Acts 20:33-35 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

I have coveted no man's silver, &c. Here the apostle begins another branch of his farewell discourse, in terms like those of old Samuel, taking his leave of the children of Israel, 1 Samuel 12:8. As if he had said, I have a testimony in my own conscience and in yours, that I have not directed my ministry to any mercenary views of pleasing any, how distinguished soever their circumstances might be, nor sought by any methods to enrich myself among you. Yea, ye yourselves know, that Far from having any secular or worldly designs in preaching the gospel; these hands Callous as you see with labour; have ministered to my necessities Have procured me food and raiment, and even have assisted in supporting them that were with me Who is he that envies such a bishop or archbishop as this? I have showed you Elders or bishops, by my example; all things And this among the rest; that so labouring So far as the labours of your office allow you time; ye ought to support the weak Or to assist in supporting them, namely, those who are disabled by sickness, or any bodily infirmity, from maintaining themselves by their own labour. And to remember Effectually, so as to follow them; the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said When he conversed with his disciples; It is more blessed to give than to receive To imitate God, and have him, as it were, indebted to us. This is a true and precious monument of apostolical tradition, which, by being written in this authentic memoir, is happily preserved. Without doubt, his disciples remembered many of his words which are not recorded.