Paul did receive occasional support from individuals and from the church in Philippi (Acts 16:15; Romans 16:23; Philippians 4:14–16). Yet for the most part, he provided for his needs through manual labour. From this verse, it seems that Barnabas did the same.
According to Acts 18:3, Paul worked as a tentmaker while in Corinth. In Thessalonica he worked night and day
so as not to be a burden
to the church (1 Thessalonians 2:9; 2 Thessalonians 3:7–9).
As a manual labourer, Paul would occupy a low rank in Greek society. Moreover, he would earn only a small income, as is confirmed by his earlier statement, To the present hour we hunger and thirst, we are poorly dressed and buffeted and homeless, and we labor, working with our own hands
(1 Corinthians 4:11–12).
6 Or is it only Barnabas and I who have no right to refrain from working for a living?