As a laborer in the gospel, Paul might have claimed support, instead of sustaining himself; but this right he was willing to forego. Although feeble in health, he labored during the day in serving the cause of Christ, and then toiled a large share of the night, and frequently all night, that he might make provision for his own and others’ necessities. The apostle would also give an example to the Christian ministry, dignifying and honoring industry. While thus preaching and working, he presented the highest type of Christianity. He combined teaching with his labor; and while toiling with those of his trade, he instructed them concerning the way of salvation. In pursuing this course, he had access to many whom he could not otherwise have reached.{LP 101.1}

Som en medarbejder i evangeliet, kunne Paulus have krævet støtte, i stedet for at underholde sig selv; men denne rettighed var han villig til at give afkald på. Selvom han havde et svagt helbred, arbejdede han i løbet af dagen for at tjene Kristi sag, og sled en stor del af natten, og ofte hele natten, så han kan skaffe midler til sine egne fornødenheder. Apostlen ville også give et eksempel på kristen tjenersind, ophøje og ære arbejdsomheden. Ved at forkynde og arbejde sådan, bragte han den højeste slags kristendom. Han kombinerede undervisning med sit arbejde; og medens han sled sammen med sine arbejdskollegaer i sit erhverv, underviste han dem om frelsens vej. Ved denne fremgangsmåde fik han adgang til mange, som han ellers ikke ville kunne nå.