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 shewed {G5263} you {G5213} all things {G3956}, how that {G3754} so {G3779} labouring {G2872} ye ought {G1163} to support {G482} the weak {G770}, and {G5037} to remember {G3421} the words {G3056} of the Lord {G2962} Jesus {G2424}, how {G3754} he {G846} said {G2036}, It is {G2076} more {G3123} blessed {G3107} to give {G1325} than {G2228} to receive {G2983}.
In everything I have given you an example of how, by working hard like this, you must help the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Yeshua himself, ‘There is more happiness in giving than in receiving.’”
In everything, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus Himself: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
In all things I gave you an example, that so laboring ye ought to help the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that he himself said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.
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Hebrews 13:16
But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. -
2 Corinthians 9:6
¶ But this [I say], He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. -
2 Corinthians 9:12
For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God; -
Proverbs 19:17
¶ He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again. -
Luke 14:12
Then said he also to him that bade him, When thou makest a dinner or a supper, call not thy friends, nor thy brethren, neither thy kinsmen, nor [thy] rich neighbours; lest they also bid thee again, and a recompence be made thee. -
Luke 14:14
And thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just. -
Matthew 10:8
Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.
Acts 20:35 (KJV)
"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.›"
Commentary
This verse is part of Paul's farewell address to the elders of the church in Ephesus, whom he met in Miletus. Paul is recounting his own example and giving final instructions before heading to Jerusalem. His life and ministry among them served as a practical illustration of the principles he taught.
The core message here is twofold: first, the importance of hard work ("so labouring") not just for one's own needs but specifically to be able to help those who are unable to support themselves ("support the weak"). This emphasizes Christian responsibility towards the vulnerable.
Second, Paul quotes a saying of Jesus that is not recorded in the four Gospels ("It is more blessed to give than to receive"). This indicates that there were other sayings of Jesus preserved among early Christians, likely through oral tradition. The word "blessed" (Greek: makarios) here carries the sense of being truly happy, fortunate, or favored by God. Jesus' saying elevates the act of giving over receiving, suggesting that the spiritual and personal rewards of generosity outweigh those of being a recipient.
Paul uses this saying of Jesus to underscore the attitude and motivation behind the hard work and support for the weak he has just mentioned. Generosity is not a burden but a path to deeper joy and divine favor.
This verse serves as a powerful reminder that Christian work ethic is tied to a generous spirit, and that true fulfillment comes from selfless giving. It encourages believers to work diligently so they can be a blessing to others, embodying the very character of Christ.