But when Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul began devoting himself completely to the word, solemnly testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Christ. Acts 18:5 NASB (emphasis added)

I decided to use the New American Standard Bible (NASB) translation for this verse rather than the usual New King James Version (NKJV), As I have said in the past, I believe the NASB is the most accurate English translation, but since so few use it anymore, I default to the NKJV. My reasons for using the NKJV are not so theological as practical. It is a reliable translation and I have been using since the early 1980s.

Now to the point of the verse, especially in the NASB. Verse five, most clearly in the NASB, points out that Paul made a shift from being bi-vocational, making tents to support himself while preaching, to preaching full time. Why was it a wise choice and why was he able to do this?

Pastors and missionaries who are bi-vocational, cannot give as much time to their ministries as those who are financially supported to do ministry full-time. It is a wise choice to minister full-time if there is support to do so. When it is possible, it is a wise choice simply because one can accomplish more ministry.

Why was Paul able to make this choice? Because when Silas and Timothy arrived, they brought financial support from the churches in Macedonia, making the shift possible.

All believers are to serve in the ministry to varying degrees. Most serve voluntarily, very part time, without financial remuneration. Those God calls to serve vocationally in fulltime ministry are to give themselves “completely” to the ministry. And believe me, fulltime ministry is more fulltime than most other occupations, in that we never leave our work at work. It is what we think about all the time.

I am so grateful to the Lord and to His church for allowing me to be in fulltime ministry!