Acts 20:35
What does Acts 20:35 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 20:35 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 20:35 means
Paul summarizes his example: laboring to help the weak and remembering the Lord Jesus’ words, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” This saying, preserved outside the written Gospels, reflects Jesus’ heart and mission. Paul ties practical generosity to Christ’s teaching, making giving not an optional extra but a path to true blessedness. Leaders are to work in ways that strengthen the vulnerable—materially, spiritually, and socially—mirroring the Lord who gave Himself. The verse gathers the themes of integrity, diligence, and love into a Christ-centered ethic that equips the elders to serve without self-interest, trusting God to supply joy and reward.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000In all things I gave you an example, that so laboring ye ought to help the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that he himself said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.
KJV
King James Version · 1611I 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901In all things I gave you an example, that so laboring ye ought to help the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that he himself said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949In all things I was an example to you of how, in your lives, you are to give help to the feeble, and keep in memory the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, There is a greater blessing in giving than in getting.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862all things I did shew you, that, thus labouring, it behoveth <FI>us<Fi> to partake with the ailing, to be mindful also of the words of the Lord Jesus, that he himself said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring you ought to support the weak and to remember the word of the Lord Jesus, how he said: It is a more blessed thing to give, rather than to receive.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890I have shewed you all things, that thus labouring [we] ought to come in aid of the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that he himself said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.
Context
This is Paul’s final exhortation in the speech, connecting his conduct to Jesus’ teaching. It completes the pattern set in verses 33–34 and transitions naturally to prayer in verse 36. What follows (verses 36–38) is the emotional conclusion: kneeling in prayer, mutual weeping, and a sorrowful parting because they expect never to see Paul again. The practicality of verse 35 thus flows into devotion and affection, sealing the charge in the warmth of shared faith and love.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 20:27
For I shrank not from declaring unto you the whole counsel of God.
- Philippians 4:17
Not that I seek for the gift; but I seek for the fruit that increaseth to your account.
- 2 Corinthians 9:6
But thisI say, He that soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he that soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.
- Luke 14:12
And he said to him also that had bidden him, When thou makest a dinner or a supper, call not thy friends, nor thy brethren, nor thy kinsmen, nor rich neighbors; lest haply they also bid thee again, and a recompense be made thee.
- Hebrews 13:16
But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.
- Ephesians 4:28
Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labor, working with his hands the thing that is good, that he may have whereof to give to him that hath need.
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