Acts 20:35
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.’
In this verse, the apostle St. Paul is addressing the elders of the church in Ephesus. He is about to depart from them, and this is part of his farewell speech.
St. Paul refers to his own example of working hard and laboring to support himself and others while he was with them. By mentioning this, he is emphasizing the importance of hard work and self-sufficiency. However, St. Paul goes beyond just advocating for personal labor and emphasizes the responsibility to help the weak and vulnerable.
The phrase "to help the weak" implies providing assistance, support, and care for those who are in need, whether physically, emotionally, or spiritually. St. Paul encourages the elders to be mindful of the words of Jesus himself, specifically quoting Jesus saying, "It is more blessed to give than to receive." This statement by Jesus is not recorded in the four Gospels, but it is likely that St. Paul had heard it from other sources or had received it directly from Jesus himself.
By referencing these words of Jesus, St. Paul highlights the principle of selflessness and generosity. He urges the elders to remember that true blessings come from giving, rather than receiving. This message aligns with Jesus' teachings, which emphasize love, compassion, and caring for others.
In the broader context of Acts 20, St. Paul is reflecting on his ministry, hardships, and his commitment to sharing the gospel. He speaks about his determination to finish the race set before him and his willingness to face challenges and persecution for the sake of spreading the message of Jesus Christ. The passage serves as an exhortation to the elders and a reminder of their responsibilities to the church and the wider community.
Acts 20:35 emphasizes the importance of hard work, self-sufficiency, and generosity. St. Paul encourages the elders to follow his example of working diligently and helping the weak, reminding them of Jesus' words that giving is more blessed than receiving.
No comments:
Post a Comment