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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.’”

Berean Standard Bible

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.’”

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In his poignant farewell address to the Ephesian elders, the Apostle Paul not only recounts his diligent and self-sacrificing ministry among them but also exhorts them to emulate his example of strenuous labor, specifically for the purpose of supporting the vulnerable. Central to this charge, Paul invokes a profound and otherwise unrecorded saying of Jesus: "It is more blessed to give than to receive," thereby establishing a foundational principle of Christian life that prioritizes generous service and selflessness as the path to true divine favor and spiritual flourishing.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the culmination of Paul’s deeply personal and impassioned farewell address to the Ephesian elders, delivered in Miletus (Acts 20:17-38). Having recounted his blameless conduct and tireless ministry among them, Paul transitions from defense and example to direct exhortation. He warns them about future dangers (Acts 20:29-30), commends them to God's grace (Acts 20:32), and then, in the immediate verses preceding our text, emphasizes his own self-sufficiency and refusal to covet material possessions (Acts 20:33-34). Acts 20:35 serves as the climactic summary of his practical teaching, linking his personal example of hard work to the principle of supporting the weak, all grounded in a unique saying of Jesus. It is the final, memorable teaching before Paul kneels to pray with them and they part ways with great sorrow (Acts 20:36-38).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's ministry in Ephesus (Acts 19) was extensive and impactful, establishing a thriving church. His address in Miletus occurs as he is journeying to Jerusalem, fully aware of the impending hardships and imprisonment that await him (Acts 20:22-23). In the Greco-Roman world, manual labor was often looked down upon by the elite, associated with slaves or the lower classes. However, Jewish tradition, and particularly Paul's own background as a tentmaker, valued honest work. Paul consistently demonstrated a commitment to self-support, refusing to be a burden to the churches he served (e.g., [1 Thessalonians 2:9](/1_thessalonians/2-9 "1 Thessalonians 2:9 - Paul's Example of Labor") and [2 Thessalonians 3:8](/2_thessalonians/3-8 "2 Thessalonians 3:8 - Working for Self-Sufficiency")). This emphasis on laboring to support the weak stood in contrast to prevailing societal norms, highlighting a distinct Christian ethic of communal responsibility and generosity, especially towards the poor and infirm, which was a hallmark of the early church.
* **Key Themes:** Acts 20:35 powerfully encapsulates several recurring themes in Acts and Paul's broader theology. Firstly, it underscores the **apostolic example** of selfless service and diligence, as Paul presents his own life as a model for the elders to follow (Acts 20:18-21). Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Christian work ethic** and **stewardship**, emphasizing that labor is not merely for personal gain but as a means to bless others, particularly the vulnerable. This connects to principles of generous giving found throughout the New Testament, such as the early church's practice of sharing resources (e.g., [Acts 2:44-45](/acts/2-44-45 "Acts 2:44-45 - The Early Church Shares All Things")). Thirdly, the verse introduces the profound theme of **blessing through generosity**, presenting giving as a divinely favored and spiritually enriching act, directly quoting Jesus. This concept of finding true life and joy in self-giving echoes Jesus' teachings on losing one's life to find it (e.g., [Matthew 10:39](/matthew/10-39 "Matthew 10:39 - Losing Life to Find It") and [Luke 9:24](/luke/9-24 "Luke 9:24 - Denying Self for Christ")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **labouring (Greek, _kopiáō_):** From a derivative of κόπος, meaning to feel fatigue; by implication, to work hard. Paul's use of this word emphasizes not just work, but strenuous, wearisome effort. It speaks to a diligent, sustained exertion that goes beyond mere activity, implying a commitment to toil for a purpose.
* **support (Greek, _antilambánomai_):** From ἀντί and the middle voice of λαμβάνω, meaning to take hold of in turn, i.e., succor; also to participate. This word conveys the idea of actively taking hold of someone to help them, to come to their aid, or to participate in their burden. It is a very active and compassionate form of assistance, implying a shared responsibility.
* **blessed (Greek, _makários_):** A prolonged form of the poetical, meaning supremely blest; by extension, fortunate, well off. This term signifies a state of profound happiness, inner contentment, and divine favor that is not dependent on external circumstances. It speaks of a spiritual blessedness that comes from God, often associated with those who live according to His will, as seen in Jesus' Beatitudes.
* **give (Greek, _dídōmi_):** A prolonged form of a primary verb, meaning to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection). This verb is broad in its application, encompassing the act of bestowing, granting, delivering, or offering. In this context, it refers to the act of generously sharing resources, assistance, or oneself with others.
* **receive (Greek, _lambánō_):** A prolonged form of a primary verb, meaning to take (in very many applications, literally and figuratively (properly objective or active, to get hold of; whereas δέχομαι is rather subjective or passive, to have offered to one; while αἱρέομαι is more violent, to seize or remove)). This verb denotes the act of taking, obtaining, or getting hold of something. In contrast to "give," it represents the passive reception of something from another.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak,"**: Paul first grounds his exhortation in his own exemplary life and ministry among the Ephesian elders. He has "shewed" (G5263 _hypodeíknymi_, to exhibit under the eyes, to exemplify) them everything, implying a holistic model of conduct, not just teaching. This "showing" specifically includes "so labouring" (G2872 _kopiáō_, working hard, toiling) with his own hands (as mentioned in Acts 20:34) to meet his needs and avoid being a burden. The purpose of this hard work is explicitly stated: "ye ought to support the weak" (G482 _antilambánomai_ G770 _asthenéō_). This highlights a core Christian responsibility: diligent work is not solely for personal gain but primarily to enable believers to assist those who are unable to support themselves due to illness, poverty, or other vulnerabilities. The word "ought" (G1163 _deî_, it is necessary, binding) underscores this as a moral imperative.
* **"and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said,"**: Paul transitions from his own example to the ultimate authority: the words of Jesus. The phrase "to remember" (G3421 _mnēmoneúō_, to exercise memory, recollect) indicates that this saying was likely part of the oral tradition passed down among early Christians, cherished and recalled by the apostles and their disciples. It signifies that this teaching held significant weight and was considered foundational for Christian conduct. Attributing it to "the Lord Jesus" (G2962 _kýrios_ G2424 _Iēsoûs_) elevates its authority and divine origin.
* **"‹It is more blessed to give than to receive.›"**: This is the profound, unique saying of Jesus that Paul quotes. The Greek "more blessed" (G3123 _mâllon_ G3107 _makários_) emphasizes a qualitative difference: giving brings a superior, deeper, and more profound state of happiness and divine favor than merely receiving. This blessing is not necessarily material, but spiritual and existential, aligning with the Beatitudes where "blessed" describes those who embody kingdom values. It challenges the natural human inclination to accumulate and receive, reorienting the believer's perspective towards the joy and divine favor inherent in selfless generosity.

