Acts 20:33-35 33I coveted no one’s silver or gold or clothing. 34You yourselves know that with these hands ministered to my necessities and to those who were with me. 35I showed you all these things that thus by working hard it is necessary to come to the aid of the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
Paul’s final words in the speech serve as a form of “pep talk” to encourage the Ephesians to work diligently in the ministry. He gave himself as an example. The key word in these verses is covet (epethumēsa), desire, or longing for something someone else has. Coveting what someone else has can become a big temptation when one does not have much to begin with. Paul suffered from many hardships, and one of those at times was financial support (Philippians 4:12). In many places in his travels, he relied on his own hard work as a tent maker (1 Corinthians 9:12; 2 Corinthians 7:2; 11:7–11; 2 Thessalonians 3:6–10). He even supported his ministry partners through his hard work. ‘Poor preachers” or those in by-vocational or self-supporting situations might be tempted to covet those in ministry who are well supported by bigger churches. This temptation can take one’s focus off of the ministry of preaching and living out the gospel.
Paul gave two related reasons why the elders should work hard and not be jealous of others. The first is that they could work hard and have a financial base so they can help those who are weak. He gave no further description of the weak. The word could refer to those physically or mentally weak who could not work and support themselves, such as widows (1 Timothy 5:3-10) and orphans (James 1:27). It could also refer to those socially or economically weak on the fringe of society, who might struggle in poverty to support themselves.
The second reason provides proof or support for Paul’s first reason as he quoted a statement from the Lord Jesus. The quote is not found in any of the four Gospels but is completely consistent with Jesus’ teachings and example (see Luke 6:35-38). Jesus lived out giving of himself without asking for anything in return except allegiance to him as Master and Lord. Paul’s quote challenged the way many people lived at that time. The social principle of reciprocity was strong. People did something for others with the expectation of something in return. This idea showed up in the patron/client relationship.
Jesus flipped that over and challenged his followers to give without expecting anything in return. Their compassion was to be unconditional. The blessing was in the giving and not the receiving. God blesses those who care for the poor and weak (2 Corinthians 9:8–12). How or in what form the blessing comes is up to God’s grace and will, but one area we can count on is through the blessing of spiritual growth that comes in acknowledging God’s sovereignty and care. Giving to those in need can be an expression of our love and devotion to God.