- Home
- Bible
- Acts
- Chapter 20
- Verse 20
Acts 20:35
Verse
Context
Paul’s Farewell to the Ephesians
34You yourselves know that these hands of mine have ministered to my own needs and those of my companions.35In everything, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus Himself: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
I have showed you all things - The preposition κατα is to be understood before παντα; and the clause should be read thus - I have showed you In all things, etc. It is more blessed to give than to receive - That is, the giver is more happy than the receiver. Where, or on what occasion, our Lord spake these words we know not, as they do not exist in any of the four evangelists. But that our Lord did speak them, St. Paul's evidence is quite sufficient to prove. The sentiment is worthy of Christ. A truly generous mind, in affluence, rejoices in opportunities to do good, and feels happy in having such opportunities. A man of an independent spirit, when reduced to poverty, finds it a severe trial to be obliged to live on the bounty of another, and feels pain in receiving what the other feels a happiness in communicating. Let, therefore, the man who is able to give feel himself the obliged person, and think how much pain the feeling heart of his supplicant must endure, in being obliged to forego his native independence, in soliciting and receiving the bounty of another. I am not speaking of common beggars; these have got their minds already depraved, and their native independence reduced, by sin and idleness, to servility.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
that so labouring--as I have done for others as well as myself. ye ought to support the weak to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he--"how Himself." said, It is more blessed to give than to receive--This golden saying, snatched from oblivion, and here added to the Church's abiding treasures, is apt to beget the wish that more of what issued from those Lips which "dropped as an honeycomb," had been preserved to us. But see on Joh 21:25.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
20:35 ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive’: This saying of Jesus is not recorded in the Gospels.
Acts 20:35
Paul’s Farewell to the Ephesians
34You yourselves know that these hands of mine have ministered to my own needs and those of my companions.35In everything, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus Himself: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
How God Taught Me to Give
By Oswald J. Smith8.4K1:01:17GivingPRO 11:24PRO 19:17MAL 3:10MAT 6:33LUK 6:38ACT 20:35In this sermon, the speaker shares his personal journey of how God led him to give towards missions. He recounts his experience of becoming the pastor of a church that held an annual Missionary Convention, despite having no prior knowledge of such events. During the convention, he received an envelope with a message about giving towards missionary work. Inspired by the words of Winston Churchill, who said, "Give us the tools and we'll finish the job," the speaker passionately encourages congregations to support missionaries by providing them with the necessary resources. He also shares a testimony of how his own life was transformed when he embraced the concept of giving and experienced God's faithfulness.
Jude #5 - Michael, Satan and the Body of Moses
By Chuck Missler6.1K1:19:32JudeGEN 6:8DAN 12:1ACT 20:352PE 2:5REV 11:3REV 11:5In this sermon, the speaker discusses the topic of apostasy and highlights three basic marks of apostasy: defiling the flesh, despising dominion, and railing at dignities. The sermon also mentions the structure of the book of Jude and refers to a prophetic insight about the Son of man coming in his kingdom. The speaker then talks about an event where Jesus is transfigured before Peter, James, and John, leaving them impressed. The sermon concludes with a reference to a different incident involving Moses and the instruction to speak to a rock to bring forth water for the congregation.
How to Prosper in Hard Times
By David Wilkerson4.9K57:57ProsperingPSA 1:1PSA 51:17PSA 107:10PSA 119:105PRO 3:5ISA 61:1ACT 20:35In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being convicted by the Holy Ghost and acknowledging one's sins before God. He encourages the congregation to rejoice in the fact that they have been moved and convicted by the Holy Spirit. The preacher contrasts the spirit of giving with the spirit of greed and selfishness, urging the listeners to be grateful for the conviction and to continue seeking God's guidance. He concludes by stating that God's power is always revealed in times of despair and invites those who have been brought to the church by the Holy Spirit to respond to God's invitation.
The Secret of a Great Life
By Warren Wiersbe4.9K32:28MAT 6:33ACT 20:24ACT 20:35In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the joy and fulfillment that comes from giving. He highlights the selfless acts of missionaries and members of the church who dedicate their lives to giving to others. The speaker emphasizes the principle of giving and quotes the apostle Paul, who lived by this principle. He acknowledges that giving can be challenging and may not always be appreciated, but encourages listeners to continue giving with faith. The sermon concludes with a personal anecdote about the speaker's own realization of the importance of staying committed to the ministry and not being moved by discouragement.
Is It Wrong to Be Like Oprah?
By Francis Chan4.7K46:50OprahMAT 6:33ACT 20:35ROM 2:11EPH 3:201TI 5:3JAS 2:11PE 1:16In the video, the speaker shares about their experience in Mexico where they went to serve and give to those in need. They describe how the church was alive and worshiped differently because they were focused on giving rather than receiving. The speaker expresses their desire to maintain this attitude even when they return to their home church. They also share an example of testing the friendliness of their church by observing how they interact with someone who looks different, highlighting the importance of not showing favoritism.
