Tent-making

Tod Kennedy, October 7, 2000

1.       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.

2.       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.

3.       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.

4.   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.”