Acts 20:35

Have shewed. Gr. hupodeiknumi, “to show [by example].”

All things. Paul’s instruction to the Ephesian believers had been not only in doctrine but also in matters of practical godliness — self-reliance, with faith in God, and Christian charity.

Support. Gr. antilambano, “to take hold of, opposite,” a graphic expression of the idea “to help.” The admonition comes in the setting of Paul’s physical labors for others.

The weak. Or, “the sick,” “the afflicted.” The word can be applied to one who is “weak in the faith” (Rom. 14:1), but since Paul has just referred here to bodily labor (Acts 20:34, 35), the conclusion is inescapable that here the “weak” are those who are literally poor and infirm. The remainder of the verse leads to the same conclusion. This responsibility the members of the apostolic church were more ready to meet than were those at some later times (see on ch. 6:1,2).

To remember. Paul reinforces his admonition to the elders to care for the needy, by quoting an otherwise unrecorded saying of his Lord. The quotation comes from Paul’s lips with inspired apostolic authority, which cannot be said of the various statements that tradition has attributed to Christ. Whether Paul heard the statement from one who had heard Jesus say it, or from Jesus Himself during one of His direct revelations to Paul, is not stated. “Remember” implies a previous general knowledge of the saying. This statement is one of the “many other things” (John 21:25) that Jesus said and did, that are not recorded in the Gospels.

How he said. Literally, “that he himself said.” In the Greek this expression is emphatic.

Blessed. The blessing is a two-way benediction. The receiver is blessed or made happy, whether the need is spiritual or physical. But the greater blessing is upon the giver. There is a joy in sharing. The giver is drawn away from his own interests, gives play to the better part of his nature, and receives the approval of God (Matt. 25:34-40). Since God is the unlimited Provider (Gen. 22:8-13; Ps. 23; John 3:16, 34), giving is a Godlike act.