The phrase while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God
raises this interesting question: did Paul actually proclaim the gospel in the workshop while working on his tents? The Greek construction here has the present participle for we worked,
followed by the verb proclaimed
in the aorist indicative. This construction can be used to indicate that the two actions were simultaneous,1,2 but it is uncertain whether such a specific meaning can be inferred from the verb tenses alone.3 Nevertheless, it was not uncommon for moral philosophers to hold intellectual discussions in the workshop, and it is difficult to imagine that Paul would not have made use of every opportunity for preaching the gospel.4 If he was able to invite new converts to the workshop for further instruction while he worked at his tentmaking, or to speak to his customers about Jesus when they came to place or collect their orders, he would surely have done so. The craftsman’s workshop was not only a place for carrying out his business, but could also be used as a living space—including sleeping and eating—and a place for receiving visitors.
In Corinth, rows of shops have been excavated near to the forum. The shops range in size from about 3x4-4.5x6 metres. Such shops would have been rented by craftsmen who would have used them for business and as living spaces. It is likely that the situation in Thessalonica would have been similar.5
9 For you remember, brothers, our labor and toil: we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God.