Testimony - Part 2
By Jackie Pullinger4.3K09:55TestimonyPRO 11:25MAT 6:33MAT 25:35LUK 4:18ACT 20:35ROM 15:8In this sermon, the speaker shares his experience of being led by God to Hong Kong 18 years ago. He arrived without a plan but prayed for guidance, and God directed him to the city. Upon arrival, he encountered many people in need, including the elderly and children. The speaker felt compelled to help and considered starting an old people's home and caring for the children. He emphasizes the importance of sharing the kingdom of God with others and highlights the lack and suffering experienced by many in the world who have never heard of Jesus or experienced his provision and freedom.
The Indestructible Man (Kansas City) - Part 1
By Leonard Ravenhill3.7K42:53John The BaptistPSA 119:18LUK 12:49ACT 20:352CO 4:5GAL 6:17JAS 1:27In this sermon, the preacher begins by expressing gratitude for the holy word of God and the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for it. He acknowledges the Holy Spirit's role in enabling understanding of the scriptures. The preacher prays for a transformative experience for the listeners, urging them to break free from bondage, sorrow, sickness, poverty, and sin. He emphasizes the importance of the presence of God and the need for a spiritual revolution. The sermon also mentions the tragic nature of the prophet's calling and highlights the extraordinary power of walking with God.
Gifts
By A.W. Tozer3.7K40:54GiftsGEN 6:18MAT 6:33MAT 20:28JHN 3:16ACT 20:35ROM 8:32EPH 2:8In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the concept of giving and receiving in relation to God's love and sacrifice. He highlights four important truths from the New Testament. Firstly, the Father's love led Him to give His Son. Secondly, the Son humbly gave His life as a ransom for humanity. Thirdly, the Father and Son gave with the intention of meeting a specific need, not carelessly or randomly. Lastly, the speaker emphasizes that it is more blessed to give than to receive. He supports these truths with references to John 3:16, Matthew 20:28, and Acts 20:35, which all speak to the love and sacrifice of God.
K-139 Endtime Overview
By Art Katz3.2K1:14:43End TimesPSA 23:1ISA 40:31MAT 6:33ACT 20:35ROM 11:312CO 12:9REV 12:6In this sermon, the speaker shares a powerful testimony of a Jewish hobo who displayed ingratitude towards a fellow Jew who had shown him kindness. This story serves as a warning to the audience about the severity of the tests that will come in their lives. The speaker emphasizes the need for character and spiritual preparation to withstand these tests, as they will only come once and not be given again. The sermon also references Revelation 12, which speaks about a woman fleeing to the wilderness and being protected by God during a time of great tribulation. The speaker highlights the importance of a strong and tested community to bear the load of these trials, emphasizing that mere Sunday Saints will not be sufficient.
Gift Our Lord Brought to the World - Part 2
By A.W. Tozer2.9K38:58Free GiftMAT 2:11MAT 6:33MAT 20:28JHN 3:16ACT 20:35In this sermon, the preacher discusses the gifts that the world gave to the Lord. He references three texts from the Bible to support his points. The first text highlights how the Father gave His Son, emphasizing the sacrificial nature of this gift. The second text emphasizes how the Son gave His life as a ransom for many. The third text encourages believers to support the weak and reminds them that it is more blessed to give than to receive. The preacher then urges the audience to consider what they should give to the Lord and briefly mentions the enemies of Jesus, but focuses on the glory and light that shines from His face. The sermon concludes with a call to give our hearts to the Lord and a reminder that the message is intended for mature believers.
(Basics) 61. Selfishness
By Zac Poonen2.9K12:48PRO 11:25MAT 6:33LUK 10:36ACT 20:35ROM 13:81TI 6:17JAS 1:17In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the seriousness of sin and its impact on our lives. He compares sin to various physical ailments, stating that sin is worse than sickness, including cancer and leprosy. The preacher then discusses a story from Luke's Gospel about a man who was beaten and left half dead on the road. Religious people, including a priest, ignored him, but an ordinary sinner showed compassion and helped him. The preacher concludes by highlighting the sin of selfishness and the importance of giving and serving others, as exemplified by Jesus' selfless life.
Through the Bible - Zephaniah, Haggai
By Zac Poonen2.9K55:46Through The BibleHAG 1:3HAG 1:8HAG 2:3HAG 2:9ZEC 8:16JHN 3:16ACT 20:35In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of leaders in the church who are seeking their own gain and focusing on money. He emphasizes that these leaders are not representing the true Jesus who taught that it is more blessed to give than to receive. The speaker also highlights the importance of leaders being obedient to God's commands and not being indifferent to sin. He encourages building a body ministry where everyone functions together, rather than having a one-man show. The sermon concludes with the reminder that to be a messenger of the Lord, one must first allow God to work in their own life.
