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ACTS - In the Triumphal Procession of Christ
Studies in the Acts of the Apostles
PART 2 - Reports About Preaching Among the Gentiles and the Foundation of Churches From Antioch to Rome - Through the Ministry of Paul the Apostle, Commissioned by the Holy Spirit (Acts 13 - 28)
D - The Third Missionary Journey (Acts 18:23 - 21:14)

9. Paul’s Parting Sermon to the Bishops and Elders (Acts 20:17-38)


ACTS 20:33-38
33 I coveted no one’s silver, or gold, or clothing. 34 You yourselves know that these hands served my necessities, and those who were with me. 35 In all things I gave you an example, that so laboring you 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.’” 36 When he had spoken these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all. 37 They all wept a lot, and fell on Paul’s neck and kissed him, 38 sorrowing most of all because of the word which he had spoken, that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him to the ship.

Paul summed up his doctrine during his three years of ministry in Ephesus, and maybe for all his preaching in Anatolia and Greece as well, in this unique sermon. It is not possible to explain the riches these words carry in just a few lines, for the significance of these statements would be sufficient to fill three-year-sermons. It is necessary to reread chapter 20, from verse 17 to verse 38, to derive the treasures that are hidden in each word.

How astonishing! At the end of his sermon Paul did not speak about spiritual things, but about money, for with money the spirit surrounding it also comes into view. Paul was not prepared to receive any donations or contributions for himself. Neither did he covet riches for the church members. He despised the wealth of this perishing world, and said that he counted all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ. He died to longing after physical and sexual attachments, for had had been crucified and buried with Christ, and now lived for heavenly things. Paul worked with his hands to supply his own necessities, and was diligent and skillful in his profession. He worked according to his words: “Whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men” (Col.3:23). He gained more than enough money for himself and for the support of those who were with him. He showed his hands proudly to the elders, for they were rough, chaffed, and coarse, having endured a great deal of pain in his manual occupation. Paul considered these clear indications of honor. He did not lift pencils to write a book, but worked with his hands, spoke with his mouth, and walked long distances with his feet. Paul offered not only his mind, but also his body as a living sacrifice, acceptable to God and His Anointed One.

Paul did not agree to any Christian sitting lazily and relaxed, fancifully waiting for the coming of his Lord, while letting his house fall into distress and hunger because of idleness. Paul toiled hard, night and day, in his profession to be an example, as well as to redeem the time, for glorifying the name of his Lord.

He did not spend his money just to satisfy his and his companions’ needs, but he also sacrificed for the poor. Our monthly salaries or daily payments are not earned or made only to satisfy our needs. They are also intended to help us serve, give, and sacrifice. Christ said: “You have the poor with you always.” The sick, the weak, the widows, and the orphans are many, and awaiting your help. You only find Christ with them, for He said “I was naked, imprisoned, sick, and needy, and you did not visit me, clothe me, or care for me.” (Mt. 25:31-46) What are you waiting for before beginning a life of sacrifice and service? Are you hard-hearted or still blind, so that you cannot see the afflicted?

To summarize his words, Paul quoted a saying of Christ which is not recorded in any of our Gospels. Yet it contains the summary of the gospels and the banner over all the Pauline epistles: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” This verse reveals the depth of the heart of God, who is happy, glad, and joyful that He can bless us continually and give us good gifts at all times. Christ came to give Himself for sinners.

The principle of sacrifice and giving one’s life for others is the spiritual foundation of Christianity. The love of God prompts us to contribution, service, activity, and involvement, not to satisfy ourselves, but to satisfy those not worthy of this love. As Christ gave His life a ransom for many, so the Lord calls us to sacrifice our money and time for helping others in our family, profession, church, and people. You will not know true gladness until you sacrifice yourself for God and man. Thus the sacrifice of Christ became the banner of the church, and the emblem over our thoughts, words, and deeds. Are you unhappy deep down in your heart? If so, then recognize the apostolic statement that you must work hard and help the weak and poor. The word “must” is inescapable if you are to be a true Christian, an elder, or a leader in the church.

Paul was not a theoretical philosopher, but a realistic prayer warrior. There are no fruits without prayer. A multitude of words is useless, for God alone blesses and edifies. The apostle knelt down with the elders of the church and prayed with all his heart. Have you ever read the apostolic prayer, which flowed out of the innermost recesses of Paul’s heart? Read his epistle to the Ephesians (1:3-14; 1:17-23; 3:14-21). If you participate in these apostolic prayers consciously and thoughtfully you will recognize how poor our prayers are. Ask Jesus for the spirit of prayer, for the effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much (James 5:16).

The elders recognized that this prayer contained the last words they would hear from Paul’s mouth. Their tears flowed out of gratitude, love, sorrow, and pain. It is not shameful for a man to weep as a result of pure and sincere sentiments. Tears were shed for the man of God who had opened the door of heaven to them, and served with the toil of his body among them. Now he was heading into pain and tribulation. They kissed him one after another, as a token of tender affection within the eternal family of God.

PRAYER: O Lord Jesus Christ, we worship You, and thank You because Your word gives us the fullness of salvation, and the power for love and comfort in hope. Teach us to be hard-working in school, in our profession, and at home, that we not be lazy. May we learn to sacrifice our possessions and time for others, as You gave Your life for us who were lost.

QUESTION:

  1. Why is it more blessed to give than to receive?

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