#### Literary Devices
Paul's farewell address, culminating in this verse, masterfully employs several literary devices. The entire passage functions as a **farewell discourse**, a common ancient literary form where a leader delivers final instructions, warnings, and blessings before departure or death. Within this, Paul uses **exemplification**, presenting his own life and ministry as a living illustration of the principles he advocates, particularly his self-sacrificing labor and financial independence (Acts 20:33-34). The phrase "I have shewed you all things" underscores this pedagogical approach. The core of the verse is an **adage** or **proverbial saying**, a pithy, memorable statement of truth, attributed directly to Jesus. The contrast between "give" and "receive" creates a **juxtaposition**, highlighting the superior spiritual value of the former. This rhetorical technique emphasizes the counter-cultural nature of Jesus' teaching, challenging conventional wisdom that often prioritizes personal gain.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 20:35 stands as a powerful theological statement on the nature of Christian generosity and the source of true blessedness. It reveals that the Christian work ethic is not merely for self-sufficiency but is fundamentally tied to the capacity for outward-focused benevolence, particularly towards the vulnerable. The unique saying of Jesus quoted by Paul elevates giving from a mere duty to a divinely favored state, implying that the act of selfless distribution of resources, time, or energy brings a deeper spiritual satisfaction and aligns one more closely with the character of God, who is the ultimate giver. This blessing is not necessarily material prosperity, but a profound spiritual enrichment and favor that transcends earthly rewards, fostering a kingdom mindset that prioritizes the welfare of others over personal accumulation.

