3 And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers.
3 and because he was a tentmaker as they were, he stayed and worked with them.
3 and because he was of the same trade he stayed with them and worked, for they were tentmakers by trade.
3 Paul moved in with them, and they worked together at their common trade of tentmaking.
3 So, because he was of the same trade, he stayed with them and worked; for by occupation they were tentmakers.
3 Paul lived and worked with them, for they were tentmakers just as he was.
12 And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it:
12 We work hard with our own hands. When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it;
12 and we labor, working with our own hands. When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure;
12 and we pick up odd jobs anywhere we can to eke out a living. When they call us names, we say, "God bless you."
12 And we labor, working with our own hands. Being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we endure;
12 We work wearily with our own hands to earn our living. We bless those who curse us. We are patient with those who abuse us.
(Read 1 Corinthians 4:7-13)
We have no reason to be proud; all we have, or are, or do, that is good, is owing to the free and rich grace of God. A sinner snatched from destruction by sovereign grace alone, must be very absurd and inconsistent, if proud of the free gifts of God. St. Paul sets forth his own circumstances, ver. 9. Allusion is made to the cruel spectacles in the Roman games; where men were forced to cut one another to pieces, to divert the people; and where the victor did not escape with his life, though he should destroy his adversary, but was only kept for another combat, and must be killed at last. The thought that many eyes are upon believers, when struggling with difficulties or temptations, should encourage constancy and patience. "We are weak, but ye are strong." All Christians are not alike exposed. Some suffer greater hardships than others. The apostle enters into particulars of their sufferings. And how glorious the charity and devotion that carried them through all these hardships! They suffered in their persons and characters as the worst and vilest of men; as the very dirt of the world, that was to be swept away: nay, as the offscouring of all things, the dross of all things. And every one who would be faithful in Christ Jesus, must be prepared for poverty and contempt. Whatever the disciples of Christ suffer from men, they must follow the example, and fulfil the will and precepts of their Lord. They must be content, with him and for him, to be despised and abused. It is much better to be rejected, despised, and ill used, as St. Paul was, than to have the good opinion and favour of the world. Though cast off by the world as vile, yet we may be precious to God, gathered up with his own hand, and placed upon his throne.
6 Or I only and Barnabas, have not we power to forbear working?
6 Or is it only I and Barnabas who lack the right to not work for a living?
6 Or is it only Barnabas and I who have no right to refrain from working for a living?
6 So, why me? Is it just Barnabas and I who have to go it alone and pay our own way?
6 Or is it only Barnabas and I who have no right to refrain from working?
6 Or is it only Barnabas and I who have to work to support ourselves?
(Read 1 Corinthians 9:1-14)
It is not new for a minister to meet with unkind returns for good-will to a people, and diligent and successful services among them. To the cavils of some, the apostle answers, so as to set forth himself as an example of self-denial, for the good of others. He had a right to marry as well as other apostles, and to claim what was needful for his wife, and his children if he had any, from the churches, without labouring with his own hands to get it. Those who seek to do our souls good, should have food provided for them. But he renounced his right, rather than hinder his success by claiming it. It is the people's duty to maintain their minister. He may wave his right, as Paul did; but those transgress a precept of Christ, who deny or withhold due support.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Acts 18:3
Commentary on Acts 18:1-6
(Read Acts 18:1-6)
Though Paul was entitled to support from the churches he planted, and from the people to whom he preached, yet he worked at his calling. An honest trade, by which a man may get his bread, is not to be looked upon with contempt by any. It was the custom of the Jews to bring up their children to some trade, though they gave them learning or estates. Paul was careful to prevent prejudices, even the most unreasonable. The love of Christ is the best bond of the saints; and the communings of the saints with each other, sweeten labour, contempt, and even persecution. Most of the Jews persisted in contradicting the gospel of Christ, and blasphemed. They would not believe themselves, and did all they could to keep others from believing. Paul hereupon left them. He did not give over his work; for though Israel be not gathered, Christ and his gospel shall be glorious. The Jews could not complain, for they had the first offer. When some oppose the gospel, we must turn to others. Grief that many persist in unbelief should not prevent gratitude for the conversion of some to Christ.