Young rabbis were expected to have a trade and support themselves. Paul was a tent maker. He was from a region that was known for having herds of goats whose fleece was especially useful in making tents and curtains. So it's possible that he might have been involved in that trade as well. The Greek word for tent maker also describes leather workers. What is clear is that he was a skilled craftsmen.
Paul was also a Roman citizen and that gave him some special rights. For instance it was against the law to whip a Roman citizen or deny him due process.
In 49 A.D. the Roman emperor Claudius expelled all the Jews from Rome due to riots that were ignited by a group of zealous Jews. These insurrectionist were advocating revolution against Rome and were opposing the installation of a new king. Paul's accusers were trying to paint him in the same light saying he was a revolutionary who was plotting to overthrow the government.
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