* [2 Corinthians 9:7](/2_corinthians/9-7 "2 Corinthians 9:7 - God Loves a Cheerful Giver")
* [Luke 6:38](/luke/6-38 "Luke 6:38 - Give, and it will be given to you")
* [Matthew 25:34-40](/matthew/25-34-40 "Matthew 25:34-40 - The Judgment of the Nations")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 20:35 challenges believers to re-evaluate their motivations for work and their understanding of true blessedness. Paul's example and Jesus' words call us to a life of diligent labor, not primarily for personal comfort or accumulation, but as a means to empower us to serve and support those who are genuinely in need. This verse reminds us that generosity is not a burdensome obligation but a pathway to profound spiritual joy and divine favor. It encourages a shift from a consumeristic mindset to a kingdom-oriented one, where our resources, talents, and time are viewed as tools for blessing others, reflecting the very heart of God. To truly live this verse means actively seeking opportunities to give, understanding that in doing so, we participate in a divine economy where true wealth is measured in selfless love and service, leading to a deeper experience of God's grace and joy.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my current work ethic reflect the principle of "labouring... to support the weak"?**
* **In what practical ways can I apply the truth that "It is more blessed to give than to receive" in my daily life?**
* **What might be hindering me from experiencing the "blessedness" of giving, and how can I overcome those obstacles?**

### FAQ
**Why is this saying of Jesus not found in the Gospels?**

Answer: The New Testament Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) are not exhaustive records of everything Jesus said or did (cf. [John 21:25](/john/21-25 "John 21:25 - The Abundance of Jesus' Deeds")). Early Christian communities preserved many of Jesus' teachings through oral tradition, which were passed down by the apostles and their disciples. Paul, as an apostle, would have been privy to such traditions, either directly from those who walked with Jesus or through the common teachings circulating in the early church. This particular saying, "It is more blessed to give than to receive," was evidently a well-known and cherished teaching within the apostolic circles, significant enough for Paul to quote it as an authoritative word from the Lord Jesus in a crucial farewell address. It serves as a reminder that the full scope of Jesus' teachings extended beyond what was eventually canonized in the four Gospels.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 20:35 finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Lord Jesus is the supreme embodiment of the truth that "It is more blessed to give than to receive." His entire earthly life was an act of unparalleled giving: He gave up His divine prerogatives to become human (cf. [Philippians 2:6-8](/philippians/2-6-8 "Philippians 2:6-8 - Christ's Humility and Exaltation")), He gave His time and energy to heal the sick and teach the lost (e.g., [Mark 1:32-34](/mark/1-32-34 "Mark 1:32-34 - Jesus Heals Many")), and most supremely, He gave His life as a ransom for many on the cross (cf. [Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). His death was the ultimate act of self-giving love, taking away the sin of the world (cf. [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Through His resurrection, He then gives the gift of eternal life and the Holy Spirit to all who believe (cf. [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Gift of God is Eternal Life") and [Acts 2:38](/acts/2-38 "Acts 2:38 - Repentance and the Holy Spirit")). Thus, when Paul reminds the elders of Jesus' words, he is not merely quoting a moral maxim but pointing to the very character of God revealed in Christ, calling believers to imitate the selfless, giving nature of their Savior. The "blessing" of giving is found in conformity to Christ, whose life and death were the ultimate demonstration of this divine principle.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.