MODEL MARKETPLACE MINISTRY PAULUS KISAH PARA RASUL 18:1-17 BAGI PELAKU BISNIS SPO 1378 KUPANG

Abstract

The tension between business and spiritual ministry continues to challenge many Christians. Acts 18:1-17 illustrates Paul’s integrative model, combining his tentmaking profession with the proclamation of the Gospel in Corinth. This study explores Paul’s marketplace ministry through an exegetical-theological lens and considers its relevance for modern business practitioners in SPO 1378 Kupang. Employing qualitative biblical-theological exegesis, the research investigates the narrative structure, the socio-historical context of Corinth, and Lukan missiology. Findings show that Paul successfully united secular work with evangelistic mission by applying key principles: economic independence and credibility, using profession as relational space, contextualizing culture without compromising theology, fostering collaborative ministry, and demonstrating persistence amid opposition. His approach reveals that business is not a hindrance to mission but a strategic platform for advancing God’s Kingdom. These principles remain significant for contemporary business contexts, highlighting integrity, authentic relationships, and relational evangelism, while contributing to the development of work theology and contextual missiology in Indonesia

Keywords: Marketplace Ministry, Acts 18:1-17, Apostle Paul, Theology of Work, Evangelism

Abstrak

Dikotomi antara dunia bisnis dan pelayanan rohani masih menjadi tantangan bagi banyak orang Kristen. Kisah Para Rasul 18:1-17 menampilkan model integratif Paulus yang bekerja sebagai pembuat tenda sekaligus memberitakan Injil di Korintus. Penelitian ini menelaah marketplace ministry Paulus dengan pendekatan eksegesis-teologis serta menyoroti relevansinya bagi pelaku bisnis kontemporer di SPO 1378 Kupang. Dengan metode kualitatif berbasis eksegesis biblika-teologis, penelitian ini mengkaji struktur naratif, konteks historis-sosial Korintus, serta teologi misi menurut Lukas. Hasil analisis menunjukkan Paulus mampu memadukan pekerjaan sekuler dengan misi penginjilan melalui lima prinsip utama: kemandirian ekonomi dan kredibilitas, profesi sebagai ruang relasional, kontekstualisasi budaya tanpa kompromi teologis, kolaborasi tim pelayanan, serta ketekunan menghadapi oposisi. Model ini menegaskan bahwa bisnis bukan penghalang misi, melainkan sarana strategis menghadirkan Kerajaan Allah. Prinsip Paulus relevan bagi bisnis masa kini, menekankan integritas, relasi autentik, dan penginjilan kontekstual, sekaligus memperkaya teologi kerja dan misiologi di Indonesia. Kata Kunci: Marketplace Ministry, Kisah Para Rasul 18:1-17, Rasul Paulus, Teologi Kerja, Penginjilan.