of Paul, Aquila and Priscilla by the Greek term ske·no·poi·osʹ. Various opinions have been offered as to the exact type of craftsman indicated by this word (whether a tentmaker, weaver of tapestry or ropemaker); however, numerous scholars acknowledge that “there seems no reason to depart from the translation ‘tent-makers.’”—The Expositor’s Greek Testament, Vol. II, p. 385.

When Paul first visited Corinth he stayed with Aquila and Priscilla “on account of being of the same trade.” (Acts 18:1-3) The apostle Paul was from Tarsus in Cilicia, an area famous for its goat-hair cloth named cilicium from which tents were made. (Acts 21:39) Among the Jews of the first century C.E. it was considered honorable to teach a lad a trade even if he was to receive a higher education. So Paul likely gained experience in the manufacture of tents while still a youth. Tentmaking may also have been the type of work the apostle did in Thessalonica (1 Thess. 2:9; 2 Thess. 3:8) and other places. (Acts 20:34, 35; 1 Cor. 4:11, 12) The work was not easy, for it is reported that the cilicium tended to be stiff and rough, consequently being difficult to cut and sew.