Acts 18:1-4 “After this, Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. There he met a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had ordered all the Jews to leave Rome. Paul went to see them, and because he was a tentmaker as they were, he stayed and worked with them. Every Sabbath he reasoned in the synagogue, trying to persuade Jews and Greeks.”

At this point in Paul’s ministry, tentmaking was his means of financial support. I imagine he was good at his work. The marketplace was a wonderful place to engage people in discussing the Gospel. He was good at that too. And what great training grounds for Aquila and Priscilla!

Principle:You have connectivity and credibility with those in the same vocation or profession.

It is important to have Godly influence your industry. This starts with associates and employees. We have special relationships with prospects, customers and contractors. We can also have  spiritual concern for competitors and professional affiliates.

Sometimes it is an honest decision to not be pushy. This may be compromise. We avoid taking a stand against this or that issue. It is not enough to just separate ourselves from the wrong. We must speak out. It is our role as God’s spokesmen.

The “Tentmakers Union” knew Paul and got to know Jesus. So did the “Corinthian Chamber of Commerce” and the Rotary Club equivalent of that day. They gave Paul a hearing because he was there. He was good at his trade. He spoke up. His passion was not just making a living but making a difference.

This is all part of working on our business – not just in it. God gave you your business … give back to Him and others by telling them about Jesus.

Discussion:

1. What organizations do you belong to? What opportunities are there to influence or speak up for what you believe in?

2. In an organization that you are eligible for, what are the hindrances or objections in belonging and participating in your professional group?