But Paul did not regard as lost the time thus spent. As he worked with Aquila he kept in touch with the Great Teacher, losing no opportunity of witnessing for the Saviour, and of helping those who needed help. His mind was ever reaching out for spiritual knowledge. He gave his fellow workers instruction in spiritual things, and he also set an example of industry and thoroughness. He was a quick, skillful worker, diligent in business, "fervent in spirit, serving the Lord." Romans 12:11. As he worked at his trade, the apostle had access to a class of people that he could not otherwise have reached. He showed his associates 352 that skill in the common arts is a gift from God, who provides both the gift and the wisdom to use it aright. He taught that even in everyday toil God is to be honored. His toil-hardened hands detracted nothing from the force of his pathetic appeals as a Christian minister.

Men Paulus betragtede ikke den tid, han tilbragte på denne måde, som spildt. Mens han arbejdede sammen med Akvila, var han i samfund med den store lærer og lod ingen lejlighed gå tabt, hvor han kunne vidne om Frelseren og hjælpe dem, der trængte til ham. Hans sind var altid åbent for åndelige erfaringer. Han underviste sine medarbejdere i åndelige spørgsmål og samtidig var han et forbillede på flid og påpasselighed. Han var en hurtig og dygtig arbejder, flittig i gerningen, "brændende i Ånden", en Herrens tjener. Rom. 12,11. Mens han arbejdede ved sit håndværk, fik apostlen forbindelse med en klasse mennesker, som han ellers ikke kunne have nået. Han viste sine kammerater, at dygtighed til almindeligt arbejde er en gave fra Gud, der både sørger for at give gaven og den visdom, der behøves for at bruge den på rette måde. Han lærte dem, at Gud skal æres selv i hverdagslivets slid. Hans arbejdshærdede hænder forringede ikke kraften i hans gribende forkyndelse som kristen prædikant.