Acts 20:35

Context

On his way to Jerusalem at the end of his third missionary journey, Paul summons the elders of the church at Ephesus to Miletus and delivers a farewell address (vv. 17–35). He looks back on how he served them with humility and tears, and he says that although he knows bonds and afflictions await him, he intends to complete his ministry. He also warns them to take heed to themselves, because men like grievous wolves will come in among them and harm the flock. Finally, he states that he coveted no one's silver, gold, or apparel, and that he worked with his own hands to provide for his own needs and those of his companions (vv. 33–34). He concludes in verse 35 that he has thereby shown them that, by laboring in this way, they ought to support the weak.

Interpretation

• As an example for church leaders: In context, these words were addressed first to the elders, that is, to the leaders of the church. Paul presents himself as one who served while working rather than depending on the church for his livelihood, and he exhorts leaders not to seek gain but to help the weak. The verse is therefore read as instruction on how leaders should regard material possessions.
• As a principle of giving for all believers: The saying that it is more blessed to give than to receive is read more broadly as a principle for the life of every Christian. Some interpret a life of giving as a way of becoming like God, since God himself is the one who gave his Son.

Debates and Issues

This saying does not appear in the same form anywhere in the four Gospels. It is therefore cited as a leading example of the agrapha ("unwritten sayings"), the term for sayings of Jesus not recorded in the Gospels. The common view is that it reflects an oral tradition Paul had received, while others regard it as a summary of teachings such as Luke 6:38.

Paul's self-supporting ministry through manual labor is frequently cited in present-day discussions of bivocational ministry. It is also noted, however, that Paul himself said that those who preach the gospel have the right to be supported by the church (1 Corinthians 9:14). Others, observing that the verse is often used to promote giving, point out that its original point was that leaders should not place themselves on the receiving end.

In the Korean Church

The verse is commonly used as a motto for relief offerings, bazaars, scholarship programs, and service organizations, and it is frequently quoted at Christmas charity events.

Related Passages

• Acts 20:33–34
• Luke 6:38
• 2 Corinthians 9:7
• 2 Thessalonians 3:7–9