Tent-Maker
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Tent-Maker in the Bible?
Paul resided with Aquila and Priscilla in Cilicia, where he engaged in the occupation of tent-making using local goats' hair cloth.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding this trade clarifies Paul's economic independence and his integration into the artisan class of the Roman Empire, providing context for his ministry practices.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Tent-Maker. Examine how first-century or Near Eastern listeners understood this practice within their daily social dynamics.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Tent-Maker in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Tent-Maker clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Tent-Maker." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/tentmaker/