Congregational Book Study, Week of December 2-8, 2024, Chapter 19, paragraphs 1-5 and boxes on pages 149, 150, Answers.

Congregational Book Study, December 2-8, 2024, Chapter 19, paragraphs 1-5 and boxes on pages 149, 150, Answers.

Congregational Bible Study (30 mins.) bt ch. 19 pars. 1-5 and boxes on pp. 149, 150.

Paul works to support himself, but he gives priority to the ministry

Based on Acts 18:1-22

1-3. Why did Paul go to Corinth, and what might have been his concern?

Paul went to Corinth to preach about the Kingdom of God, not to do business or look for a job. Although he needed a place to stay and earn money, his main goal was to tell people about God. Paul did not want to be a burden to anyone or give the impression that he was taking advantage of other people's work just to preach. This might worry him, since in such a large and crowded city, it would be difficult to find work and a place to stay. Despite these concerns, Paul knew that the most important thing was to preach God's message.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Although Paul knew that his mission was to preach, he did not want to take advantage of others. He did not want people to think that he was living at their expense just because he was preaching about God. That is why he decided to look for a job to earn an honest living. This attitude shows how Paul put his spiritual work first, but he also tried not to be a burden to anyone. His example teaches us to be responsible and balanced, without ceasing to prioritize the most important thing, which is to bear witness to the Faith.

Paul arrived in Corinth at the end of the year 50, with a clear purpose: to bear witness to the Kingdom of God. This city was an important commercial center full of Greeks, Romans and Jews, and also a place known for its vices and cultural diversity. 

Although his primary mission was preaching, Paul did not want to be financially dependent on others or give the impression that he was using preaching for personal gain. So he turned to his trade as a tentmaker to support himself. This decision reflects his humility and his willingness to work hard to fulfill his mission.

Despite possible concerns about finding work and housing in such a hectic city, Paul prioritized his spiritual task, staying in Corinth long enough to accomplish fruitful work. His example teaches us that even though circumstances may be difficult, dedication to ministry must occupy a prominent place in our lives.

ANSWERS BASED ON THE BOX: “CORINTH, LADY OF TWO HARBOURS”

Corinth was a city with two strategic ports, Lechaeum and Cenchreae, which made it a prominent commercial and cultural center in the Roman Empire. However, it was also known for its vices and diverse religions, including a temple to the Roman emperor and a Jewish synagogue. 

Paul was likely there during the Isthmian games in 51, which may have inspired him to use sports metaphors in his letters to the Corinthians. This demonstrates his ability to connect with the local culture while conveying his message.

The ancient city of Corinth was situated on a narrow strip of land that linked two large areas of Greece: the mainland and the Peloponnese peninsula. This special location gave Corinth a strategic advantage, as it was close to two important ports. These ports helped merchants move goods between different places, such as Italy, Spain, Syria, and Egypt, without having to pass through the dangerous sea around southern Greece, where strong winds made navigation hazardous.

Ships coming from different places, especially those crossing the sea, preferred to stop in Corinth. Instead of sailing through the dangerous waters of the south, they would unload their cargo in one of the ports, take it overland to the other port, and load it onto the other ship. Sometimes, if the ship was small, they would move the entire ship from one small port to another. This made Corinth a very rich city, but also a place where many vices were seen, since in the ports, there were always people from different parts and cultures, many sometimes encouraging unhealthy behavior. 

In Paul's time, Corinth was the capital of the Roman province of Achaia, and one of the most important centers of trade and administration in the region. The city was not only famous for its trade, but also for its cultural and religious diversity. There were temples dedicated to Greek and Egyptian gods, and even one dedicated to the Roman emperor. This mix of religions reflected the variety of people living there. In addition, there was a Jewish synagogue in Corinth, which shows that there was also an active Jewish community in the city.

Despite being a centre of trade and culture, Corinth was a city known for its vices. As it was such an important port, many people came to do business, but also to enjoy the pleasures of life, which often led to immoral behaviour. This gave Corinth a reputation for being a difficult city to live in according to Christian principles, something Paul had to deal with while preaching there.

Near Corinth, in a place called Isthmia, the Isthmian Games were held every two years. These games were a great sporting competition, almost as important as the Olympic Games in Greece. It was an event that attracted many people, from athletes to visitors from different parts of the world, which made Corinth even more crowded during those times.

It is interesting to note that Paul used a sports example in one of his letters to the Corinthians. Paul may have been in Corinth right when these games were taking place, and that could have influenced his decision to use sports as a metaphor to explain the discipline and effort needed to follow Christ. By comparing the Christian life to a race or a sports competition, Paul used a very popular event to teach the Christians in Corinth about the importance of perseverance, self-discipline, and striving for the prize of eternal life.

