20:33-35
Paul now contrasts himself with those who just did things for the money. He made no monetary demands upon them, but had worked to provide for himself. There were many charlatans who just sought to make money out of people, things have always been like this. There are some who preach a so-called prosperity gospel today who do the same thing, the only prosperity they are interested in is their own. Paul taught the gospel and lived the gospel. He did this as an example to them, and so that they would support the weak. Then he reminded them of some words that Jesus said (which are not recorded in the gospels), “it is more blessed to give than to receive”. Paul is sometimes accused of not knowing about Jesus’ teaching or not caring about it but offering his own gospel. Such ideas are nonsense, and this is just one example that shows that Paul knew what Jesus taught.
20:36-38
Given earlier indications (Acts 20:7-12) we can be sure that Paul had an awful lot to say, and what we have here is the briefest of summaries. Then he knelt down with all of them and prayed. Prayer makes us all equal before God, for we are all completely dependent upon Him for everything. Moreover, we are all equally powerful in the war against the enemy, for God treats all prayers offered in faith and humility the same. Then there was a fond farewell. The Ephesians were distraught that they would not see Paul again. We see that Paul did not beat about the bush nor avoid mentioning difficult topics, yet he was still respected and loved.
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