What is the context?
Paul leaves Athens for Corinth, where he meets Aquila and Priscilla. They have recently come from Italy because Claudius ordered the Jews to leave Rome. Paul stays and works with them because they share the trade of tentmaking. Luke does not tell us precisely when the couple first believed in Jesus.
The Roman writer Suetonius, Claudius 25.4, also records an expulsion of Jews from Rome, connecting it with disturbances associated with someone he calls Chrestus. This supports the historical setting of the expulsion without settling every detail of the dispute or exactly what Suetonius understood about it.
Paul reasons in the synagogue each Sabbath, seeking to persuade Jewish and Greek hearers. When Silas and Timothy arrive from Macedonia, he devotes himself fully to proclaiming the word and testifying that Jesus is the Christ—the promised Messiah.
The description of his devotion uses συνέχω (synechō, soo-NEH-khoh). Thayer’s entry gives the sense of being closely occupied with a task in Acts 18:5. Paul’s concentration on teaching increases; the word itself does not tell us every detail of his working hours or finances.
How is this passage commonly understood?
Christians commonly see practical work, hospitality and fellow workers supporting the preaching in this account. Paul works with his hands and teaches; neither activity makes the other unimportant. His example here does not by itself require every Christian teacher to follow one identical pattern of employment.
Where does this fit in God's plan?
In 2 Corinthians 11:7–9, Paul recalls receiving help from other churches and having his needs supplied by brothers arriving from Macedonia while he was serving the Corinthians. Together with Luke’s account, this shows how one community’s generosity helps the message reach another. God’s work includes the people who welcome, work alongside and support the messenger.
What is our position?
We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.