Did Paul Ever Retire?

[richard n koustas]

Did Paul ever retire from tentmaking?

I read an article that said that Paul pretty much supported himself by tentmaking while on his missionary journeys.

Then I started to read a book (about one of Paul's epistles) and in the introduction, the author says that Paul left family, close friends and his career as tentmaker, to enter 'full-time' ministry as a missionary.

Obviously, both cannot be correct...

 

[MNJacob]

I believe that both are correct. I believe that Paul was willing to go bi-vocational whenever circumstances required it.

There were obvious times that he was supported in his efforts by donations and gifts. And much of his virtual ministry efforts, via epistle/letter took place while he was imprisoned.

But he was clearly willing, whenever necessary earn his living.

 

[Deacon]

Paul reached the mandatory retirement age for Roman tentmakers and was retired involuntarily.

Rob

 

[Dr. Bob]

Paul reached the mandatory retirement age for Roman tentmakers and was retired involuntarily.

Rob

Cutting off the head usually terminates most careers.

I had a boss one time though . . .

 

[Jim1999]

The only pension plan in Paul's day was eternity.

Some of us retire to preach another 1000 sermons.

Cheers,

Jim

 

[John of Japan]

Cutting off the head usually terminates most careers.

I had a boss one time though . . .

The Japanese idiom for being fired is the same as having your head cut off--kubi ni naru. :smilewinkgrin:

I think Paul's retirement is described in the last two verses of Acts: "And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him, Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him."