A Widow Who Becomes a Channel of God's Power
By Otto Koning2.8K1:08:30Faith and ProvisionPower Of GodSacrifice for the GospelPRO 11:25MAL 3:10MAT 6:33MAT 10:39LUK 6:38JHN 12:24ACT 20:352CO 9:7PHP 4:191TI 6:18Otto Koning shares a powerful testimony about a widow who, despite her poverty, becomes a channel of God's blessings by committing to give everything above her basic needs to support missionaries. Through her faith and prayers, she experiences miraculous provisions as businessmen in her community prosper due to her intercession, leading her to give even more to missions. Koning emphasizes the principle that those who lose their lives for Christ's sake will find true life, illustrating this through the widow's story and his own experiences in the mission field. He challenges listeners to consider their own willingness to sacrifice for the sake of the Gospel and to trust in God's provision.
(The Missing Messages in Today's Christianity) Understanding God's Full Purpose
By Zac Poonen2.5K58:13ChristianityACT 20:18ACT 20:27ACT 20:32ACT 20:35In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of following the example of true servants of God. He encourages the audience to value and listen to those who demonstrate a genuine commitment to God's work. The preacher also emphasizes the need for the word of God to transform our thinking and make us more like Christ. He reminds the audience of the importance of living out the teachings of the Bible in their daily lives. The sermon concludes with a call to be alert and to continually seek correction and growth in our spiritual journey.
(Basics) 42. Jesus Love Is Seen in His Dying
By Zac Poonen2.1K13:10MAT 5:45MAT 12:20LUK 19:41LUK 19:45ACT 20:35In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding that God blesses us with material possessions so that we can use them to bless others. Jesus taught that it is more blessed to give than to receive, and his love compelled him to use his possessions to benefit others. The speaker also highlights Jesus' compassion and willingness to be inconvenienced for the sake of others. Jesus wept over Jerusalem and used a whip to drive out those who were misusing the temple, but his actions were motivated by love. The sermon emphasizes the need for Christians to demonstrate this same love by doing good and delivering people from the oppression of Satan, just as Jesus did.
Why Church God's Purpose
By Francis Chan1.9K22:47PRO 19:17MAT 6:3LUK 6:38ACT 20:352CO 9:7GAL 6:2PHP 2:4HEB 13:16JAS 2:141JN 3:17This sermon highlights the importance of community and missions, focusing on the impact of supporting and serving others selflessly. It shares stories of partnership with churches in Mexico, the power of collective giving to organizations like Children's Hunger Fund, and the miraculous provision and blessings experienced when prioritizing generosity and missions.
Four Steps in Fellowship With God
By Zac Poonen1.9K1:00:19PSA 73:25ISA 6:3HAB 3:17LUK 18:1JHN 4:23ACT 20:351TH 5:17This sermon emphasizes the importance of communion with God through prayer, thanksgiving, praise, and worship. It highlights the need to have a deep, intimate fellowship with God, focusing on listening to Him, being thankful for His blessings, praising Him for who He is, and ultimately worshiping Him above all else.
The Spiritual Grace of Giving
By Denny Kenaston1.8K1:00:30GivingPRO 11:24ECC 11:1MAL 3:10MAT 6:33LUK 6:38ACT 20:352CO 8:1In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the theme of redemption and the grace of giving. He begins by acknowledging that the subject of redemption is vast and cannot be fully covered in one sermon. He then reads from Ecclesiastes 11:1-6, using the analogy of clouds emptying themselves of rain to illustrate the concept of giving generously. The preacher emphasizes that the foundation of the spiritual grace of giving is redemption, highlighting the example of the Israelites who were slaves and lived in poverty but experienced God's miraculous deliverance and became rich overnight. The sermon encourages listeners to understand the motivation behind the Israelites' tremendous giving and to apply the principles of grace and generosity in their own lives.
Three Things God Requires
By Zac Poonen1.7K1:06:08RequirementsPRO 11:24MIC 6:10MAT 6:33LUK 6:38ACT 20:35In this sermon, the preacher addresses the issue of Christians who live in luxury while neglecting to pay their servants. He criticizes those who prioritize their own desires and pleasures over the well-being of others. The preacher emphasizes the importance of doing justice, showing kindness, and walking humbly with God. He warns against preachers who seek popularity and tickle people's ears instead of preaching the true word of God. The sermon concludes with a reminder that God requires fairness, kindness, and humility from His followers.
