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)
Paul reminds the Ephesian elders that a core part of his teaching, and indeed Christ's own teaching, is the profound joy found in selfless giving. This isn't just about donating money; it’s about actively working hard and using your resources to lift up those who are struggling, reflecting the ultimate generosity of God.
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)
As Paul bids farewell to the Ephesian elders, he reflects on his time with them, emphasizing that he has shown them everything they need to know, not just in word but by example. He reminds them of his diligent, self-supporting labor, which he calls them to emulate so they can provide for the needy among them. Paul then highlights a saying of Jesus, not found in the Gospels, about the blessedness of giving over receiving, underscoring the principle of generous service he modeled for them.
Paul didn't just preach about helping others; he lived it out through tireless work. What does this teach us about the connection between our labor and our love for the needy?
Paul emphasizes that our work isn't just for personal gain, but a vital way to care for those who can't care for themselves.
Labor for Others
Paul demonstrated his commitment by working with his own hands, specifically so he could 'support the weak.' This wasn't about avoiding hardship, but about enabling generosity.
The
Jesus said many things that weren't written down in the Gospels. What does it mean for us today that Paul treasures and passes on a saying of Jesus we might not have otherwise known?
The early church preserved Christ's teachings through both written records and faithful oral tradition, highlighting the living nature of His words.
Beyond the Gospels
Paul reminds the Ephesian elders of a saying from Jesus: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' This specific phrasing isn't found in our four Gospels, showing that the apostles actively remembered and shared countless other authentic sayings of Jesus that weren't formally recorded.
Oral Tradition's Power
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This highlights the importance of oral tradition in the early church. Teachings and sayings were passed down and held as authoritative. Paul assumed his listeners would recognize this saying, indicating it was a well-known part of their Christian heritage.
Jesus said it's 'more blessed to give than to receive.' What makes giving so profoundly valuable, and how does it reflect God's own nature?
The core of generosity, as taught by Jesus and exemplified by Paul, is that giving aligns us with God's character and brings a deeper, more divine blessing than receiving.
Imitating God
Paul presents Jesus's saying as a fundamental truth: giving is inherently more fulfilling than receiving. This isn't just about a temporary feeling; it's about embracing a way of life that mirrors God's own abundant, giving nature. God gives freely, and in giving, we participate in His divine character.
A Divine Perspective
While the world might equate receiving with prosperity or happiness, Christ teaches a counter-cultural truth. True blessedness, a deep and lasting well-being, is found in generosity. This generosity reflects Christ's own self-giving, culminating in His sacrifice for humanity.
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.
This verse is set against the backdrop of Paul's practical, hands-on ministry, where he lived out the very principles he preached. His example of working diligently to support the needy and his recollection of Jesus' words highlight a teaching of Christ that was cherished and passed down orally before being widely written.
c. AD 50-52
Paul's Ministry in Ephesus
During his extended stay in Ephesus, Paul worked tirelessly as a tentmaker, not only to support himself but also to aid the poor and weak within the church. He exemplified the principle of selfless labor and generosity.
c. AD 52-55
Paul's Journeys and Teaching
After leaving Ephesus, Paul continued his missionary journeys, often facing hardship. Throughout his ministry, he consistently taught and modeled the importance of generous giving and supporting those in need.
c. AD 56-58
Letter to the Corinthians
Paul references a similar principle in his first letter to the Corinthians (1 Cor 16:1-4), organizing collections for the suffering believers in Jerusalem. This shows a consistent pattern of encouraging financial support for others.
c. AD 58— this verse
Paul's Farewell to the Ephesian Elders
On his final journey to Jerusalem, Paul meets the elders of Ephesus. He reminds them of his example of diligent work and selfless giving, urging them to emulate his conduct and to remember Jesus' teaching that giving is more blessed than receiving.
This passage directly echoes Jesus' teaching on giving, stating, 'Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap.' This reinforces the idea that generous giving is met with divine abundance, a profound encouragement to the principle Paul shares.
Proverbs 11:24-25The wisdom literature highlights the principle that 'One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.' This ancient proverb mirrors Paul's emphasis on the rewarding nature of generosity.
2 Corinthians 9:7Here Paul writes, 'Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.' This speaks directly to the spirit of giving that Paul exemplifies and encourages in Acts 20, emphasizing that joyful generosity is pleasing to God.
Philippians 4:16-17Paul himself acknowledges receiving support from the Philippian church, noting, 'for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me support more than once when I was in need. Not that I desire the gift; rather I desire fruit that may abound to your account.' This shows a practical instance of the 'giving and receiving' dynamic, highlighting that giving can also bring spiritual fruit to the giver.
1 Timothy 5:17-18This passage discusses elders who rule well, especially those whose 'work is preaching and teaching,' stating they 'deserve double honor.' It then quotes from Deuteronomy and Jesus' own teaching: 'The laborer deserves his wages.' This connects the idea of supporting those who labor in ministry, indirectly linking to the need for giving and the principle that those who give support and those who labor deserve to be supported.
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 reminds the Ephesian elders that a core part of his teaching, and indeed Christ's own teaching, is the profound joy found in selfless giving. This isn't just about donating money; it’s about actively working hard and using your resources to lift up those who are struggling, reflecting the ultimate generosity of God.
As Paul bids farewell to the Ephesian elders, he reflects on his time with them, emphasizing that he has shown them everything they need to know, not just in word but by example. He reminds them of his diligent, self-supporting labor, which he calls them to emulate so they can provide for the needy among them. Paul then highlights a saying of Jesus, not found in the Gospels, about the blessedness of giving over receiving, underscoring the principle of generous service he modeled for them.
As Paul bids farewell to the Ephesian elders, he reflects on his time with them, emphasizing that he has shown them everything they need to know, not just in word but by example. He reminds them of his diligent, self-supporting labor, which he calls them to emulate so they can provide for the needy among them. Paul then highlights a saying of Jesus, not found in the Gospels, about the blessedness of giving over receiving, underscoring the principle of generous service he modeled for them.
"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 reminds the Ephesian elders that a core part of his teaching, and indeed Christ's own teaching, is the profound joy found in selfless giving. This isn't just about donating money; it’s about act…
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Last reviewed October 2026