It Is More Blesses to Give than to Receive
Author: Stephen Weller
In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ (Acts 20:35 ESV)
This verse is found at the end of an address Paul delivers to the Ephesian elders. He reminds them that for three years he set an example among them, 19 “serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and with trials that happened to [him] through the plots of the Jews; 20 how [he] did not shrink from declaring to [them] anything that was profitable, and teaching [them] in public and from house to house.” He also testified to them 21 “of repentance toward God and of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.” Paul reminded them that he 27 “did not shrink from declaring to [them] the whole counsel of God.”
Paul then charges them to 28 “Pay careful attention to [themselves] and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made [them] overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.” He delivers this charge to them because he knows 29 “that after [his] departure fierce wolves will come in among [them], not sparing the flock; 30 and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them.”
Paul then says that he 32 “now [commends them] to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build [them] up and to give [them] the inheritance among all those who are sanctified.” He also reminds them of how they helped him with the work.
That which as been stated above are the “all things” that our verse begins with and that by working hard in the way he did, they are to help the weak; those of the flock who are sick and feeble and are unable to labor for themselves.
The phrase, “Remember the words of the Lord Jesus,” is nowhere recorded. Everything that Jesus taught was not recorded, but in the timeframe of Paul address there were those present who heard Jesus say, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
Jesus went to the cross and gave his life for us and that was received as a blessing to him because of the joy it gave him to know that his death would result in many being born spiritually that he would be able to spend an eternity with. When Jesus saw our need he did something about it. Paul reminds us to “look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others” (Philippians 2:4 ESV). Then like Jesus we are to do something about it if we can. When we give, God always seems to give us something of some form in return. The blessing may be as simple as a memory of the benefit to the person receiving the gift. My gift of time with people in China is still yielding a special blessing to me to see how their lives are still changing as a result of my counsel, teaching and friendship.
Father, we often seek to receive for ourselves when the blessing lies our giving to others; a blessing to us and a blessing to them. Forgive us and strengthen our focus on the gift of Jesus to us.
The Following Addendum Is Provided by ChatGPT
Summary Theme
The Blessing of Generous Service
Summary Paragraph
In Acts 20:35, Paul reminds the Ephesian elders that his own ministry demonstrated a life of humble labor and generosity. Rather than seeking personal gain, Paul worked diligently so that he could support himself and help those in need. By doing so, he modeled the principle that followers of Christ should care for the weak and practice sacrificial generosity. Paul concludes by quoting a saying of Jesus not recorded elsewhere in the Gospels: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” This statement captures the heart of Christian stewardship; true blessing is found not in accumulating possessions but in giving to others and participating in God’s work of compassion and provision.
Discussion Questions with Extended Answers
What example did Paul set for believers in his ministry?
Paul demonstrated a life of selfless service, humility, and generosity. Instead of relying entirely on financial support from others, he often worked with his own hands to meet his needs and to help those who were weak or in need. This example showed that Christian leadership is not about privilege or personal benefit but about sacrificial service. Paul’s life reflected the teaching of Jesus that leaders should serve others rather than be served (Mark 10:45). His example encourages believers today to work faithfully, live with integrity, and use their resources to bless others.
What does the phrase “help the weak” teach about the responsibility of believers?
Helping the weak reflects the biblical call to care for those who are vulnerable, struggling, or in need. The “weak” may include those who lack financial resources, physical strength, emotional support, or spiritual maturity. Paul teaches that believers should actively support and strengthen others rather than focusing only on their own needs. This principle echoes the broader biblical command to bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2). A healthy Christian community is marked by compassion, generosity, and mutual care.
What does Jesus mean when He says, “It is more blessed to give than to receive”?
This statement emphasizes that true spiritual blessing comes through generosity rather than possession. While receiving gifts can be helpful and necessary, giving reflects the very character of God, who is the ultimate giver (John 3:16). When believers give, whether through money, time, encouragement, or service, they participate in God’s work of love and provision. Giving shifts the focus from self-centered living to Christ-centered living. It also produces joy and spiritual fulfillment because it aligns the believer’s heart with God’s purposes.
How can believers apply this teaching in everyday life?
Believers can apply this teaching by intentionally looking for ways to serve and bless others. This may include supporting those in financial need, encouraging someone who is struggling, volunteering time, sharing resources, or simply being attentive to opportunities to help. Generosity is not limited to material giving; it also includes giving kindness, wisdom, and time. When believers adopt a mindset of giving rather than receiving, they reflect Christ’s love and become instruments through which God blesses others.
Why is generosity central to the Christian life?
Generosity is central because it reflects the nature of God and the gospel itself. God gave His Son for the salvation of the world, demonstrating the ultimate act of giving. When believers practice generosity, they mirror God’s character and proclaim the message of the gospel through their actions. Generosity also builds unity and strengthens the church, as believers care for one another and share in each other’s needs. In this way, giving becomes both a spiritual discipline and a testimony of God’s grace at work in a believer’s life.
Anchor My Faith 
Leave a comment