Acts 20:35
In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Paul emphasizes that he's shown them everything, not just teachings, but living out the truth, which means he demonstrated how diligent work is the foundation for supporting those in need. The surprising insight is that the disciples likely knew Jesus' saying, "It is more blessed to give than to receive," not from the Gospels, but from Paul and others who learned it directly from Jesus’ spoken words. This highlights the vibrant oral tradition of early Christianity, where Jesus' everyday teachings were as vital as his written accounts.
Paul is concluding his farewell address to the elders of Ephesus, a deeply emotional moment as he prepares to leave them. He reminds them of his own selfless example, particularly how he worked diligently with his own hands to support himself and the weak among them, rather than burdening the church. This emphasis on selfless work and care for others culminates in his recounting of Jesus' own words, "It is more blessed to give than to receive," a principle he modeled and now entrusts to their remembrance.
Understand the original words
astheneō · Greek Adjective (Participle)
Those lacking strength, whether physically, financially, or spiritually; in the church context, it often refers to those needing support, protection, or patience.
makarios · Greek Adjective
Possessing the joy, favor, and spiritual approval of God; a state of supreme happiness that comes from living in alignment with God's will.
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Paul's words in Acts 20:35 draw directly from his lived example in Ephesus and the oral traditions of Jesus' teachings, highlighting how early Christians integrated practical action with inspired wisdom.
c. AD 52-56— this verse
Paul's Ministry in Ephesus
During his extended stay in Ephesus, Paul supported himself through tent-making, setting an example for the local believers and church leaders.
c. AD 57
Paul's Letter to Corinth
Paul writes to the Corinthians, discussing generosity and financial support for the ministry, referencing similar principles of giving.
c. AD 58
Paul's Letter to Romans
In his letter to the Romans, Paul continues to explore themes of Christian conduct and generosity, further developing theological underpinnings for giving.
c. AD 62
Paul's Letter to Ephesians
Writing from prison, Paul continues to emphasize practical Christian living, including themes of work and provision for the needy, echoing sentiments from his time in Ephesus.
This passage directly supports Jesus' saying that 'It is more blessed to give than to receive,' by stating 'Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap.'
Proverbs 11:24-25These verses echo the principle of generosity being rewarding, stating 'One gives freely, yet grows richer; another withholds what he has, yet comes to poverty. The generous will be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.'
2 Corinthians 9:7This passage elaborates on the attitude of giving, emphasizing joy and willingness, aligning with Paul's message that giving brings blessing: 'Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.'
Philippians 2:3-7This passage exemplifies the spirit of giving and serving the weak, mirroring Paul's example in Acts and Jesus' own humility: 'Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped.'
ellicottActs 20:35: "I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive."
(35) I have shewed you all things. —The words point to his motive in acting as he did. He sought to teach by example, to indicate in all things how others ought to act. To support the weak.—The Greek verb is rightly rendered, but it deserves notice that it is the root of the noun translated “help” in…
pooleActs 20:35: "I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive."
I have showed you all things; as in Acts 20:27 . So labouring; with more than ordinary pains and constancy. To support; that they do not fall; or, being fallen, that they may rise again. The word imports the stretching out of the hand to retain any that are going away, or to hold up any that are fall…
Paul emphasizes that he's shown them everything, not just teachings, but living out the truth, which means he demonstrated how diligent work is the foundation for supporting those in need. The surprising insight is that the disciples likely knew Jesus' saying, "It is more blessed to give than to receive," not from the Gospels, but from Paul and others who learned it directly from Jesus’ spoken words. This highlights the vibrant oral tradition of early Christianity, where Jesus' everyday teachings were as vital as his written accounts.
Paul is concluding his farewell address to the elders of Ephesus, a deeply emotional moment as he prepares to leave them. He reminds them of his own selfless example, particularly how he worked diligently with his own hands to support himself and the weak among them, rather than burdening the church. This emphasis on selfless work and care for others culminates in his recounting of Jesus' own words, "It is more blessed to give than to receive," a principle he modeled and now entrusts to their remembrance.
Paul is concluding his farewell address to the elders of Ephesus, a deeply emotional moment as he prepares to leave them. He reminds them of his own selfless example, particularly how he worked diligently with his own hands to support himself and the weak among them, rather than burdening the church. This emphasis on selfless work and care for others culminates in his recounting of Jesus' own words, "It is more blessed to give than to receive," a principle he modeled and now entrusts to their remembrance.
"In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”" — Paul emphasizes that he's shown them everything, not just teachings, but living out the truth, which means he demonstrated how diligent work is the foundation for supporting those in need. The surp…
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