Marcus, I don’t know. I’ve had these ideas for 30 years, ever since Gary North’s old “Tentmakers” newsletter used to come out. I’m certain as I breathe that some good pastoral literature is out there that deals with this. I’m just not up on it. Anybody?

Given Paul’s position as a Pharisee, it is hard to image that Paul would have done the actual labor because he would have had the knowledge and the resources to do otherwise. Of course, he could do it, and probably did at first. That’s the way entrepreneurs work. Paul’s father was probably a man of some wealth and a tent-maker. So, Paul probably had a “leg up” in the business.

I think of my brother-in-law who worked his way up in the health food industry and bought into a dynamic store in California decades ago. He has for decades since had the leisure to travel and keep his own involvement in the store to a minimum — and he makes money from it.

I like the point of your comment i.e. the minister should be fulltime. Do you think you could direct me to some books that support your view?

Thanks,

Marcus