The the Ministry of the Saints—dying to Self
By Aaron Hurst1.5K1:26:46Death To SelfISA 35:8MAT 18:15ACT 20:35In this sermon, Brother Denny begins by expressing his desire for the listeners' lives to be blessed and changed by the message. He emphasizes that the sermon is not copyrighted and encourages the audience to share it freely. The sermon focuses on the topic of judgment and how the church should function in areas of grace and liberty. Brother Denny references the book of Romans and highlights the importance of not judging one another, but rather focusing on not causing others to stumble. The sermon concludes with a reflection on personal struggles and the need to lay down one's rights and avoid speaking negatively about others.
Your Life: Don't Waste It
By John Piper1.5K44:13PSA 16:11ISA 43:7JHN 15:11ACT 20:35ROM 5:31CO 6:191CO 10:312CO 8:2PHP 1:19HEB 10:34This sermon emphasizes the importance of aligning one's life with God's purposes, focusing on three key aspects: being made for God's glory, finding joy in God, and loving others. It highlights that true love and glorifying God stem from being satisfied in all that God promises to be for us in Jesus, leading to a life of sacrificial love and joy in serving others.
The Sacrifice of Praise
By Ed Mohr1.5K23:04PraiseGEN 50:20MAT 6:33MAT 16:25ACT 20:352CO 9:6HEB 13:151JN 3:2In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of releasing our burdens and difficulties to God. He uses the story of Joseph and his brothers as an example of how God can turn our hardships into blessings when we surrender them to Him. The speaker encourages the audience to seek first the kingdom of God and trust that He will provide for their needs. He suggests a practical exercise of making two lists - one for past disappointments and hurts, and another for present difficulties - and giving thanks to God for each item on the lists.
The Wisdom of a Master Soul-Winner
By David Legge1.4K49:33ACT 20:33ACT 20:351CO 9:151TH 2:92TH 3:8In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of passionate preaching and evangelism. He uses the analogy of a watchman sounding the trumpet to warn the city, stating that if the watchman fails to do so, the blood is on his hands. The preacher also discusses the motive behind serving in ministry, emphasizing that the focus should be on saving souls rather than seeking personal gain or money. He highlights the example of the apostle Paul, who was driven by a desire to preach the gospel and was willing to endure suffering and hardship for the sake of spreading the message. The preacher concludes by emphasizing the significance of the gospel above all else, even one's own comfort and livelihood.
(The Book of Acts) Session 11
By George Verwer1.4K00:00ActsACT 20:19ACT 20:23ACT 20:35ACT 20:37ACT 23:12ACT 23:21In this sermon, the speaker addresses the need for Christians to take action and make a difference in their country through prayer, witness, and distributing literature. The Holy Spirit is emphasized as the chief executive officer of all missionary work. The speaker also discusses the challenge of materialism and the importance of giving and supporting the weak. The sermon concludes with the mention of five major biblical motivating principles from the chapter, with a reference to chapter 23 as another important topic.
Shall a Man Rob God?
By Dean Stump1.4K1:20:15Robbing GodMAL 3:8MAT 6:33MAT 19:21LUK 6:38ACT 20:35In this sermon, Brother Denny emphasizes the transformative power of Jesus in our lives. He highlights the importance of coming to Jesus with a cry for salvation, as He is able to revive our dead hearts and make us new creatures. Brother Denny also discusses the seriousness of sin in God's eyes, using the example of stealing and the required restitution. He encourages believers to consider the principles taught by Jesus, such as treating others as we want to be treated and being good stewards of our possessions. He concludes by emphasizing the eternal value of investing in the Lord and His people, as opposed to earthly possessions that will eventually fade away.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
I have showed you all things - The preposition κατα is to be understood before παντα; and the clause should be read thus - I have showed you In all things, etc. It is more blessed to give than to receive - That is, the giver is more happy than the receiver. Where, or on what occasion, our Lord spake these words we know not, as they do not exist in any of the four evangelists. But that our Lord did speak them, St. Paul's evidence is quite sufficient to prove. The sentiment is worthy of Christ. A truly generous mind, in affluence, rejoices in opportunities to do good, and feels happy in having such opportunities. A man of an independent spirit, when reduced to poverty, finds it a severe trial to be obliged to live on the bounty of another, and feels pain in receiving what the other feels a happiness in communicating. Let, therefore, the man who is able to give feel himself the obliged person, and think how much pain the feeling heart of his supplicant must endure, in being obliged to forego his native independence, in soliciting and receiving the bounty of another. I am not speaking of common beggars; these have got their minds already depraved, and their native independence reduced, by sin and idleness, to servility.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
that so labouring--as I have done for others as well as myself. ye ought to support the weak to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he--"how Himself." said, It is more blessed to give than to receive--This golden saying, snatched from oblivion, and here added to the Church's abiding treasures, is apt to beget the wish that more of what issued from those Lips which "dropped as an honeycomb," had been preserved to us. But see on Joh 21:25.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
20:35 ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive’: This saying of Jesus is not recorded in the Gospels.