“His occupation was making tents” (Acts 18:1-4)

4, 5. (a) Where did the apostle Paul stay while in Corinth, and how did he earn his living?

Paul stayed in the home of a married couple named Aquila and Priscilla, who were Jews. They lived in Rome, but moved to Corinth due to an order from the Emperor Claudius that forced Jews to leave Rome. Thanks to them, Paul found a place to stay and also a job.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Aquila and Priscilla were a Jewish couple who had been expelled from Rome due to a decree of the Emperor Claudius. This couple not only provided them with lodging, but also the opportunity to work alongside them as tentmakers, a trade that Paul knew very well. This work allowed him to support himself financially without depending on others, showing his willingness to put effort into the secular, in order to focus on the spiritual. 

Paul was able to stay in the home of Aquila and Priscilla, a kind couple who, like him, had also had to flee Rome due to persecution. Thanks to their hospitality, Paul found not only a place to live, but also the opportunity to work with them, making tents. 

This shows how good relationships with other believers can help us through difficult times. Sometimes, when we are in a new city or a difficult situation, God puts people in our path to help us move forward with our mission.

During this 18-month period in Corinth, Paul also wrote letters that would become part of the scriptures, such as those addressed to the Thessalonians.

4, 5. b) How did Paul know how to make tents?

Although Paul had had a very good education, he had also learned to do manual labor, such as tent-making. This was not unusual in his time, as many Jews learned a practical trade in addition to receiving a formal education. 

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Paul was from Tarsus, a city famous for the manufacture of a special kind of cloth called “Cilicium,” which was used to make tents. He may have learned this trade when he was young.

Paul did not rely solely on his education or status, but he also knew how to do manual work. Sometimes people think that manual jobs are less important, but Paul shows us that all work is worthy if it is done with honesty and dedication. In addition, Paul was not afraid to "get his hands dirty" in order to continue preaching the message of Jesus. Despite being an educated man, Paul never saw his job as something shameful, but as a practical way to maintain his independence while still being able to continue sharing the Gospel.

Although he had received a superior education under Gamaniel, Paul also learned a practical trade, as was customary among first-century Jews. His hometown of Tarsus in Cilicia was famous for producing cilicium, a durable material used to make tents. 

It is likely that as a young man, Paul learned to cut, sew, and possibly even make this rough cloth. This knowledge allowed him to earn a living while preaching, ensuring that he was not financially dependent on others. This reflects his focus on not being a burden to the congregation and on remaining humble and hardworking while fulfilling his spiritual mission.

ANSWERS BASED ON THE BOX: “LETTERS THAT GOD INSPIRED TO GIVE ENCOURAGEMENT”

Paul spent about 18 months in Corinth, during which time he wrote several important letters. Among these letters were those he wrote to the Christians in Thessalonica. The first of these letters, 1 Thessalonians, was the first letter Paul wrote and included in the Bible. In this letter, Paul gave encouragement and comfort to the believers because, after he and Silas preached in Thessalonica, many of the new Christians suffered persecution from the Jews. 

Although Paul wanted to go back to see them, he couldn't, so he sent his companion Timothy to check on them. When Timothy told him good news about them, Paul wrote the letter to rejoice with them and continue to give them strength.

The second letter to the Thessalonians was written shortly after the first, around the year 51. In this letter Paul congratulates them for their love and patience in the face of difficulties, but he also has to correct them. Apparently some Christians thought that Jesus' return was going to be immediate, that is, that it would happen very soon. Paul explains to them that they should not worry about that and reminds them that they should continue living correctly while they wait for Christ's return. This shows us that, although Paul was happy with the faith of the Thessalonians, he was also careful that they would not be carried away by wrong ideas.

Paul also wrote a letter to the Galatians, to Christians in several cities in the region of Galatia. During his first and second preaching journeys, Paul had visited several of these cities, including Antioch in Pisidia, Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe. However, after one visit, people came who began teaching that Christians had to follow the law of Moses, such as circumcision, in order to be true Christians. This confused many, and Paul quickly found out about it. So, concerned about what was happening, he wrote the letter to the Galatians to correct them and remind them that salvation is not based on keeping the law, but on faith in Jesus Christ. He likely wrote the letter from Corinth, although it is also possible that he wrote it in Ephesus or Antioch.

The main purpose of this letter was to offer encouragement and correction. Paul knew that the new Christians faced many trials, such as persecutions and false teachings. So he wrote to them to strengthen their faith, correct misunderstandings, and remind them of what really mattered: following Christ wholeheartedly. Also, since Paul's job was to travel to preach, he couldn't always be with them, so he used these letters to stay connected and care for the congregations he had founded.