32 And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.
33 I have coveted no man’s silver, or gold, or apparel.
34 Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me.
35 I 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.
Paul is about to set sail for Jerusalem and has a message for the people he is leaving behind. He reminds them of the Good News he has brought to them and prays for them, entrusting them to the grace of God. He encourages them to work at building up the community and to continue to help those who are in need. He reminds them of the example he gave in working to support himself and his companions, instead of depending on the people to take care of them. Just as Jesus gave us an example of how to live, Paul gives us an example of how to be a disciple. We need to bear witness to the Gospel in words and in example. It is not enough to tell people about Jesus and his promises, we need to be living examples of his word. We should show in our lives the joy that comes from our faith in Jesus’ victory over death. We need to take care of the poor and the vulnerable as Jesus wants us to do.
Although Paul says he is quoting Jesus, there is no record in other writings that Jesus said these words, but they may be part of an oral tradition that is not contained in them. Throughout the Old Testament and in the Gospels, we are being told to take care of the poor, to treat them fairly, and to give generously. What is the legacy we hope to leave behind, whether it is with family, friends, co-workers, or those we just meet along the way?
Hopefully, we will be like Paul, letting them know we will be praying for them, reminding them that strength comes from being surrounded by a loving community, and knowing that we have given good example.
Good and gracious God, we are believers because of those who have come before us to show us the way to your word and have been good examples of living a Christian life. May we be the ones who will pass on our beliefs in a way that will encourage others to get to know you better. Amen.
