“And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers.”
King James Version (KJV)
18:3 They were tent makers by trade - For it was a rule among the Jews (and why is it not among the Christians?) to bring up all their children to some trade, were they ever so rich or noble.
Ac 18:3 Because he was of the same occupation, he abode with them. This is the first mention of the handicraft by which so often during his toilsome life Paul earned his daily bread. Every Jewish boy was taught a trade, and Paul no doubt learned his in Tarsus. Compare Ac 20:34 1Th 2:9 2Th 3:8 1Co 4:12 2Co 11:9.