The apostle Paul is well known as one of the most influential missionaries and teachers in the early Christian church. However, before his conversion and calling to spread the gospel, Paul had another profession – he was a tentmaker. This seemed to be a common trade among diaspora Jews at the time, allowing them to support themselves and travel as they spread their faith. But how and where did Paul learn this important skill that would later enable his missionary journeys?
The Bible does not provide definitive details on where and how Paul learned to make tents. However, based on what we do know from Scripture and historical context, scholars have proposed several possibilities:
He learned the trade growing up in Tarsus
Paul states that he was “born in Tarsus in Cilicia” (Acts 22:3). Tarsus was an important cultural and commercial hub, home to a thriving textile industry. As the son of a Pharisee, Paul would have learned a practical trade as part of his education in Tarsus. Tentmaking was a common profession, providing shelters for travelers, military camps, and events. It’s likely that a young Paul learned the skills of cutting and stitching leather and heavy fabric in Tarsus.
He learned from his family’s business
Some scholars speculate that Paul’s family ran a tentmaking business in Tarsus. As the oldest son, Paul would have been expected to learn the family trade. This may have involved formal apprenticeship under his father from a young age. Families often passed their trades down through generations, and tentmaking would have provided a good income. If this theory is true, Paul gained valuable tentmaking skills working alongside his father.
He was taught during his rabbinic studies
As a devout Pharisee, Paul studied under the famous rabbi Gamaliel in Jerusalem (Acts 22:3). Rabbinic students were expected to learn a manual trade as well as studying scriptures. This allowed them to earn income and not be dependent on the community. Tentmaking was a common trade among diaspora Jews. So it’s possible Paul’s rabbinic education included training in tentmaking.
He learned from the local Jewish community
Wherever Paul traveled, he connected with the local Jewish community in each city. They often shared similar trades as diaspora Jews supporting themselves abroad. In cities like Tarsus, Antioch and Corinth, the Jewish artisans would have included tentmakers providing for travelers and merchants. As a fellow tentmaker, Paul may have picked up skills and techniques from Jewish craftsmen in the various urban centers he visited.
He was trained during his time in Arabia
After his dramatic conversion on the Damascus road, Paul spent a period in “Arabia” before returning to preach in Damascus (Galatians 1:17). Scholars debate what “Arabia” refers to specifically. But it may mean Paul spent time with nomadic Arab tribes, learning survival skills like tentmaking. Living and working among nomads who relied on tents would explain how he became skilled at making and repairing portable dwellings.
He learned a bit from all of these sources
The most plausible explanation is that Paul picked up tentmaking from multiple sources throughout his upbringing and education. As a native of Tarsus, he would have been exposed to the trade from a young age. His family likely had professional connections to tentmaking workshops. During rabbinic studies, manual trades were encouraged. Time spent among nomads may have refined his skills. And as an active member of the Jewish community in each city, he would have expanded his knowledge further. Paul probably synthesized a wealth of tentmaking experiences.
Why was tentmaking so important for Paul’s ministry?
While we don’t know exactly how and where Paul acquired his tentmaking abilities, it clearly served him well as a source of income and connection with local communities during his missionary work. Here are some key reasons this practical trade was so important:
- It enabled Paul to support himself so he could preach for free – Unlike other traveling philosophers and lecturers, Paul refused to accept payment for preaching so the gospel would not be hindered (1 Corinthians 9:12-18). Tentmaking allowed him to pay his own way.
- It connected him with people – As a tentmaker, Paul could network with travelers, merchants, and artisans as he entered each new city, gaining him contacts.
- It provided credibility – Manual labor gave him an honest reputation, unlike other teachers exploiting people for money.
- It allowed mobility – Paul was able to travel widely, following the Spirit’s guidance, not being tied down.
- It opened ministry opportunities – Paul shared the gospel message in the marketplace with fellow craftsmen and customers.
Key biblical passages about Paul’s tentmaking
We can piece together an understanding of Paul’s tentmaking career from a few key verses:
- Acts 18:1-3 – Paul stays with fellow tentmakers Aquila and Priscilla in Corinth, working alongside them.
- Acts 20:33-35 – Reminds elders he worked hard as a tentmaker so he could support the weak.
- 1 Corinthians 4:12 – Says he labors with his own hands, implying manual trades like tentmaking.
- 1 Corinthians 9:6 – References the right of an apostle to refrain from manual labor.
- 1 Thessalonians 2:9 – Recalls how he worked night and day in Thessalonica to avoid burdening them.
- 2 Thessalonians 3:7-9 – Highlights his diligent labor as an example for them to imitate.
- Acts 18:1-3 – Finds Priscilla and Aquila, fellow “tentmakers” in Corinth.
While the Scriptures don’t provide all the details, they make it clear that tentmaking was an important part of Paul’s identity and ministry. He leveraged those skills to support his apostolic calling wherever he went.
Paul’s legacy as a tentmaker
Paul prioritized his tentmaking craft even at the height of his ministry influence. Here are some ways this unique legacy impacted generations after him:
- Set a standard for financial ethics – By working to support himself, Paul avoided any taint of greed or exploitation in his preaching.
- Dignified manual labor – His example showed spiritual leaders could engage in humble trades without sacrificing authority.
- Emphasized professional excellence – Paul poured his effort into quality work, displaying his commitment to glorify God in everything.
- Holistic approach to ministry – He integrated his practical vocation and theological calling into one life mission.
- Self-support opened ministry doors – By providing his own income, Paul gained more freedom to follow God’s call wherever it led.
Tentmaking was more than just a job for Paul. It gave him a strategy to share the gospel widely. It also enabled him to embody biblical values of hard work, generosity, and financial integrity. Paul’s legacy as a tentmaker still inspires Christian missionaries today to follow his example.
How the tentmaking model is applied today
Many present-day missionaries and ministers follow Paul’s tentmaking model to support their work. Here are some ways Paul’s approach is still relevant:
- Church planting – Tentmakers start congregations in countries that restrict traditional missionary visas. Secular jobs provide income and legal status.
- Creative access nations – Professionals enter closed countries as teachers, tech workers, business owners to quietly minister.
- Holistic ministry – Combining practical vocations and biblical witness, like medical missions, development work.
- Marketplace evangelism – Applying faith in professional contexts instead of traditional church roles.
- Ethical example – Avoiding accusations of exploitation by being self-supporting instead of dependent on donors.
While specific techniques must adapt to new cultural contexts, Paul’s foundational principles still guide cross-cultural workers today. His legacy continues to shape those who seek to integrate faith, work, and outreach in their daily lives.
Conclusion
Paul the tentmaker is an inspirational model of how practical skills can empower a spiritual calling. By supporting himself, he could preach freely, connect with people, and pursue God’s mission wherever it took him. While we don’t know exactly how Paul learned his craft, he clearly leveraged it effectively to spread the gospel far and wide. His example launched a legacy that continues to influence Christian missionaries who integrate their ministries with humble professions. Paul’s tentmaking provides a creative template for funding the work of the kingdom.
