Devine Scripture

Acts 18:3

What does Acts 18:3 mean?

A plain-English look at Acts 18:3 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Acts 18:3 means

Sharing the same trade, Paul stays with Aquila and Priscilla and works with them as tentmakers. The apostle’s manual labor dignifies ordinary work and demonstrates that gospel ministry can proceed alongside honest toil. His self-support avoids burdening the young church and builds credibility among those who might suspect religious hucksters. It also forges deep friendship through daily collaboration. The verse presents a balanced model: vigorous proclamation accompanied by practical industry. God often uses vocational skills to open doors, sustain missionaries, and place them among people who need the message. Paul’s life shows that spiritual zeal and steady craftsmanship can thrive together under the Lord’s hand.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

and because he was of the same trade, he abode with them, and they wrought; for by their trade they were tentmakers.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

and because he was of the same trade, he abode with them, and they wrought; for by their trade they were tentmakers.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And because he was of the same trade, he was living with them, and they did their work together; for by trade they were tent-makers.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and because of being of the same craft, he did remain with them, and was working, for they were tent-makers as to craft;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And because he was of the same trade, he remained with them and wrought. (Now they were tentmakers by trade.)

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

and because they were of the same trade abode with them, and wrought. For they were tent-makers by trade.

Context

After introducing Aquila and Priscilla, Luke explains why Paul stayed with them: a shared occupation. This practical connection sets the stage for Paul’s dual rhythm—work during the week, synagogue reasoning on the Sabbath. The following verse will depict his weekly ministry to Jews and Greeks. The scene prepares readers to see how, once coworkers arrive from Macedonia, Paul’s preaching focus intensifies, yet his integrity and relationships formed through labor continue to undergird the mission.

v.2And he found a certain Jew named Aquila, a man of Pontus by race, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to depart from Rome: and he came unto them;

v.3This passage

v.4And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded Jews and Greeks.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 1 Corinthians 9:6

    Or I only and Barnabas, have we not a right to forbear working?

  • Acts 20:34

    Ye yourselves know that these hands ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me.

  • 2 Corinthians 12:13

    For what is there wherein ye were made inferior to the rest of the churches, except it be that I myself was not a burden to you? forgive me this wrong.

  • 2 Corinthians 11:9

    and when I was present with you and was in want, I was not a burden on any man; for the brethren, when they came from Macedonia, supplied the measure of my want; and in everything I kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and so will I keep myself.

  • 2 Thessalonians 3:8

    neither did we eat bread for nought at any man’s hand, but in labor and travail, working night and day, that we might not burden any of you:

  • 1 Thessalonians 2:9

    For ye remember, brethren, our labor and travail: working night and day, that we might not burden any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God.

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