Matthew Poole and continuators on Acts 18:3

3 And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and e [illegible: 1 letter]rought (for by their occupation they were tent-makers)

The most learned amongst the Iews did always learn some handy-craft, and it was one of those things which they held a Father was bound to do for his Child, viz. to teach him some Trade. And one of their Rabby's sayings is, That whosoever does not teach his Child a Trade, does as bad as if he did teach him to play the Thief. St. Paul wrought with his hands, not so much because as yet there was no Church there that could maintain him; but 1. because▪ he would not be burdensome unto them, they being, probably most mean persons that believed there, as appears, 1 Cor. 1.26. Or 2. That he might shew how that he did not covet theirs, but them; and to gain nothing but Souls amongst them. Yet he asserted his right, and the right of Ministers, by Divine appointment, to live of the Gospel, 1 Cor. 9.6, 11, 12.

Tents were used by Soldiers, and in those hot Countries by others also, being usually made of Skins sewn together to keep off the violence of the weather.

Marginal references: Chap. 20.34. 1 Cor. 4.12. 1 Thes. 2.9.