In his second letter to the believers in Corinth, written after he had raised up a strong church there, Paul reviewed his manner of life among them."Have I committed an offense," he asked, "in abasing myself that ye might be exalted, because I have preached to you the gospel of God freely? Irobbed other churches, taking wages of them, to do you service.And when Iwas present with you, and wanted, I was chargeable to no man: for that which was lacking to me the brethren which came from Macedonia supplied: and in all things I have kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and so will Ikeep myself.As the truth of Christ is in me, no man shall stop me of this boasting in the regions of Achaia." 2 Corinthians 11:7-10.
Paul tells why he had followed this course in Corinth.It was that he might give no cause for reproach to "them which desire occasion." 2 Corinthians 11:12.While he had worked at tentmaking he had also labored faithfully in the proclamation of the gospel.He himself declares of his labors, "Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds." And he adds, "For what is it wherein ye were inferior to other churches, except it be that I myself was not burdensome to you? Forgive me this wrong.Behold, the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be burdensome to you: for I seek not yours, but you....And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you." 2 Corinthians 12:12-15.
During the long period of his ministry in Ephesus, where for three years he carried forward an aggressive evangelistic effort throughout that region, Paul again worked at his trade.In Ephesus, as in Corinth, the apostle was cheered by the presence of Aquila and Priscilla, who had accompanied him on his return to Asia at the close of his second missionary journey.
There were some who objected to Paul's toiling with his hands, declaring that it was inconsistent with the work of a gospel minister.Why should Paul, a minister of the highest rank, thus connect mechanical work with the preaching of the word? Was not the laborer worthy of his hire? Why should he spend in making tents time that to all appearance could be put to better account?
But Paul did not regard as lost the time thus spent.As he worked with Aquila he kept in touch with the Great Teacher, losing no opportunity of witnessing for the Saviour, and of helping those who needed help.His mind was ever reaching out for spiritual knowledge.He gave his fellow workers instruction in spiritual things, and he also set an example of industry and thoroughness.He was a quick, skillful worker, diligent in business, "fervent in spirit, serving the Lord." Romans 12:11.As he worked at his trade, the apostle had access to a class of people that he could not otherwise have reached.He showed his associates that skill in the common arts is a gift from God, who provides both the gift and the wisdom to use it aright.He taught that even in everyday toil God is to be honored.His toil-hardened hands detracted nothing from the force of his pathetic appeals as a Christian minister.
Paul sometimes worked night and day, not only for his own support, but that he might assist his fellow laborers.He shared his earnings with Luke, and he helped Timothy.He even suffered hunger at times, that he might relieve the necessities of others.His was an unselfish life.Toward the close of his ministry, on the occasion of his farewell talk to the elders of Ephesus, at Miletus, he could lift up before them his toilworn hands, and say, "Ihave coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel.Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me.I have showed you all things, how that so laboring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how He said, It is more blessed to give than to receive." Acts 20:33-35.
If ministers feel that they are suffering hardship and privation in the cause of Christ, let them in imagination visit the workshop where Paul labored.Let them bear in mind that while this chosen man of God is fashioning the canvas, he is working for bread which he has justly earned by his labors as an apostle.
Work is a blessing, not a curse.A spirit of indolence destroys godliness and grieves the Spirit of God.A stagnant pool is offensive, but a pure, flowing stream spreads health and gladness over the land.Paul knew that those who neglect physical work soon become enfeebled.He desired to teach young ministers that by working with their hands, by bringing into exercise their muscles and sinews, they would become strong to endure the toils and privations that awaited them in the gospel field.And he realized that his own teachings would lack vitality and force if he did not keep all parts of the system properly exercised.
The indolent forfeit the invaluable experience gained by a faithful performance of the common duties of life.Not a few, but thousands of human beings exist only to consume the benefits which God in His mercy bestows upon them.They forget to bring to the Lord gratitude offerings for the riches He has entrusted to them.They forget that by trading wisely on the talents lent them they are to be producers as well as consumers.If they comprehended the work that the Lord desires them to do as His helping hand they would not shun responsibility.
