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Acts 20

And after the uproar was ceased, Paul called unto him the disciples, and embraced them, and departed for to go into Macedonia.

And when he had gone over those parts, and had given them much exhortation, he came into Greece,

And there abode three months. And when the Jews laid wait for him, as he was about to sail into Syria, he purposed to return through Macedonia.

And there accompanied him into Asia Sopater of Berea; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timotheus; and of Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus.

These going before tarried for us at Troas.

And we sailed away from Philippi after the days of unleavened bread, and came unto them to Troas in five days; where we abode seven days.

And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.

And there were many lights in the upper chamber, where they were gathered together.

And there sat in a window a certain young man named Eutychus, being fallen into a deep sleep: and as Paul was long preaching, he sunk down with sleep, and fell down from the third loft, and was taken up dead.

And Paul went down, and fell on him, and embracing him said, Trouble not yourselves; for his life is in him.

When he therefore was come up again, and had broken bread, and eaten, and talked a long while, even till break of day, so he departed.

And they brought the young man alive, and were not a little comforted.

And we went before to ship, and sailed unto Assos, there intending to take in Paul: for so had he appointed, minding himself to go afoot.

And when he met with us at Assos, we took him in, and came to Mitylene.

And we sailed thence, and came the next day over against Chios; and the next day we arrived at Samos, and tarried at Trogyllium; and the next day we came to Miletus.

For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus, because he would not spend the time in Asia: for he hasted, if it were possible for him, to be at Jerusalem the day of Pentecost.

And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.

And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons,

Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews:

And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house,

Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there:

Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.

But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.

Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men.

For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.

Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.

Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.

Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.

And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.

I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel.

Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me.

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.

And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all.

And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul's neck, and kissed him,

Sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake, that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him unto the ship.

What does Acts 20:35 mean?

Explanation

Acts 20:35 is a poignant verse spoken by the Apostle Paul, recalling the teachings of Jesus.

In this statement, Paul emphasizes the importance of hard work, not for personal gain, but to aid those who are weak and in need.

He cites Jesus's teaching that giving is more rewarding than receiving, focusing on altruism and benevolence as central virtues of the Christian life.

The deeper meaning here underlines the selflessness required to follow Christ's example, suggesting that there is a greater blessing, or spiritual fulfillment, in providing for others over seeking to enrich oneself.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

This verse is part of Paul's farewell address to the Ephesian elders at Miletus, found in the Book of Acts, which was attributed to Luke.

It occurs during Paul's journey back to Jerusalem, knowing he faces potential persecution.

Acts is a New Testament book describing the formation of the early Christian church following Jesus's resurrection and ascension.

Acts 20:35 specifically reflects the communal lifestyle of the early church, where members often pooled their resources together to support those in need.

Theological Insights

Different theological viewpoints may interpret this verse in various ways.

Some view it as a literal admonition to perform deeds of charity and kindness, particularly to those who are vulnerable. Others see it as expressing a more profound spiritual principle – that the act of giving can lead one to a deeper connection with God.

Additionally, some may highlight that the verse establishes a direct link between the actions of Christians and the teachings of Christ, reinforcing the continuity between Jesus’s ministry and the apostolic work.

Practical Applications

The practical applications of Acts 20:35 can involve volunteering time, donating money or goods, or extending emotional and spiritual support to those in one's community who are less fortunate.

It could also apply to advocating for the weak or oppressed and engaging in activities that promote social justice.

In personal spheres, it can manifest as acts of kindness and generosity towards family, friends, and strangers alike.

Cross-References

Luke 6:38 - "Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom.

For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again."

Hebrews 13:16 - "But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased."
2 Corinthians 9:7 - "Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver."

Language Study

The key phrase in the original Greek text of Acts 20:35 is "μακάριόν ἐστιν διδόναι μᾶλλον ἢ λαμβάνειν" (makarion estin didonai mallon ē lambanein), which translates to "It is more blessed to give than to receive." Here "μακάριόν" (makarion) means "blessed" or "happy", "διδόναι" (didonai) means "to give", and "λαμβάνειν" (lambanein) means "to receive".

The phrase stresses the blessing and happiness associated with the act of giving over receiving.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In many other ancient religions and ethical traditions, the importance of giving and supporting the less fortunate is also emphasized.

In Buddhism, for example, the practice of dāna (generosity or giving) is fundamental, and similarly in Hinduism, charity (dāna) is seen as an important virtue.

The Jewish tradition, too, values tzedakah, or charitable giving, as a moral obligation.

These parallels show a common thread across various belief systems that value the virtue of giving.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern psychological and sociological studies often find correlations between generosity and happiness, suggesting that there is a scientific basis to Jesus's teaching.

People who engage in acts of kindness and giving are reported to experience increased well-being, social connection, and even health benefits.

These findings can be seen as a contemporary affirmation of the wisdom in Acts 20:35.

commentaries

Many biblical scholars and theologians have reflected on this passage.

Matthew Henry's commentary notes the value of this verse as a direct teaching from Jesus that was not recorded in the Gospels but preserved in the oral tradition.

John Gill's Exposition of the Bible mentions Paul's intent to set an example for the leaders of the church by his own actions.

Gill also emphasizes the grace that comes with giving, aligning with God's giving nature.

Contemporary commentaries continue to draw on this verse to emphasize the Christian ethic of selfless giving and the stewardship of resources for the good of the community.

Acts 20

Acts 20

What does Acts 20:35 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

commentaries

Want more context?

What does Acts 20:35 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

commentaries

Want more context?