hese,
perhaps, the most conspicuous was Crispus, "the chief ruler of the
synagogue," who, "with all his house," submitted to baptism. [109:6]
About the same time Gaius, who seems to have been an opulent citizen,
and who rendered good service to the common cause by his Christian
hospitality, [109:7] openly embraced the gospel. Two other converts, who
are often honourably mentioned in the New Testament, were now likewise
added to the infant Church. These were Aquila and Priscilla. [109:8]
Some have, indeed, supposed that this couple had been already baptized;
but, on the arrival of Paul in Corinth, Aquila is represented as _a Jew_
[110:1]--a designation which would not have been descriptive of his
position had he been previously a believer--and we must therefore infer
that the conversion of himself and his excellent partner occurred at
this period.

In this city, as well as in many other places, the apostle supported
himself by the labour of his own hands. It was now customary, even for
Israelites in easy circumstances, to train up their children to some
mechanical employment, so that should they sink into penury, they could
still, by manual industry, procure a livelihood. [110:2] Paul had been
taught the trade of a tent-maker, or manufacturer of awnings of
hair-cloth--articles much used in the East as a protection against the
rays of the sun, by travellers and mariners; It was in connexion with
this occupation that lie became acquainted with Aquila and Priscilla.
"Because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought."
[110:3] The Jew and his wife had probably a large manufactory, and thus
they could furnish the apostle with remunerative employment. Whilst
under their roof, he did not neglect the opportunities he enjoyed of
presenting the gospel to their attention, and both soon became his
ardent and energetic coadjutors in missionary service.

The conduct of Paul in working with his own hands, whilst engaged in the
dissemination of the gospel, is a noble example of Christian
self-denial. He could, it appears, expect little assistance from the
mother church of Antioch; and had he, in the first instance, demanded
support from those to whom he now ministered, he would have exposed
himself and his cause to the utmost suspicion. In a commercial city,
such as Corinth, he would have been regarded by many as a mere
adventurer who had resorted to a new species of speculation in the hope
of obtaining a maintenance.