Act 20:33 | KingComments | STEP | Paul left not only his teachings with them, but also his example. Doctrine and practice belong together. Passing on the doctrine must go hand in hand with setting a good example. For some Christian leaders, money is the driving force of their work. They see religion as a source of income ( ). This was not the case with Paul. He wanted to be completely independent of them. He also did not feel too good to just work with his hands. He showed the elders his furrowed, callous hands. By doing so he had not only worked for himself, but also for those who were with him. What an unbridled dedication this man showed and all that for the benefit of others. He especially cared about the fate of the poor. We should not take advantage of the weak, but rather dedicate ourselves to them. How easily we only want to dedicate ourselves to people we enjoy ourselves or because of the advantage it gives us. Then we do not resemble the Lord Jesus. That is exactly what Paul wanted and that is what he presents to the elders and to us. To underline the importance of working like this, Paul quotes a word that the Lord Jesus spoke. If we read the Gospels, we will not encounter that statement. But does this statement not show the whole tenor of the Lord’s life and does it not correspond to the teaching He has given about ‘giving’ ( )?

‏ Acts 20:33

Paul Again Points to His Example

Paul left not only his teachings with them, but also his example. Doctrine and practice belong together. Passing on the doctrine must go hand in hand with setting a good example. For some Christian leaders, money is the driving force of their work. They see religion as a source of income (1Tim 6:5). This was not the case with Paul. He wanted to be completely independent of them. He also did not feel too good to just work with his hands. He showed the elders his furrowed, callous hands. By doing so he had not only worked for himself, but also for those who were with him.

What an unbridled dedication this man showed and all that for the benefit of others. He especially cared about the fate of the poor. We should not take advantage of the weak, but rather dedicate ourselves to them. How easily we only want to dedicate ourselves to people we enjoy ourselves or because of the advantage it gives us. Then we do not resemble the Lord Jesus. That is exactly what Paul wanted and that is what he presents to the elders and to us.

To underline the importance of working like this, Paul quotes a word that the Lord Jesus spoke. If we read the Gospels, we will not encounter that statement. But does this statement not show the whole tenor of the Lord’s life and does it not correspond to the teaching He has given about ‘giving’ (Lk 14:14)?