Acts 20:35

Friday, 6 October 2023

“I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” Acts 20:35

Paul just noted that his hands had provided for his necessities as well as for those with him. He now explains why he has done this, saying, “I have shown you in every way.”

The verb Paul uses is seen for the last of six times, hupodeiknumi. It signifies showing by tracing out, or by example. Luke, citing Jesus, uses it in Luke 6:47 –

“Whoever comes to Me, and hears My sayings and does them, I will show you whom he is like: 48 He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently against that house, and could not shake it, for it was founded on the rock. 49 But he who heard and did nothing is like a man who built a house on the earth without a foundation, against which the stream beat vehemently; and immediately it fell. And the ruin of that house was great.” Luke 6:47-49

Jesus made the statement and then followed up with an example of what He meant. This is the sense of Paul’s words. He demonstrated by the example of his own actions, having endeavored by his conduct – and not only his spoken or written words – to set forth an example for others. With that, he continues, saying, “by laboring like this, that you must support the weak.”

Rather than an adjective, weak, he uses a present participle, “support those being weak [or ailing].” The word signifies diseased, sick, impotent, etc. Paul also uses both its adjective and verb form in the sense of moral weakness as well –

“However, there is not in everyone that knowledge; for some, with consciousness of the idol, until now eat it as a thing offered to an idol; and their conscience, being weak [adj.], is defiled. 8 But food does not commend us to God; for neither if we eat are we the better, nor if we do not eat are we the worse.
9 But beware lest somehow this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to those who are weak [adj.]. 10 For if anyone sees you who have knowledge eating in an idol’s temple, will not the conscience of him who is weak [adj.] be emboldened to eat those things offered to idols? 11 And because of your knowledge shall the weak [vb.] brother perish, for whom Christ died? 12 But when you thus sin against the brethren, and wound their weak [vb.] conscience, you sin against Christ. 13 Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never again eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble.” 1 Corinthians 8:7-13

Those Paul refers to are ailing in their consciences. This is ultimately derived from a lack of knowledge, but it is the state of weakness that is being focused on. Therefore, like one who is physically weak, a person who is struggling with his conscience is to be assisted.

The cause of the weakness, how to cure it, is up to the one who is weak to seek a cure. A person with the flu should go to the doctor and then get rest. A person with poor doctrine should get to Bible class and then apply it to his walk. 

Paul has endeavored by his conduct, and not only his spoken or written words, to set forth an example for others. The purpose of his actions was for the support of the weak, meaning those who were incapable of taking care of themselves – most especially through bodily infirmity, which is how the word is generally used. Next, Paul introduces the basis for such conduct, beginning with, “And remember the words of the Lord Jesus.”

He will cite the words of the Lord to justify both his conduct and how his example should then be followed by those who have seen him. Jesus made a statement that was obviously well-known, maybe having been occasionally repeated by Paul. This can be inferred because he is asking these men to recall them now. Thus, Paul continues, “that He said.”

Rather, the words are emphatic, “that He Himself said.” Paul is directly attributing the thought he will speak to the Lord Jesus, which is, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

The thought forms the only recorded saying of the Lord of this kind. Other words attributed to the Lord are those he quoted or that were repeated, but these words are not recorded elsewhere. Thus, they are known as an agraphon (not written). It refers to a saying attributed to Jesus, but which is not recorded in the gospels.

There is a blessing in giving that cannot be experienced or attained otherwise. Jesus set the example for us to consider. He possessed all things and yet He took on human flesh and dwelt among us. He gave of Himself to those who were ailing, both physically and spiritually. He did this, even to the point of death, so that our healing could be permanent before God. Paul cites the words of the Lord because they carry the substance of what Christ did for him and indeed for all.

Life application: The words of this verse cannot be used to justify wealth redistribution to those who sit around on their otherwise fully capable hands. They are not even implied in what is said. The ailing refers to those who are incapable of tending to their own needs at a particular time.

If one is lying in bed with a fever, he needs to be tended to until he is better. When one has a weak conscience, he needs to be accommodated until his conscience is firmed up. However, when the fever is gone, it is time to get out of bed and get back into the game. When one has been shown what is proper concerning sound doctrine, it is time he applies it to his life, no longer burdening those who have instructed him.

This can be applied to salvation as well. Jesus came to heal the ailing. He accomplished His work, and that healing is available. Now, we are expected to accept His cure and be healed. For those who are simply slackers, Paul’s words of 2 Thessalonians 3:10 apply –

“For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat.”

It is inexcusable to pander to those who are unwilling to apply proper doctrine to their lives. It is also inexcusable to fund those who are unwilling to get up and work with the abilities granted to them by God.

For those who refuse to come to Jesus, for those who fail to progress in their walk, or for those who refuse to feed themselves, Paul continues his thoughts to those in Thessalonica. They are words being spoken to believers about their walk, but they are words that carry the same truth in any such situation –

“And if anyone does not obey our word in this epistle, note that person and do not keep company with him, that he may be ashamed. 15 Yet do not count him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.” 2 Thessalonians 3:14, 15

Pandering to those who are able solves nothing. It merely enables them to continue in their unhealthy state. Refuse this attitude to shame them. This is not a cold and uncaring approach. Rather, it is exactly the opposite. Harm to people’s basic humanness is the inevitable result of such indulging.

Lord God, help us to be helpers! May we be willing to assist those who are unable to tend to themselves. But give us discernment to know when we are merely accommodating others who do not need such attention. Give us wisdom in this so that we will properly handle our relationships with those truly in need. Amen.