Be blessed; Give

Read: Acts 20:13-38 NLT – Paul Meets the Ephesian Elders – Paul – Bible Gateway

“You know that these hands of mine have worked to supply my own needs and even the needs of those who were with me. And I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” Acts 20:34-35 NLT

Hundreds of common sayings and proverbs we use today had their start somewhere. Someone had said them for the first time and the phrase caught on and spread over time. Many of those someone’s are unknown as history traces back to the origin of a saying to a place and time and the events that created such a saying. The saying ‘it is better to give than to receive’ is easy to trace and comes from a reliable source, the Bible, and spoken by a most reliable person, Jesus Christ.

Paul is giving final instructions to the elders of the church in Ephesus as he was about to leave for Jerusalem. He had told them this would probably be the last time they would see other each. It was an emotional time for them all. He encouraged them to preach the Word that he spoke to them concerning the Good News of Jesus Christ strengthening the new believers. Paul advised them to be good shepherds and feed the flock warning them that false teachers and accusers would soon arrive to sway the new converts away from the truth.

Paul ended his final words to these elders by reminding them of his work ethic while he was with them. Paul never took a salary for preaching the gospel but worked as a tent maker. He provided for himself and those who served with him. Paul was saying his work not only met his needs, but the needs of others, which he was glad to do. He also said, ‘a little hard work never hurts anyone,’ and it actually helps others. But Jesus has the final word on this, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ So, be blessed, and give.