(v.33)"I have coveted no mans silver or gold or apparel.(v34) Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my neccessities, and to them that were with me.(v.35) I have showed 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."
How many great and wonderful Ministers of the Gospel, today, can honestly say these words??? In all probability, very few indeed! What we need to bear in mind is that Jesus was a carpenter, Paul a tentmaker. Both had learned the discipline of practical skills, so as to prove useful members of their societies.Both were not ashamed to labour, knowing that The Lord gave them power to get wealth;(Deut.8:18).Admittedly, there was no government 'social security system' in place in those days, so the burden fell on relatives and friends to support those in need. Nevertheless, whether that is the case or not, God's will is clear in this matter.Ater all is said and done, God is the Supplier, the Provider and the Rewarder.He has done His part, we must do ours, in obedience to His Word and Will. Then we will know the Blessing...that assurance, beyond natural logic and man's reasoning, of having pleased Him.(Heb.11:6),(2Thess.3:6-13). May The Lord Bless you.